Potential

There's a lot to be excited about watching the Air Force Football team work out as the season opener approaches in a bit more than two weeks. You can feel a different energy at practice, especially from the defense. Now, we all must remember, its practice, and its early. But if this Falcons team can stay healthy it may surprise a lot of people. Here are some of the things that have stood out to me as I've watched practice... 1) A Lesson Learned from last season-Cornerbacks are now up on the line, just 2-3 yards away from opposing wide receivers. Last year you could park a bus between the wideouts and the cornerbacks. I never figured out why an apparently easy fix was never made, and the defensive backs stayed off the line all season long. That's changing under new Defensive Coordinator Steve Russ. 2) Outside LB's are now closer to the line, and at times, on the line of scrimmage. In my opinion, it gives opposing offenses a lot more to think and worry about. Plus it gives Steve Russ more options. Its clear the "sit back and don't get beat" mentality is gone from the Falcons, and thats good news. 3) Wide Receivers...Air Force is deep at this position with Jalen Robinette, Garret Brown, Alex Ludowig, and others. How involved they'll be, in terms of catching the ball, remains to be seen. 4) Quarterbacks. At the moment, unless something changes, Kale Pearson is the starter. He is wearing a knee brace because of last years season ending injury, but is moving well and is not limited in anything he does. He's been in the program for several years, but is still unproven. Nate Romine and Karson Roberts are battling for the backup job. A lot of guys played last year. This years team will be deeper because of that. Everything that could have gone wrong for the Falcons did a season ago. Here's hoping this year will mark a turnaround. Listen to the Falcons all season long on Colorado's 740 KVOR.