FORT WORTH, Texas — As it becomes more likely that Air Force will be without senior fullback and leading rusher Todd Newell on Wednesday in the Armed Forces Bowl against Houston, the focus turns to sophomore Jared Tew to keep the Falcons going on the ground.
Even though he didn’t start in any of the nine games he played, Tew provided evidence that the cupboard isn’t bare when he’s leading the charge in Air Force’s potent running game.
“Todd and I have totally different running styles,” Tew said Sunday after Air Force’s second practice session in Fort Worth. “He’s more of a power runner who gets the tough yards. I’m more of a finesse runner and always looking to break a big play.”
Whether or not he starts, Tew has joined the lengthy list of freshman and sophomore players who contributed to an 8-4 team that finished fourth in the Mountain West Conference.
If Newell can’t play because of an injured ankle, Tew would be among seven freshmen and sophomores in the starting lineup. AFA would miss Newell’s team- leading 594 yards rushing, but Tew had some highlights among his 179 yards rushing this season.
The 6-foot, 210-pound Tew, from Park City, Utah, ran 57 yards for a touchdown against TCU, the longest running play of the season for any of Air Force’s tailbacks or fullbacks. He also scored a touchdown on a 19-yard run against BYU, and his average yards- per-carry of 7.8 is the best among the tailbacks and fullbacks.
Tew also was involved more than Newell when the Falcons played Houston earlier in the season, winning 31-28. Tew came on to rush for 22 yards on four carries after Newell was injured early in the game.
“Both of our teams have improved dramatically over the season,” Tew said of the rematch. “We’re both different teams than before.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
