- Chris Thomas (34)
A fan recently requested we provide an in-depth analysis on the Air Force Falcon’s defense for the upcoming ’09 season. So here goes…
Last season, the Falcons went 8-5 and 5-3 in conference play. Most notably, they struggled down the road dropping their final 3 games to include a 28-34 loss to Houston. During that span, the Falcon’s opponents averaged 39 points/game. The team also struggled against the conference’s premier teams, 23-30 to Utah, 24-38 to BYU, and 10-44 to TCU.
In 2008, the defense allowed 22.5 points/game and ranked 45th in total defense with 335.3 yards/game. The 2009 squad should be solid if the front line performs well. Air Force runs a 3-4 system under Tim DeRuyter which returns 7 starters. The lose of DE Jake Paulson and Ryan Kemp is huge. The men who must step-up to fill the void will be Myles Morales (Sr. 6’3, 250 lbs.) and Rick Ricketts (Jr. 6’3, 260 lbs.) who played every game as a back up last season and recorded 28 tackles. DL Ben Garland(Sr. 6’5. 275 lbs.) will anchor this strong trio.
The LB corp is led by Ken Lamendola (Jr. 6’2, 230 lbs.) who lead the team last season with 118 tackles. Andre Morris, Jr. (Jr. 6’3, 235 lbs.), who had 33 tackles and 1 INT, and Justin Moore (Sr. 5’11, 222 lbs.), who had 45 tackles, 1 INT, and 2 forced fumbles, will return to help solidify the LB unit. Depending on the scheme, Patrick Hennessey (Jr. 6’2, 215 lbs.) will be the 4th LB or DT on the field. Hennessey recorded 17 tackles and 2 sacks last season.
The secondary should be outstanding bringing back 3 starters and one of the best strong safeties in Air Force and possibly conference history in Chris Thomas (Sr. 5’11, 205 lbs.), who last seasons recorded 107 tackles, 1 INT, and 2 forced fumbles. Jon Davis (So. 6’1, 190 lbs.) will start at free safety and must perform well and show off his speed to stop the deep threat. CB Reggie Rembert (Jr. 5’7, 189 lbs.) and CB Anthony Wright (So. 5’10 189 lbs.) will cover the wideouts. If Rembert, who was suspended for unspecified reasons back in April and led the team with 3 INTs, does not get reinstated, Elliott Battle (Jr. 5’9, 170 lbs.) will get the nod.
The back eight will be the saving grace for the Falcons; however, the lack of experience up front and how quickly the front 3 develop will determine the strength of this defense. It’s rumored that DeRuyter is going to be utilizing an intricate blitz scheme for his undersized squad.
The Falcons should have a strong season and a repeat 8-5 performance is attainable with their somewhat pedestrian schedule. This could also be the year Air Force beats Navy. No matter what happens, Coach Calhoun will be bowling in December.
For all you Falcons, public practice opens on August 3rd at 8:40 a.m. at the practice field behind the Cadet Field House.
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