AIR FORCE ACADEMY — The next thing, Air Force tight end Travis Dekker will be leaping tall buildings in a single bound.
But for now, Dekker’s super effort on a 59-yard play Saturday night against Nevada-Las Vegas was good enough to make the Falcons camp think he dons his uniform in a phone booth outside the stadium.
Dekker opened the eyes of almost everyone at Sam Boyd Stadium when he hurdled a UNLV defender about halfway through his pass play. The only indication that it wasn’t Superman wearing the No. 88 was the end of the play when he was stopped at the 4-yard line and didn’t leap into the end zone.
The 59-yard play on a pass from quarterback Tim Jefferson set up a field goal and a 20-14 lead early in the third quarter. But there may have been more to it.
“It was a big-time play: He hurdled a guy,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “It wasn’t like the opposing player was on the dirt and he jumped over the top of him. For anybody who witnessed it, it was something you won’t forget.”
While he wasn’t comparing players, Calhoun said Dekker’s play was like the one by New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro in 1986 against the Washington Redskins. Bavaro’s performance on a play was credited with inspiring the Giants to win the game and eventually the Super Bowl, 39-20 over the Broncos.
Calhoun sees the same inspirational qualities in Dekker.
“I wish I could sign him to a new, eight-year contract,” Calhoun said. “He brings something to your team. He’s bright, but he’s so much more than that. As soon as he came back to our team, there was an injection that occurred.”
Dekker, who saw his run and leap for the first time Sunday on tape, called it “pretty cool.” But he can only hope it will have lasting value on his teammates.
“I think at the time it helped to get us going and loosen us up a little,” Dekker said. “I hope there is something more we can draw from it.”
Dekker has been an inspiration all season for the Falcons, who play Thursday night against visiting New Mexico. The senior broke his ankle during preseason practice, but worked his way back to the playing field in seven weeks.
“He sustained a pretty serious injury to his lower leg,” Air Force trainer Tony Park said. “Travis is an achiever. It wasn’t a surprise how hard he worked to get back. It was remarkable that he returned in that time frame considering the type of athlete he needs to be to play.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
