Rocco Conti Poised for Bigger Role in Air Force Backfield
8/17/2026 10:35:00 AM | Football
By Tanner Evans
Head coach Troy Calhoun could not stop boasting about senior tailback Rocco Conti during his introductory press conference at Air Force's media day, Tuesday, Aug, 4.
"You look at tailback, whether it's Rocco Conti or Jalen Turner, those guys have waited and worked hard for what they're after. It shows in the weight room and in their forty times," Calhoun said. "There's more to it than measurables, but these guys have worked extremely hard in recent years and now they have an opportunity in front of them."
The opportunity Calhoun is referring to is a significant one.
Air Force lost 32 percent of its rushing production from the 2025 season, leaving a massive void in the backfield. Former ballcarriers Dylan Carlson, Kade Frew and Cade Harris combined for 1,024 rushing yards and 208 carries last season, creating an opportunity for Conti to step into a much larger role in the Falcons' offense.
When asked specifically about Conti, Calhoun pointed to several traits he likes about the senior's game.
"He does have very good ball skills, top-end speed, and good short-area quickness," Calhoun expressed. "We've got to get him as a ballcarrier where he'll help us too."
Those skills have been on display throughout Conti's time in the Air Force program. But more than anything, Calhoun seemed attracted to Conti's ability to make an impact away from the ball.
"He [Conti] is a great example of guys that also want to be high contributors even when they don't have the ball," Calhoun said. "That tells you a lot about a complete football player."
That has been Conti's calling card throughout his Air Force career.
While his career numbers as a ballcarrier might not jump off the stat sheet, his impact as a blocker through his first three seasons has been undeniable.
When asked if that was something he prides himself on, Conti had one response.
"Absolutely. That's definitely something I pride myself on."
That willingness to contribute without the ball is also part of the reason the Falcons' coaching staff intentionally found ways to get Conti on the field a year ago, despite his seemingly limited role as a ballcarrier.
"There were times where we had a mark on a gameplan sheet where Mike, Jake Campbell, and Tim Horton said, 'We want Rocco out there,'" Calhoun said. "I think some of those experiences and exposures help a guy gain confidence."
Now, Conti enters his senior season with something he has not had to this point in his career: a clear opportunity to become a major part of the Falcons' rushing attack.
But the increased responsibility does not appear to bring any added pressure.
"I don't think that role brings any pressure," Conti said. "I've been through the program; I've gotten in the mix a little bit. I know what I'm capable of so I'm just excited to help this team in any way possible."
Conti has spent three seasons proving he can contribute without the football. Now, with the majority of last year's rushing production gone, the Falcons will find out what he can do with it.
"Again, I look forward to seeing what kind of a season he has," Calhoun said.
Head coach Troy Calhoun could not stop boasting about senior tailback Rocco Conti during his introductory press conference at Air Force's media day, Tuesday, Aug, 4.
"You look at tailback, whether it's Rocco Conti or Jalen Turner, those guys have waited and worked hard for what they're after. It shows in the weight room and in their forty times," Calhoun said. "There's more to it than measurables, but these guys have worked extremely hard in recent years and now they have an opportunity in front of them."
The opportunity Calhoun is referring to is a significant one.
Air Force lost 32 percent of its rushing production from the 2025 season, leaving a massive void in the backfield. Former ballcarriers Dylan Carlson, Kade Frew and Cade Harris combined for 1,024 rushing yards and 208 carries last season, creating an opportunity for Conti to step into a much larger role in the Falcons' offense.
When asked specifically about Conti, Calhoun pointed to several traits he likes about the senior's game.
"He does have very good ball skills, top-end speed, and good short-area quickness," Calhoun expressed. "We've got to get him as a ballcarrier where he'll help us too."
Those skills have been on display throughout Conti's time in the Air Force program. But more than anything, Calhoun seemed attracted to Conti's ability to make an impact away from the ball.
"He [Conti] is a great example of guys that also want to be high contributors even when they don't have the ball," Calhoun said. "That tells you a lot about a complete football player."
That has been Conti's calling card throughout his Air Force career.
While his career numbers as a ballcarrier might not jump off the stat sheet, his impact as a blocker through his first three seasons has been undeniable.
When asked if that was something he prides himself on, Conti had one response.
"Absolutely. That's definitely something I pride myself on."
That willingness to contribute without the ball is also part of the reason the Falcons' coaching staff intentionally found ways to get Conti on the field a year ago, despite his seemingly limited role as a ballcarrier.
"There were times where we had a mark on a gameplan sheet where Mike, Jake Campbell, and Tim Horton said, 'We want Rocco out there,'" Calhoun said. "I think some of those experiences and exposures help a guy gain confidence."
Now, Conti enters his senior season with something he has not had to this point in his career: a clear opportunity to become a major part of the Falcons' rushing attack.
But the increased responsibility does not appear to bring any added pressure.
"I don't think that role brings any pressure," Conti said. "I've been through the program; I've gotten in the mix a little bit. I know what I'm capable of so I'm just excited to help this team in any way possible."
Conti has spent three seasons proving he can contribute without the football. Now, with the majority of last year's rushing production gone, the Falcons will find out what he can do with it.
"Again, I look forward to seeing what kind of a season he has," Calhoun said.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, August 11
Monday, August 10
Tuesday, August 04
Thursday, July 16
