AIR FORCE ACADEMY – As August runs into September and a fall chill creeps into the air, Drew Fowler – as with warriors of old – grows restless for the hunt to begin.
He’s been that way since he can remember. Growing up outside of small Clayton, N.C. (population 10,000), as the son of the town’s high school football coach, it seemed he always had a football in his hands.
Preparations for the hunt the past four years for Fowler have been at the Air Force Academy. He’s hoping to bring home some trophies and enough provisions to carry him through the winter. As a senior, this is his last venture into the hunting grounds open to Air Force’s football team.
He’s following in the footsteps of other linebackers who have played with distinction and fury for the Falcons. Fowler almost blushes, but recovers and offers gratitude to be mentioned along with the likes of Jim Morris, Terry Maki, Lee Guthrie, Chris Gizzi and Anthony Schlegel.
“I’d say that anyone who plays the game of football is a warrior and especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Fowler said. “So much of defense is just passion and emotion.
“You can’t play defense without a lot of passion and instinct.”
Linebacker coach Brian Knorr doesn’t hesitate putting Fowler in a special category.
“Absolutely, he’s a warrior,” Knorr said. “He has the ability and desire to make the big play and, as with all of our good linebackers in the past, he’s driven to be good.”
In his early days in football, Fowler played quarterback, probably because he knew the game almost from the crib. But when he entered his sophomore year in high school, he followed his instincts.
“I told my dad, ‘I hope I’m not ruining any expectations, but my heart’s on defense,”‘ Fowler said. “Having a successful goal-line stand or stopping a team on fourth down is more exciting than scoring a touchdown.”
Fowler (6-feet-2 and 240 pounds) leads by example, but his coaches wish he’d be more vocal. But the example is special. He led the Mountain West Conference in tackles last year with 123. He’s third after six games this year with 37, three behind teammate Chris Thomas. But three of Fowler’s tackles have been critical for Air Force, stopping fourth downs on goal-line stands.
“Every fall always has been football for me, it’s never been anything else,” Fowler said. “I love it. You work in the offseason and do whatever you can to make sure the four months of football can be the best they can be. We only have 12 chances to reach our goals.”
The Falcons’ next chance is Saturday at Colorado State. And with CSU (0-5) on a 12-game losing streak, Fowler knows they can be dangerous.
“I’m telling everyone to not look at records,” Fowler said. “As you see in college football this year, you can throw records out the window. They’re desperate and out to do whatever it takes to do to win. You’re not scared of those teams, but you have to be on point.”
When the season is over, Fowler fits into the crowd. His ready smile belies the fierce competitor inside. He could be found fishing, especially when he has a chance to go home and visit the North Carolina seaside.
“I’m pretty laid back, but I probably do a 180 when I’m out there on the field,” Fowler said. “I hope what I do out there rubs off on my teammates. I try to demonstrate the passion I have for the game.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
