AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Nathan Walker has some big shoes to fill in the Air Force backfield, replacing fullback Jared Tew, who’s out for the season because of a broken right leg.
“He’s been around the block a few times and has played a lot of football for us,” AFA running backs coach Jemal Singleton said of Walker. “He’s a senior. Nothing is going to surprise him. We’re not trying to replace a starter with a rookie.”
Walker, at 5-feet-11 and 210 pounds, is plenty stout enough to step into the starting fullback position in Air Force’s triple-option offense.
“You hate for a player like Jared to go down,” Singleton said. “But you have to move on. This is Walker’s chance to be a starter, and he has a chance to do something for us.”
Tew gained 540 yards on 110 carries (4.9 average) and scored three touchdowns as a workhorse senior. He lost only 2 yards on rushing attempts in seven games this year.
Walker has 128 yards on 33 carries (3.9 average) and has scored four touchdowns in the Falcons’ 5-2 start. He hasn’t lost a yard on the ground.
“Jared is a great back, and he has done a lot for this program, so they are big shoes to fill,” Walker said. “He’s my best friend on the team, but I’m not going to focus on trying to be Jared Tew. I’m going to focus on being the best fullback I can be and make the best of every opportunity.”
Walker, who came to Air Force from Colorado Springs Christian High School, started one game last year, against Wyoming. His second start comes Saturday night at Texas Christian, the fourth-ranked team in the country. The Horned Frogs have a defense to match their high ranking.
Walker has worked on his speed and quickness since he arrived, two assets he will need against the Frogs.
“I feel confident,” Walker said. “My game experience helps a lot. This is an opportunity and I have to run with it.”
With the shift on the depth chart, senior Ryan Southworth becomes the backup fullback. Southworth has filled a number of roles for the Falcons, including the center snap on punts and field goals. He has carried the ball 20 times for 78 yards, including four carries for 13 yards this year.
“I do whatever I can to help the team,” Southworth said. “Coach (Troy) Calhoun tells us that if we’re on the travel team, we should prepare as if we’re going to be a starter. I’ve prepared in every practice since I was a freshman as if I’m going to play.”
Home away from home.
Amon G. Carter Stadium on the TCU campus is like a second home for the Falcons.
Including three appearances in the Armed Forces Bowl and Mountain West Conference games against the Frogs, Air Force will be playing its fifth game in the stadium in four years.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
