Air Force RB Aiden Calvert Confident In "Younger" 2024 Falcons Team

Though the 2023 Air Force team started 8-0, the Falcons fell short of a Mountain West title and what would have been their fourth double-digit win campaign since 2019. Though, they did win their third consecutive bowl game under head coach Troy Calhoun. 

Those feats and more were achieved with the help of veteran players like running backs John Lee Eldridge and Emmanuel Michel, among many, many more. 

The bad news for Falcons fans: most of those key pieces are pursuing the NFL or beginning their military assignments in 2024. For several reasons, players in their first two years at Air Force see the field exceedingly sparingly. This means nearly all of Air Force's key contributors are on their way out most years. 

The good news for 2024: less experienced faces like running back Aiden Calvert are working diligently to follow in their footsteps.

Currently in the midst of spring practice, Calvert spoke on the subject during media availability this week.

"It's not too different, but I think it's just trying to bring that leadership up," Calvert said. "Make sure that every guy in the position group has enough leadership to bring up those younger guys who have a shot now. There's a lot of younger guys who are hungry and I think that's really good. That's what we need on this team."

The rising senior contributed 23 carries for 177 yards in 2023. The Mater Dei Catholic (Chula Vista) product, who moved to fullback this spring, will likely be a key contributor in the backfield with the aforementioned roster losses.

"Last year was a good show of what we had. It didn't really end like we wanted it to, but at the same time, we have a lot of young guys with that same talent, if not better talent," Calvert noted. " So I think we could do as good as last year, if not better...We just need to continue the same culture that we've had over the last few years." 

Air Force have not formally announced a spring game, but will continue spring practice through March 12. Their 2024 season will open up on August 31 against FCS Merrimack.