AIR FORCE ACADEMY — When he first heard the term “elite class,” Air Force defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt thought it was a description dreamed up by an over-active commercial writer.
But the more he thought about it, Wallerstedt realized it was an appropriate tag for Falcons middle linebacker Brady Amack.
The senior from Pleasanton, Calif., had a game for the ages Saturday, recording 23 tackles in a 35-34 overtime victory against Navy. Air Force coach Troy Calhoun saluted Amack’s performance by calling him “a warrior.”
“He’s a self-starter,” Calhoun said. “Brady absolutely loves to play football.”
Wallerstedt said that might be the best way to describe Amack. “(Against Navy), you’ll see him climbing over blocks, doing anything to get to the ball carrier. He played as if possessed. He plays with his heart and soul. We’ll take as many Brady Amacks as we can get.”
Amack (6-foot, 227 pounds) was on the field for nearly every one of Navy’s 105 plays.
“I knew I was busy,” Amack said. “Our defensive line did a good job controlling Navy’s offensive line so I could run around free. When your number is called, you have to respond. When you play an option team such as Navy, the middle linebackers are going to be busy.”
Amack’s effort earned him two national weekly awards. He became the seventh player in Air Force history to make 23 or more tackles in a game. Terry Maki’s 30 against Notre Dame in 1985 lead the list.
“I’ve heard of a few of them,” Amack said. “I know about Chris Gizzi and Drew Fowler from a few years ago.”
Next up is Notre Dame, and another chance to make history. “It’s time to get back to business,” Amack said.
“This will be a big contact game,” he said. “I try not to back down much. When a team like Notre Dame sees that they are bigger across the board, they always try to beat you up.
“You have to be tough to play my position. We’re used to being the smaller team. We’re not scared.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
