Falcons young at tailback

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 13, 2008 | by JAKE SCHALLER

Now that Air Force uses the zone-blocking rushing scheme made famous by the Denver Broncos, perhaps the Falcons will be able to run the ball successfully no matter who lines up at tailback.

After all, from 1998 to 2002, four d i f f e r e n t Broncos tailbacks rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a season. And six tailbacks have cleared the 1, 000-yard mark in coach Mike Shanahan's tenure.

So while Air Force will have a new starter at tailback, any player it plugs in at the position should pile up big numbers, right?

If only it were that easy.

"It's not," said Air Force coach Troy Calhoun, who worked with the Broncos from 2003 to 2005. "It still takes a well-trained back."

Air Force had a bunch in 2007. Kip McCarthy rushed for 129 yards and a score in the season opener. Jim Ollis rushed for more than 100 yards in three games. Chad Smith had 47 or more yards in three games. And Chad Hall rushed for 1,257 yards in the last seven regular season games once he started playing more tailback than receiver.

All those players have graduated, leaving the Falcons young and inexperienced at a position that -- while it didn't exist two years ago in former coach Fisher DeBerry's flexbone offense -- is of great importance. Last season, 2,545 of the team's 3,894 rushing yards (65.4 percent) came from a tailback.

Nearly two weeks into fall practice, the top four tailbacks are two sophomores and two freshmen. Only one -- sophomore Savier Stephens -- has carried the ball in a game.

"We've got a long ways to go," running backs coach and running game coordinator Jemal Singleton said. "It's no news to anybody, we're young."

Stephens and sophomore Kyle Lumpkin have distanced themselves as the top players at tailback. Stephens, who rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries in 2007, played well in scrimmage situations Saturday and is listed as the starter.

Lumpkin played on the junior varsity last season. He emerged in spring drills and entered fall practice as the starter. But after an impressive start to camp, he missed some blocking assignments Saturday and is listed as the backup.

"They both have pretty decent quickness, they both have some acceleration," Calhoun said. "They aren't home-run hitters in terms of breakaway speed, and they're learning to run with their pads down. They still aren't where you want them, but clearly you see improvement."

Behind Stephens and Lumpkin are freshmen Paul Weatheroy and Jared Hassin.

Both have shown flashes of potential and look physically ready to compete -- Weatheroy is 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds while Hassin is 6- 2, 225.

But they're rookies and "they're still swimming," Singleton said.

Injury update

Sophomore strong safety Stephan Atrice (hamstring) and sophomore linebacker Patrick Hennessey (concussion) returned to practice but saw limited action.

Junior guard Nick Charles (hamstring) and senior tackle Keith Williams (ankle) also did limited work. Calhoun said all four, along with junior strong safety Chris Thomas (knee), ought to be "good to go" Monday.

Sophomore backup nose guard Stephen Larson did not practice. Calhoun said Larson will have an MRI test done on his left knee.

Etc.

Air Force will practice at Falcon Stadium from 9 to 11:30 Saturday morning. The practice is open to the public, and players will sign autographs when it's over.