In Frank Schwab’s feature on backup Air Force quarterback Connor Dietz, it’s mentioned that Dietz has asked coach Troy Calhoun to let him play on special teams.
Calhoun has declined the request.
I think it’s a great idea. It would let Dietz escape the bench.
And, more important, it would allow Dietz to show his teammates he’s willing to do anything to help his team win football games. His teammates will remember this next season when Dietz is expected to emerge as Air Force’s starting quarterback.
I know. I know. Work on special teams can be perilous. But Dietz is a tough player, and he’s wise enough to stay out of danger.
Sure, it’s a risk to send Dietz out to battle on the special teams, but it’s worth the risk. It would be a worthy investment in the future of this football team.
Calhoun should allow Dietz to play on special teams. That’s my view.
What’s yours?
Here’s Frank’s story from today’s Gazette on Dietz:
http://www.gazette.com/sports/dietz-127718-focused-names.html
No way. Would he really be any better than some of the Backup DB’s and HB’s? And there aren’t enough practice reps to make sure your 3rd string QB is up to speed.
With AF likely to favored in its remaining four games (except possibly against Wyoming) and with AF playing an early game next year at Michigan, I’m in favor of Dietz rotating in during the first half (or at least Q3) during the remainder of the season so he can gain experience (and actually attempt a few passes). And because his skill set is differerent than Jefferson’s, this will give the other team something to think about. And for this reason, I wouldn’t risk putting him on special teams (other than as a punt blocker which carries minimal risk of serious injury).
Just to put your suggestion and FB acumen in context, you also predicted Andy Dalton would be an NFL flop. I know- cheap shot. At least I’m reading what you write.
Disagree. Backup QB on a team that puts its starter in harm’s way as often as AF does is a critical role. Plus, we don’t need to field a special teams player who “stays out of danger” . . . that’s a recipe for 100-yard kickoff returns against.
Dietz will get his chance next year, and will do quite well in my opinion.