AIR FORCE ACADEMY — A year ago Michael Hester was one of the new kids on the block, but this season he’s right at home in the middle of things on Air Force’s offensive line.
Unlike a year ago, when Air Force began its season without a returning starter on the offensive line, Hester is surrounded by an experienced group.
In 2010, Air Force averaged 306.5 yards rushing per game. That ranked second in the nation. With three starters returning, there’s no telling how far Air Force will run in 2011.
The trail begins at noon Saturday when the Falcons open their season at Falcon Stadium against South Dakota.
“I think we can compete with how well we did last year,” said Hester, a senior center from Birmingham, Ala. “We have the ability to be as good. We have a little bit more depth.”
And there’s a more experienced player at the controls of the offensive line.
“Communication is a big thing,” Hester said. “The center works with both sides of the line, depending on where the play is going. There’s more responsibility playing center.”
Senior guard A.J. Wallerstein and junior tackle Jason Kons are the other returning starters.
Air Force line coach Clay Hendrix can’t boast of having any 300-pounders up front. Wallerstein is the biggest at 285 pounds. Hester is 6-foot-3, 250 pounds.
“We look at consistency, how hard they play, knowing assignments and not making mistakes,” Hendrix said. “I feel good about this group. Being strong and athletic instead of (having) great size allows you to get away with a few things.”
Coach Troy Calhoun called the play at the center position crucial.
“Something as simple as the center-quarterback exchange initiates so much of our offense,” Calhoun said. “You need a player who is smart, with good quickness and able to do a lot of different things.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
