Last spring, in his first year as Air Force’s head football coach, Troy Calhoun had to become acquainted with a new team.
Now, after losing 26 seniors from a 9-4 team, Calhoun faces the task of learning about a lot of new players again. He said the transition has gone well, as the Falcons prepare to wrap up spring ball with an 11 a.m. workout Saturday.
“We’ve had an excellent spring practice,” said Calhoun, who once again has opted for a scrimmage to end spring practice instead of a game. He believes the Falcons benefit more from staying together instead of splitting the starters among two teams.
One of his biggest tasks is finding a new quarterback to replace Shaun Carney, Air Force’s starter the last four years. Shea Smith, a senior-to-be, and junior-to-be Eric Herbort have been battling.
“Eric may have moved ahead ever so slightly,” Calhoun said. “But there really isn’t any separation between the two.”
When asked about players who have impressed him this spring, Calhoun mentioned fullback Todd Newell, receiver Ty Paffett, cornerback Reggie Rembert and tackle Chris Campbell.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
