two freshmen join team practices early

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 3, 2008 | by JAKE SCHALLER

A pair of freshmen -- tailback Paul Weatheroy and cornerback Anthony Wright -- worked out with the Air Force varsity during an approximately two-hour session on Saturday.

The entire incoming freshman class will practice on its own today and Monday in sessions closed to the media. It then will join the Falcons for the second of two workouts on Wednesday.

But Weatheroy and Wright, both of whom attended the prep school, were ready to participate in practices early.

"Both are kids that you just get a feeling they're strongly committed to the academy," coach Troy Calhoun said. "And they're each at a position where they've got a chance maybe to contribute fairly soon."

That's because Air Force lost significant contributors at tailback and cornerback and because "those are two spots guys can pick up fairly early," Calhoun said. Indeed, sophomore tailback Savier Stephens and sophomore corner Reggie Rembert both saw action a year ago.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Weatheroy was a standout high school player in Oregon. In 2006, his senior season, he rushed for 2,608 yards, scored 38 touchdowns and led Jesuit to the Class 6A championship.

He was named The Oregonian newspaper's Offensive Player of the Year.

Wright (5-10, 180), who is from Ohio, originally was recruited as a quarterback.

Calhoun said he could see using Wright as a kick returner in addition to a defensive back.

Freshmen are not allowed to speak to the media until next week when they officially start at the academy.

Injury report

According to an MRI, junior outside linebacker Myles Morales' right arm is not broken, Calhoun said. It likely is a significant sprain, however, and Morales will not be able to participate in contact drills until he regains full range of motion with the arm, which could take several weeks.

Senior Keith Williams, the starting left tackle, left practice early with an injured right ankle. Williams had ice on the ankle at the end of practice.