AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Connor Dietz has some unfinished business to take care of before he can be considered Air Force’s quarterback of the future.
Technically, Dietz is listed as a senior on Air Force’s roster. Normally, that would mean he has 12 scheduled business stops during the season and an anticipated 13th in a bowl game remaining in his college career.
But in his case, there is more.
Because of a broken right hand in his sophomore year, Dietz was unable to complete some academic requirements. Earlier this summer, a review board granted Dietz an extra semester next fall to complete the work.
“I really don’t think about it that much,” Dietz said this week as the Falcons prepared for Saturday’s season opener against South Dakota. “My focus is on this season. Even though I know I have another season, I’m preparing like this is my final year.”
Dietz knows the situation. Although he has played in 12 games and made three starts over the past two seasons, his role mainly has been to back up Tim Jefferson.
In Saturday’s opener, Jefferson, a senior from Atlanta, could tie an Air Force mark for victories by a quarterback. He has led the Falcons to 21 wins as the starter, one behind the 22 chalked up by Dee Dowis from 1986-89.
“Knowing Connor, I know he’s still anxious for this season,” coach Troy Calhoun said. “He wants to be in the mix.”
When called on, Dietz has been more than adequate. As the starter in 2009 while Jefferson was injured, Dietz led the Falcons to a 26-14 triumph over San Diego State. Dietz rushed for 369 yards in seven games before the broken hand ended his season.
Quarterbacks coach Blane Morgan says Dietz isn’t dividing attention between this season and next.
“He’s a team player,” Morgan said. “He’s one of our hardest workers and a heck of a competitor who wants to be out there as much as anyone.”
Morgan’s only thought for next year is his belief that having a returning quarterback provides a big advantage.
But until then, Dietz goes about the duties of a being an understudy.
Being the quarterback of the future can wait. He’s on call right now.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Three AFA questions
Will South Dakota prove to be giant killers, as it was last year? In the second game of the 2010 season, the Coyotes traveled to Minnesota of the Big Ten Conference and upset the Gophers 41-38.
Will Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson enter the school’s record book in the first game of his senior season? In three previous seasons, Jefferson has guided the Falcons to 21 victories. If he’s on the winning team Saturday, he’ll tie the 22 victories Dee Dowis compiled from 1986-89.
Will senior Erik Soderberg show he has regained the kicking touch that was prominent two seasons ago? As a sophomore in 2009, Soderberg led the team in scoring with 104 points. Last year, he made only 5-of-10 field-goal attempts and lost the kicking job late in the season.
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
