Air Force Academy – Coach Troy Calhoun and quarterback Shaun Carney are on the same page in assessing the development of the Air Force Falcons for the Sept. 1 opener against South Carolina State.
Calhoun said he saw a team that had settled down and was focusing on its work in practice during the past three or four days. Carney agreed.
“I thought we practiced really well on Saturday,” Carney said Wednesday. “It seemed we were a little sloppy before that. I don’t know why, but it seemed to click and it carried over through this week.
“People are starting to settle into their roles and we’re getting better every day.”
Calhoun had to scrap Wednesday’s practice plans, which included some time in Falcon Stadium, because of a thunderstorm. But he said his team had worthwhile time practicing in the field house.
“We were going to have to do this practice at some point, anyway,” Calhoun said. “We had a Plan A and a Plan B today. The only way we make hay is to practice extremely hard and practice well. We have to be a day-by-day team. We have enough focus right here.”
As the practice routine picked up, Calhoun faced an unknown situation with sophomore free safety Chris Thomas. Thomas had moved to the starting role on the depth chart announced Monday, but he had an MRI on Wednesday on an injured knee.
“We’ll know in the next 24 hours,” Calhoun said.
Calhoun sees an interesting battle shaping up for the backup quarterback position between junior Shea Smith and freshman Will McAngus.
“Will McAngus has some ability,” Calhoun said. “He throws well and he moves well. We started to see the light come on with him today. The first couple of days, those eyelids were probably wide open.
“That’s going to be one of those spots that will continue to revolve. Who’s the backup in week No. 1 might not be the backup in week No. 4.”
Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached on 303 954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
