Air Force Football: Can Falcons get back to bowl game in 2019?

D.J. Hammond III will lead Air Force’s offense

This season, D.J. Hammond III is expected to be the star of the Air Force offense.

Last year, fans got a taste of Hammond III after he took over as the starting quarterback against Navy.

The dual-threat quarterback is one of the most electric rushers in the Mountain West. Last season he scored nine rushing touchdowns, which led the team. He is also a competent passer (by service academy standards) as he threw five touchdown passes and only two interceptions in 2018.

Backing up Hammond III is the experienced Isaiah Sanders who has also started games for the Falcons. Last season, Sanders led the team in passing yards with 844. He will certainly see some playing time in 2019 and will be a reliable option at quarterback should Hammond miss time.

Wide receiver is an area of concern for this offense. The top returning receiver is Geraud Sanders who has not recorded a touchdown catch in his career. Sanders was the third leading receiver last season with 14 catches for 236 yards, but he will have to step up his game and lead the unit. Brandon Lewis, the other starting receiver, recorded five catches for 100 yards in 2018.

The one threat through the air this team will be able to rely on is tight end Kade Waguespack who recorded nine catches for 137 yards and three touchdowns. He will be the safety blanket for the Falcons.

At running back, Kadin Remsberg will take over for leading rusher Cole Fagan. Remsberg was solid in 2018 as he recorded 583 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 100 attempts. At fullback Taven Birdow will look to improve upon last season where he rushed for 256 yards and a touchdown.

On the offensive line, the Falcons will have to replace All-Mountain West second-team guard Griffin Landrum. Even without Landrum, Air Force should be able to stay near the top of the FBS in rushing as they finished No. 3 in the nation in 2018.