Football Notes

The AP was due for an Army football story, and talks about the expectations for 2010.

Ellerson expects more this season, and he's not alone.

"The offense in general has made leaps and bounds since last year," senior offensive tackle Jason Johnson said. "The cohesion level is much better than it was last year. It feels like everyone is on the same page and knows what they're doing. There is a lot more trust in the huddle."

Sal takes a look at Tuesday's practice and notes that Trent Steelman's back in action.

Speaking of Steelman, the sophomore quarterback practiced fully for the first time in a week. Steelman looked good, connecting on a 45-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver George Jordan. And no Army quarterback runs the option better than Steelman. He looks at least two steps faster to a hole than the other Army quarterbacks.

Junior Max Jenkins, who looks like he’s won the backup job over senior Chip Bowden, hit freshman Anthony Stephens on a 35-yard pass.

Steve Anderson's hometown paper offers up a profile piece on Army's senior captain

The Damascus High graduate will take the field for Army's opener at Eastern Michigan for the second straight season as the starting middle linebacker and team co-captain. That was in doubt after a November knee injury.

In the late stages of a blowout loss to the Air Force Academy, Anderson, in the midst of a career-best 16-tackle performance, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. After sitting out spring practice for rehabilitation, Anderson says he is 100 percent and returned for fall camp to his customary place at the heart and soul of the Black Knights defense.

"I'm able to cut and explode," Anderson said. "I haven't missed a tackle yet. ... I don't see any problems."

That's some of the best news I heard this offseason. Having Anderson healthy is of highest importance for Army's chances to make a bowl game. To date the worst offseason news involved non-health-related loss of athletes to attrition. I kind of wish Chip Bowden was in position to be a factor on the field, but considering Anderson's recovery from a similar surgery, we could be seeing that the QB position is benefiting from some genuine depth.