AIR FORCE ACADEMY - A new era of Air Force football was launched Wednesday as the Falcons had their first practice for the 2007 season.

Fisher DeBerry retired after 23 years as coach and Troy Calhoun, one of DeBerry's former players, was primed for his first season as a college coach.

They'll be a lot of different things about Air Force football this season as the Falcons try to snap a string of three consecutive losing seasons.

"We all miss him," senior receiver Chad Hall said of DeBerry. "We all loved him, but coach Calhoun is great, too. It's a little younger staff, so it's just a different atmosphere, a little more enthusiasm."

The new black T-shirts the Falcons staff was wearing during media day was just an example of the changes being made in the program.

Air Force has a revamped coaching staff and the team will wear new uniforms, use a more multiple offense instead of the triple option, utilize some no huddle in the offense, employ an aggressive 3-4 defense and move its bench to the west side of Falcon Stadium.

And there's more, such as the pre-practice conditioning.

"Our daily approach will be quite a bit different," Calhoun said. "We're going to lift (weights) every single day, even during the season. We'll lift and we'll make sure it's done prior to practice. I like for guys to huff and puff going into practice. I think you learn to play when you are tired."

Calhoun has to determine who will play before the Sept. 1 opener against South Carolina State.

"I can't say we have clear-cut starters in a number of different positions," he said. "That could be extremely helpful because that means you are competitive. I want to play more than one deep. I want to play eight offensive linemen, I want to play three inside linebackers, I want to play at least two tailbacks.

"That's better if you can, but it can't be a given thing. We can get to that point, and that's one of our top priorities over the next four weeks. I think you are always evaluating; that's a dynamic that never changes."

One other thing that hasn't changed much is the option will remain part of the offense.

"These guys were recruited to work out of a pure triple-option system," Calhoun said. "So you are going to see a good bit of option as what we do offensively. In due time, you may see us become a little more balanced. We're going to do everything we can to win this year."

Winning is something many don't forecast the Falcons to do as they have been picked to finish seventh in the Mountain West Conference.

"I told (the team) we were overrated," Calhoun said. "I was serious about it, too. I look at the Air Force Academy and everything about this place, there's nothing that's etched in stone. You have to earn everything that comes your way. We haven't earned anything as players, as coaches and as a team."

bentonj@RockyMountainNews.com