AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Receiver Kyle Halderman doesn’t need a high-powered math class to figure out what he’s up against this season.
He’s down to his last chance to turn great memories into new reality.
Once a big-play performer in Air Force’s triple-option offense, Halderman suffered through an injury-plagued junior season a year ago. He played in only six games, as a broken collarbone and a knee injury turned the season into futility.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior from Katy, Texas, amassed only 100 yards of total offense and two touchdowns.
“I’m really trying to make my last season my best season,” Halderman said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’m really excited about this season. I’ve been with most of these players for quite a while. There’s nothing worse than standing on the sideline and knowing you don’t have a chance to play.”
In 2008 as a sophomore, Halderman got the task of following Chad Hall, who had been named the Mountain West Conference offensive player of the year in 2007. He did a creditable job with 616 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, three on receptions.
Halderman added some luster with a 74-yard run against Wyoming and a 74-yard touchdown reception against CSU. He led the team, averaging 9.7 yards per rush and 22.2 yards per catch.
Coach Troy Calhoun would welcome a healthy Halderman when it comes time to play BYU, Oklahoma and Wyoming in the early part of the schedule.
“He (Halderman) has good ball skills and he’s versatile,” Calhoun said. “We line him up all over the place. We probably should play him outside a little more. He was a big-play guy two years ago. We’ll see.”
“I enjoy the opportunity to rush the ball and catch the ball in our offense,” Halderman said. “The opportunity to make things happen for the team is great. I feel as if I’m back to about 100 percent. It took awhile with my knee.”
Halderman sees the Falcons with a lot of work ahead before the season begins Sept. 4 against Northwestern State of Louisiana at Falcon Stadium.
“Our last scrimmage wasn’t very good,” he said. “We made a lot of mistakes.”
Receivers coach Mike Thiessen noted that Halderman has been strong and healthy in preseason practice.
“He’s going to do everything he can to be the team guy and make the most of every opportunity we give him,” Thiessen said. “He’ll get the opportunities, and when they come, I’m sure he’ll cash in on them.”
Footnotes.
Calhoun is keeping a wary eye on a couple of injuries in his defensive backfield. Junior cornerback Anthony Wright, the team leader in interceptions last year with seven, isn’t practicing because of injured ribs. Junior defensive back Josh Hall is idled with an injured ankle. Calhoun said both could be out for a while. . . . Calhoun has closed Saturday’s practice in Falcon Stadium to the media and the public.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
