Achieving a childhood dream is sometimes hard, but not for Ben Garland.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound junior defensive lineman from Grand Junction makes his dream a reality every time he steps on Falcon Field as a member of the Air Force football team.

"Air Force was my dream since I was 5," Garland said. "I was a big fan. I watched them play all their games. My grandpa would take me to the games."

Garland, a four-year football letterman at Grand Junction Central High School, was offered a full scholarship at New Mexico, drew interest from UCLA, and national powerhouse Oklahoma asked him to walk on.

But he wanted to play at Air Force.

"All the other players (in high school) thought I was stupid for turning down the other offers and coming here," Garland said. "But Air Force was always high on my list, and it has better opportunities later in life if you are a graduate here.

"Even when I had my recruitment trip down to UNM, the game they played that weekend was Air Force. Air Force came from behind and they weren't expected to win, but they won that game."

So far, Garland has exceeded his expectations at Air Force and is listed as starting nose guard.

"I just love playing," he said. "I don't really care about the glory. The longer you are here, you are able to manage your time better. You are used to the schedule. Your freshman year is hectic because you are not used to running to class, you're not used to the formations, and eating is the biggest thing - trying to eat three good meals a day and good nutrition."

Garland also encountered a big adjustment in learning to deal with the academy's challenging academics.

"In high school, you would never do homework until just before you went to bed," he said. "Now, the second you get in your room you have to study until you go to bed. There's no laying down, taking a nap for a half-hour and then working on it."

Likewise, there is no time to slack on the football field.

Garland has been moved from defensive end to nose guard because of an injury to Jared Marvin, but learning the essentials of a new position hasn't slowed him.

"Ben has really embraced the role of playing inside," defensive line coach Ron Burton said. "He plays with great pad level. His greatest strength is his frame and ability to bend. He can play both inside and outside effectively."

Garland played in four games as a freshman and saw action in all 13 games last season, starting eight. He was second in tackles for defensive linemen, with 31, including three sacks.

"I'm really happy the way things have gone," Garland said. "I'm happy to get the opportunity to play and just get out there. It's been an amazing experience.

"I didn't think I'd be able to get out there so soon to play as a freshman or even a sophomore. I thought I'd have to wait until I was a junior to see playing time. It's a dream come true."