AIR FORCE ACADEMY — The assignment for Air Force line coach Clay Hendrix might stump even the best magician.
The Falcons need to have a smooth offensive line ready to play at a high level in the time it takes to wave a wand.
An inexperienced group has to develop veteranlike savvy in time to play Brigham Young at Falcon Stadium on Sept. 11 and then play national power Oklahoma on the road on Sept. 18.
“We have a rough September ahead of us,” Hendrix said. “Our first bunch on the line is a mixture of players we have been preparing for a long time.
“They haven’t played much. One of the biggest things facing us is trying to find some depth.”
The task requires following in the footsteps of five seniors on last season’s line that head coach Troy Calhoun credited as being one of the strengths of the team. A year ago, the AFA offense outdistanced opponents in first downs (261-190), rushing yards (3,685-1,742), third-down conversions (100-54) and fourth-down conversions (27-14).
“We have some big shoes to fill,” said guard A.J. Wallerstein, who has the most experience among the new group. “We’re working really hard to see if we can get it together.”
Joining Wallerstein, a junior who played tackle and guard a year ago, are junior center Michael Hester, senior guard Tyler Schonsheck, senior tackle Chase Darden and sophomore tackle Jason Kons.
“We’ve been together as a group pretty much the whole time in practice and when we’ve played,” Hester said. “We have good chemistry and know what each other are doing.”
“We all know that everything on offense starts upfront,” Darden said. “That’s universal. We like the pressure, and we’re looking forward to having some fun and playing some football.”
Hendrix likes the potential of his 2010 line.
“This group is similar to what we had a year ago,” Hendrix said. “They might be even a little more athletic.
“We had two linemen a year ago who were first-time starters. We have to get this five playing together and avoiding mistakes. If we can do that, we have a chance. Coach (Calhoun) says don’t mess with those guys upfront and let them do their stuff.”
Hendrix believes Wallerstein is the line’s leader and says his right guard is as good an offensive lineman as there is in the Mountain West Conference.
Calhoun has predicted that by November, and without injuries, his offensive line could be a strength of the team. But with the tough early schedule, November is a long way off.
“We’re seeing bits and pieces that indicate we won’t have to wait on this group until November,” Calhoun said. “But we really have to crank it up in practice.
“We have some good feet in the group. But one player can look athletic and the player next to him doesn’t, you’re not completely coordinated and it’s bad popcorn.”
Footnotes.
Calhoun put the Falcons through a lengthy practice Saturday. “We did some really good work, and the two hours were extremely productive,” Calhoun said. “We put our players through a lot today in terms of situations. We worked with personnel changes on different third-down distances. We had a lot of work, but it was quality work.” . . . Running back Asher Clark, wide receiver Kevin Fogler and defensive back Brian Lindsay worked on the sidelines because of injuries. Calhoun thought their availability would be limited for about five days.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
AFA offensive line
Player, year Pos. Ht., wt.
Chase Darden, Sr. T 6-3, 260
Jason Kons, Soph. T 6-4, 255
A.J. Wallerstein, Jr. G 6-4, 280
Tyler Schonsheck, Sr. G 6-1, 265
Michael Hester, Jr. C 6-3, 250
