FORT WORTH, Texas — With Air Force’s 2009 season in the books after its big 47-20 victory over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl on Thursday, it’s now time to look to 2010 and Falcons coach Troy Calhoun’s game plan for the next season.
“We’ll start from scratch, and every position will be open when we begin spring practice,” Calhoun said Friday. “Down deep in your heart as a competitor, that’s how you want it to be. It has to be that way here. When you hit Jan. 1, it’s not only a new year, but a new beginning in terms of putting a new squad together.”
In general, Calhoun looks ahead to the potential makeup of his fourth Air Force team to be closer to the junior-senior dominated roster he desires.
“We’re going to be a bit older,” Calhoun said. “We played 20 true freshman this season.”
Specifically, Calhoun and his coaching staff face major rebuilding jobs in the offensive line, the defensive line and at middle linebacker. They also have to find a punter to replace Brandon Geyer, a major unsung factor in the Falcons’ 8-5 season.
“We have good young players who need spring ball and August practice to develop,” Calhoun said.
“A lot will be determined by who does the work in the weight room over the next six weeks. Changes for the better can be made during that time.”
Of the top 18 players who carried the ball during the season, none were seniors. Junior fullback Jared Tew, who rushed for 173 yards against Houston, led the group with 797 yards. Tailback Asher Clark, who rushed for 129 yards in the bowl game, finished with 736 yards.
Injured linebackers Ken Lamendola (knee), the leader in tackles in 2008 with 118, and Patrick Hennessey (shoulder) will return to the mix in spring practice. Both had started before being sidelined.
Quarterback Connor Dietz (hand) and receiver Kyle Halderson (knee) also will return with starts on their playing record.
There’s one carryover from 2009 that Calhoun won’t ignore. For the first time in four seasons, including three under Calhoun, the Falcons take the enthusiasm from a victory in their last game into spring practice.
“The last couple of seasons after we lost, we were a little upset going into spring practice,” quarterback Tim Jefferson said after Thursday’s victory. “But now it’s like we actually can win the bowl game. Why not keep doing it, it’s fun.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
