Even with a combined 17-9 record and two bowl game appearances after two years at the helm at Air Force, coach Troy Calhoun is far from being satisfied.
Not more than 45 minutes after Wednesday’s 34-28 loss to Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl, Calhoun’s vision was straight ahead.
“We have to get better across the board,” Calhoun said, when asked where his team has to improve. “We have to become a more athletic and bigger football team. There are strides we definitely have to make.”
Calhoun didn’t spare anyone in his appraisal for the need of overall improvement to keep Air Force’s program moving forward. Not even sophomore fullback Jared Tew, who stepped into the starting role in place of the injured Todd Newell and gained 149 yards Wednesday.
“He’s got to be better,” Calhoun said. “He has to become more of a true workhorse. I thought he should have had more yards.”
Calhoun has a young quarterback to build around, freshman Tim Jefferson, who started the last seven games of the season, plus the bowl game. Calhoun predicted it will be Jefferson and a couple of candidates from the freshman class who will battle it out in spring practice.
“Tim has to push himself to get better,” Calhoun said.
Jefferson, who was disappointed in his passing in the bowl game, has high expectations of himself, saying, “I expect to develop into a premier passer as well as a runner.”
Jefferson was upset at missing open receivers on two long routes against Houston.
The bottom line to Calhoun’s plan is building a roster that provides better overall team speed and more physical play. He and his assistant coaches plan to start hitting the recruiting trail Monday.
Calhoun’s objective is to create a roster with a senior class of around 23 players. The Falcons had 10 senior starters in 2008.
“When you look down the road, we’re going to continue to develop and build a football program,” Calhoun said. “We have to get to be a faster team if we’re going to compete in the Mountain West Conference and in bowl games.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Air Force football
LOOK AHEAD
Denver Post Air Force beat writer Irv Moss breaks down the Falcons’ outlook for 2009.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Starter back: Tim Jefferson
Starter gone: Shea Smith
Comment: Jefferson, a freshman, started the last eight games. The Falcons were 5-3 under his direction, and he’s the clear leader on offense for next year.
Tailback/fullback
Starters back: Tailbacks Asher Clark, Kyle Lumpkin
Starter gone: Fullback Todd Newell
Comment: Clark, also a freshman, became the starter during the season. Newell led the Falcons in rushing with 594 yards but didn’t play in the bowl game because of an ankle injury. Sophomore Jared Tew is coming on strong, having rushed for 149 yards in the bowl game.
Receiver/tight end
Starters back: Receivers Josh Cousins, Kyle Halderman
Starters gone: Receivers Ty Paffett, Spencer Armstrong; tight ends Travis Dekker, Keith Madsen
Comment: Cousins, a junior, led the Falcons in receiving with 14 catches for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Kevin Fogler and junior Sean Quintana look to get increased playing time next year.
Offensive line
Starters back: Guards Nick Charles and Peter Lusk, tackle Chris Campbell
Starters gone: Center Andrew Pipes, tackle Keith Williams
Comment: With three starters back, the offensive line could be a strength. Juniors Ryan Gonzales and Michael Hampton saw action at tackle and center, respectively, and appear ready to step in.
DEFENSE
Line
Starter back: Nose guard Ben Garland
Starters gone: Ends Jake Paulson and Ryan Kemp
Comment: Sophomore Rick Ricketts made strides at end and could move into starting lineup. Garland is a good player to build around.
Linebackers
Starters back: Ken Lamendola, Andre Morris, Justin Moore
Starters gone: Hunter Altman, Brandon Reeves
Comment: Sophomores Patrick Hennessey and Will Keuchler and junior John Falgout offered good depth this season and will be expected to step up. Lamendola led the team in tackles with 112.
Defensive backs
Starters back: Cornerbacks Reggie Rembert, Anthony Wright, safety Chris Thomas
Starter gone: Safety Aaron Kirch- off
Comment: Thomas should be a candidate for high honors in the Mountain West Conference. Wright and Rembert were solid at cornerback.
Special teams
Starter gone: Place-kicker/punter Ryan Harrison
Comment: With Harrison gone, competition to find new kickers is wide open. Junior Brandon Geyer will probably be the full-time punter after part-time duty this season (48.9 average).
