Air Force Academy – Senior safety Bobby Giannini found out Monday what can happen when a new coaching staff arrives on the scene.
Giannini had been the starter at free safety in 28 of 34 games in his first three seasons at Air Force. But in the first shuffle of the depth chart by new coach Troy Calhoun, Giannini was on the second team behind sophomore Chris Thomas. Thomas was moved from strong safety to take over at free safety, allowing junior Luke Yeager to gain the top spot at strong safety.
Giannini wasn’t surprised, saying he hasn’t been able to go full speed in practice because of groin and elbow injuries.
“There isn’t any excuse, I don’t deserve it right now,” Giannini said. “Coach (defensive coordinator Tim) DeRuyter said I had to work for it. I came out (Monday) with the attitude that I’m going to get it back. I think they’re trying to push me.”
In his first three seasons, Giannini ranked among the Falcons’ leading tacklers. His 92 tackles in 2005 led the team. He had 67 tackles in 2004 and 64 last season.
“I’ve been fortunate to play on the varsity for four years and I might have gotten into a comfort zone. It’s early and I have time to get it back,” he said.
Calhoun took a pencil to the depth charts on offense and defense.
“The guys who are playing the best play the most,” Calhoun said. “I don’t get too wrapped up in a depth chart. When you have a healthy program, I don’t think it’s ever static. It’s a day-to-day thing.
“Bobby has to play better, and I think he can and will. You earn your spot and that’s football. If you’re resting on your laurels, you’re sitting still. If you’re sitting still, you’re getting passed by.”
Three freshmen made the two-deep depth charts.
Ben Leung, a 6-foot-3, 285- pound first-year player from Fort Worth, Texas, was listed behind sophomore Nick Charles at left guard. At outside linebacker, Andre Morris, a 6-3, 230-pound freshman from Newman, Ga., was behind senior John Rabold, and 5-7, 175-pound Reggie Rembert, a freshman from Flower Mound, Texas, was second behind senior Garrett Ryback at right cornerback.
Elsewhere on the offense, sophomore receiver Sean Quintana from Highlands Ranch moved up to second team behind starter Mark Root at X receiver. Ty Paffett, a senior from Monument, was listed behind Chad Hall at Z receiver.
Seniors Kip McCarthy and Chad Smith continue the battle at tailback, with McCarthy holding the No. 1 spot.
Shea Smith, a junior from Odessa, Texas, was listed No. 2 behind Shaun Carney at quarterback.
Along the defensive line, sophomore Ben Garland, from Grand Junction, moved up to No. 2 at left defensive end, sophomore Ryan Gonzales is No. 2 at nose guard, and junior Ryan Kemp is No. 2 at right defensive end.
Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
