AFA OFFENSIVE LINE ROTATION IS ANYTHING BUT STRAIGHT

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 2, 2007 | by JAKE SCHALLER

Air Force must alter its offensive line rotation for the next few weeks.

Sophomore tackle Chris Campbell sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee against Navy on Saturday and will be out "probably three weeks," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said Monday. Campbell started against Navy and was part of the Falcons' three- tackle rotation with senior Chris Monson, who will start for Campbell against UNLV, and starting left tackle Keith Williams.

Sophomore Nick Charles, the Falcons' starting left guard, might play at left tackle, Calhoun said. Freshmen tackle Matt Markling and senior Dan Holder also could contribute.

Meanwhile, defensive end Jake Paulson, who has a high right ankle sprain, did not practice Monday and is "up in the air for Saturday," Calhoun said. Senior tailback Kip McCarthy (right hip) also did not practice and is doubtful. Senior outside linebacker Julian Madrid, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, is running at practice. He might forgo surgery and return later in the year.

"The only thing he's got to be a little bit aware of is just would there be any permanent structural damage if he tries to go ahead and play," said Calhoun.

Lineup shuffling

Senior tailback Chad Smith moved ahead of senior Jim Ollis on the depth chart Calhoun released Monday.

"I just thought he played better on Saturday" against Navy, Calhoun said of Smith.

Later in the week, senior Bobby Giannini might move ahead of junior Aaron Kirchoff at free safety and sophomore Stephen Larson could move past junior Jared Marvin at nose guard. Larson made seven tackles, including one for a loss, against Navy.