A word of advice for anyone compiling an Air Force football depth chart – write in pencil.

As the Falcons recalibrate their roster following the loss of 40 seniors and 17 combined starters on offense and defense, underclassmen are making a charge for some positions.

“We’ve stacked up some good recruiting classes,” defensive coordinator Brian Knorr said. “We’ll play some sophomores this year.

“Everything’s up for grabs with these guys. The great competition brings it out of you. You’ll probably see a lot of different rosters. There may be movement throughout the season. (In the past) once guys started, they’ve pretty much started the rest of the season. With ours, they’ll continue to compete all year long.”

Outside linebacker/defensive end David Santiago has highlighted the sophomores so far on the defensive side. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Raleigh, N.C., product didn’t appear on the season-opening depth chart but has moved into the starting lineup with the opener against Merrimack approaching Aug. 31.

Fellow sophomore Luke Meyer, a 6-4, 240-pound graduate of Valor Christian in the Denver area, could also break into the lineup.

The problem for the rest of those looking for spots is there are few that seem open even with the unusually large roster turnover.

At cornerback, a trio of seniors – Jamari Bellamy, Jerome Gaillard Jr. and Trey Williams, all with starting experience – seem to be a lock for the two spots. Knorr hinted the Falcons may even try to find ways to get all three on the field at the same time.

On the back end, Camby Goff is settling into the free safety position after two years as the starting nickel (he missed last season after an opening game Achilles injury). Next to him is junior Levi Brown at strong safety. Senior K.C. Beard is battling with sophomore Tuioti-Mariner at the nickel.

At inside linebacker, senior Osaro Aihie has run with the starters since the start of spring ball and fellow projected starter junior Zach Juckel has earned high praise.

“I think athletically Zach can be as athletic as anybody we’ve had at the linebacker position right now,” Knorr said. “He’s made a lot of plays in the preseason. He’ll be very gifted.”

Knorr noted the behind-the-scenes work linebackers coach Ken Lamendola has done in recent years to develop depth at the position that has the least returning experience on the defense. Air Academy grad Are’an Burr, a junior, and senior Grant Uyl continue to press at the spot.

On offense, quarterback John Busha and fullback Dylan Carson seem all but entrenched, but most of the other spots could see changes in camp or after game action separates what practice does not.

Offensive coordinator Mike Thiessen referenced the sudden emergence of Brad Roberts, who would go on to lead the nation in rushing as a senior, during his sophomore year as an example of players seizing the opportunity when it was presented. He could envision similar scenarios playing out this year.

“We tend to find guys like that,” Thiessen said. “There’s a lot of people who are ready to step up who are talented guys.”