AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Air Force’s Tim Jefferson has something in common with the Broncos’ Jay Cutler in learning that it’s tough to hold on to a quarterback job.
Jefferson, a freshman stalwart last season who took over in the fifth game and helped win five consecutive games, was not available Monday for the Falcons’ start of spring practice.
AFA coach Troy Calhoun said Jefferson would miss most of spring camp to shore up his academics. Calhoun said Jefferson would be available for all Saturday scrimmages, but otherwise, it was not sure how many weekday practices he would make. Air Force’s spring camp ends April 4.
“There’s a grasp that has to occur if you’re going to school here,” Calhoun said. “Even though you think you’re a pretty good football player, you’re going to hit school first. School is the priority. There will be some more players who won’t be out here (today) for the same reason.”
Unlike Cutler, Jefferson wasn’t involved in trade talks. But he won’t know until this season if he kept his job.
“The difference here is that everyone in our program realizes he’s part of a team,” Calhoun said. “We have a pretty darn good dialogue in terms of the rapport we have with each player.”
Before the Monday session, Calhoun declared the quarterback position to be open. Sophomores Asher Clark and Connor Dietz are expected to get the most playing time.
Clark divided his time early last year between quarterback and tailback before moving to tailback and becoming Air Force’s second-leading rusher with 588 yards. Dietz, who was idled last fall with a high ankle sprain, entered spring practice listed as a receiver.
“I think in spring practice you have to experiment,” Calhoun said. “You have to find out what different players are capable of skill-wise. I thought it was evident Asher Clark had skills at quarterback last fall. I want to give that a full go at the quarterback position. Connor Dietz is going to play somewhere for us, but I want to see him get the opportunity at quarterback throughout the spring.”
Calhoun said a lot of effort would be made during spring practice to settle the Falcons’ kicking game. He will be looking to replace departed Ryan Harrison’s team-leading 108 points.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
