Recent Air Force alum Reggie Rembert didn't have a chance to train with NFL teams because of the lockout. (AP photo)
Josh McNary finished his career at Army as West Point’s all-time sack king. Former Air Force cornerback Reggie Rembert was named first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association.
But due in big part to the NFL lockout, neither had a chance this offseason to latch onto an NFL team the way predecessors like Eagles wide receiver and Air Force graduate Chad Hall did.
NFL teams have invited service academy grads to offseason workouts even though team officials would have to wait two years before these players could finish their active-duty service commitments and play on Sundays. Former Air Force defensive lineman Ben Garland caught the eye of Denver Bronco coaches last year in these workouts and eventually turned down a pilot slot so he could potentially join a team for the 2012 season.
Rembert and McNary missed those opportunities as they watched the lockout eliminate those precious workouts. Teams now have shortened training camps and coaches have less time to test out service academy grads while preparing their teams for the season.
Rembert, who is helping coach this year’s Air Force football team, hasn’t given up hope, though, when asked about his NFL chances via Twitter.
“The lockout happened and then my leave expired. lol so in due time michael… in due time,” Rembert said on his Twitter handle @ReggieRembertJR.
