AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Senior receiver Kevin Fogler feels confident he will win a race against time and play in one last football game.
Because of a knee injury, Fogler’s senior season was reduced for the most part to watching from the sidelines. He played in only five games, and it seemed his college career was completed. However, with the Falcons competing in the Dec. 27 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, La., there might be enough time for Fogler to heal and get on the field again.
“It feels good just to practice again,” Fogler said. “I’m probably not 100 percent, but you take what comes to you and make the best of it.”
If the 6-foot-5 pass target gets back on the field, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun believes he could make an impact. The same goes for 6-5 junior receiver Zach Kauth, who was hobbled by a knee injury at the end of the regular season.
“We’re a little bit different football team when we have them on the field,” Calhoun said. “Kevin Fogler was a veteran guy and a proven playmaker.”
Fogler made a big impact in AFA’s bowl game a year ago. In a 47-20 victory over Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl, he caught four passes for 89 yards.
After missing three games at midseason, Fogler tried to come back when the Falcons played TCU in the eighth game of the season. He reinjured the knee and missed the last four games.
“I was on the sidelines for every game,” Fogler said. “I felt as if I could help the team by being a second pair of eyes watching what the defense was doing.”
Now his eyes are focused on playing in the bowl game.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
