FORT WORTH, Texas — After two seasons of obscurity as the holder on field goals and extra points, the horizons expanded for Air Force’s Brandon Geyer.
The senior is still the holder, but he also took over the punting duties. He has been a force this season, averaging 43.2 yards on 49 punts.
Coach Troy Calhoun acknowledged Geyer’s talents Sunday after the Falcons’ second practice in preparation for Thursday’s Armed Forces Bowl game against Houston.
“He’s a pretty talented player,” Calhoun said when asked if he thought Geyer could punt in the NFL. “He’s mentally tough. He’s capable. . . . There are times as a punter that you’re asked to take some yards off the average for more hang time, and he has done it. He’s dropped a number inside the 15-yard line.”
Geyer thinks he should have been better.
“I think I worked for four years trying to be the punter,” Geyer said. “I kind of underachieved my goals a little bit. I wanted to average 44 or 45 yards. It’s a tough position to play in the NFL because you have to be so consistent.”
Still popping.
Calhoun has been impressed with his team’s concentration through two practices after a 10-day layoff.
“I thought today we got great physical work,” he said. “We were in pads, and it went really well. It has to be physical so that when you get to game day, it isn’t a shock after it has been essentially six weeks since you’ve played.”
The Falcons will have another heavy practice today.
Meyer reaction.
In response to Florida coach Urban Meyer’s announcement that he will take a leave of absence instead of resigning Calhoun said: “Here at the Air Force Academy, you have to work too. I won’t say you have to be a maniac, but you have to be close to it. It has to be done with that kind of focus and intensity.”
