<p>Thirteen starters from bowl game return
FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE</p>
<p>Troy Calhoun is a coach, and when the subject of 2011 prospects for Air Force came up, he spoke like a coach.</p>
<p>Well start from scratch, which you always do, Calhoun said. Theres some rebuilding that has to occur.</p>
<p>Thats not close to being true. While Air Forces players and coaches will begin the process of preparing for the 2011 season soon, and there are some very good seniors who need to be replaced, the Falcons return a core of players who could form the best team of Calhouns tenure at Air Force.</p>
<p>Of the 44 players listed on the offensive and defensive depth chart for the Independence Bowl, only 11 were seniors. On that depth chart, seven defensive starters and six offensive starters are slated to return. At many positions in which a senior is leaving, there is a young player who should seamlessly step in.</p>
<p>Cornerback Reggie Rembert leaves after a brilliant career, but he is the only senior among the defensive backs on Air Forces first- or second-team defense. The same is true on the defensive line, where the Falcons lose Rick Ricketts but return everyone else on the first-and second-team line from the bowl game. Outside linebacker Andre Morris departs, but Calhoun confirmed on Saturday that outside linebacker Patrick Hennessey has been granted a ninth semester and will return.</p>
<p>Hennessey played just two games as a junior last season because of a shoulder injury. He was Air Forces fifth leading tackler in 2010. Also, the Falcons return their top four inside linebackers.</p>
<p>The biggest concern could be fullback, because the top three (Jared Tew, Nathan Walker and Ryan Southworth) will graduate. Mike DeWitt, who missed most of his sophomore year with a knee injury, is a candidate to fill in. Brent Michaels, a talented sophomore-to-be who has played a lot of tailback but has fullback size, could also be in the mix.</p>
<p>Other senior offensive starters like receiver Kyle Halderman, tight end Chaz Demerath offensive linemen Tyler Schonsheck and Chase Darden will be missed, but there is depth behind them. Seven of the top 10 offensive linemen return. And at receiver, Halderman and Kevin Fogler depart but other proven playmakers like Zack Kauth, Jonathan Warzeka and Mikel Hunter will be back.</p>
<p>And two key offensive pieces are in place: Tim Jefferson will be a fourth-year starter at quarterback, and tailback Asher Clark, who as a junior became just the third tailback in Air Force history to top 1,000 yards rushing.</p>
<p>This game let us know, were bringing a lot of people back and we can be strong next year, junior safety Jon Davis said after the Independence Bowl. Theres no need to go downhill, we can go uphill.</p>
<p>The schedule has some tough dates, including nonconference games at Navy and at Notre Dame and tough conference matchups against San Diego State, TCU and Boise State, but expectations should be very high for the Falcons in 2011, especially with the momentum from a bowl win against Georgia Tech.</p>
<p>I look at their schedule and theres not a game on there like TCU or Oklahoma (this season) and Thats a loss, said former Air Force quarterback Beau Morgan, who is an analyst on The mtn. television network. Next year I dont know if theres a game you look and say they definitely cant win it. Theyll be in the thick of it.</p>
<p>The potential is going to be high, Jefferson said. Its going to be all about, can we take it to the next step? Thats going to be our main focus going into next season.</p>