Air Force Academy – There was a feeling of excitement at the Air Force football team’s spring practice finale Saturday at Falcon Stadium, and veteran quarterback Shaun Carney was talking as if he was just beginning his college career instead of preparing for his last season.
With new coach Troy Calhoun at the helm, Carney couldn’t hide the enthusiasm that was evident throughout the entire squad.
“Everybody on the team has come miles since we started spring practice,” said Carney, a three-year starter. “At first, everybody was trying not to make a mistake. But now we’re playing faster and more at ease.”
It was Carney who had to field most of the questions when Calhoun said he was getting away from the triple-option offense used by Fisher DeBerry, who compiled a 169-109-1 record as Air Force’s coach from 1984-2006. Could the Falcons really expect to win without the triple option?
“We’re going to have the opportunity to try some new things, and I think that’s why there was so much excitement this spring,” Carney said. “While the triple option still is going to be a large part of our offense, we’re seeing that it’s not the only way.”
Carney went through a bunch of offensive sets during Saturday’s scrimmage. The Falcons used the shotgun, the I-formation, a one-back formation and the option.
“We’re going to spread it around a lot more and it’s going to be that way all year,” Carney said. “It’s going to be hard to prepare for us because there’s the option and all the other things we do. We’re going to be very versatile.”
Carney said he entered his last spring practice with the mind-set that he had to win the quarterback position.
“There were no starters, and everybody just went out and competed,” Carney said.
The Falcons suffered through losing seasons the last three years of DeBerry’s 23 years as head coach.
Calhoun was cautiously optimistic at the end of his first spring practice as DeBerry’s successor, but said the Falcons have a long way to go.
“I don’t see the aggressiveness we need on every snap,” Calhoun said. “I do see spirit, energy and determination. But when you talk about aggressive execution down after down, we’re not there yet.”
Calhoun said the players who can practice every day and play full speed in games are the ones who will play.
“We have a bunch of players who flat love playing football,” Calhoun said. “We came out here eight days ago and it was 20 degrees. We had players flying around and showing they love to play the game. And we have a bunch of guys who love coaching that way, too.”
About the Falcons
PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Shaun Carney, senior this fall: Coach Troy Calhoun sees poise, competitiveness and leadership qualities in Air Force’s starting quarterback the past three years. He sees qualities of passing the ball on the run and looks forward to continued work during the offseason.
TB Jim Ollis, senior: The Falcons’ backup quarterback most of the past two seasons. But if the season started today, Calhoun sees Ollis at tailback, saying he has good balance, good vision, a little quickness and good competitive drive.
S Bobby Giannini, senior: Calhoun sees Giannini, who had considerable playing time as a freshman, making a major leap forward. However, Calhoun wants to see Giannini assert himself on every down.
SPRING SURPRISES
WR Sean Quintana, sophomore: Carney said Quintana stepped up in Saturday’s final spring practice and made some big plays. Carney said it’s opportunistic for a player to “come out of the woodwork” and do something special.
K Ryan Harrison, junior: Calhoun wants more consistency in kicking field goals. He said he sees good pop from Harrison’s kicking leg, “but he always doesn’t put the ball between the poles.”
TB Chad Hall, senior, and LB Drew Fowler, senior: Neither participated in spring practice because of injuries and Calhoun is looking for durable players. But both have game experience and could be ready in August to challenge for playing time.
POSITIONS TO WATCH
Tight ends: Seniors Travis Dekker, Chris Evans and junior Keith Madsen: Calhoun looks at the tight end position as a valuable weapon.
Offensive line: Senior Caleb Morris at guard and senior Blaine Guenther, who moved from tackle to center, are the top returning linemen. Calhoun said he’s looking for three or four more candidates to make a group of eight or nine ready to play and someone to surface as a leader.
Safeties: Giannini holds down the free safety spot and sophomore Chris Thomas has excelled at strong safety. Calhoun sees good instincts and quickness from Thomas.
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
