Colorado State University Athletics
Younger Players Starting To Exert Themselves
8/12/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
FORT COLLINS - Colorado State University football coach Sonny Lubick admits for the first several days of practice, his team?s freshmen players were dazed and confused.
In previous years, the first-year players reported for three days of academic orientation and practice then joined veteran players to begin two-a-day workouts.
Under new NCAA guidelines adopted this year, however, the freshman and returning players reported together to begin practicing once daily for five days. With the Rams having now completed eight practices including Tuesday?s two-and-a-half hour session, newcomers who could contribute to the team in 2003 are beginning to surface.
?The freshmen are catching up. The coaches have worked hard with them in meetings and they are beginning to emerge,? said Rams? 11th-year coach Sonny Lubick. ?We have some freshmen who look like a good crop, and I would not be surprised to see at least one of two of them play (in 2003).?
He praised freshmen wide receivers Greg Chatman, George Hill, and John Walker, all of whom have played well lately during practice sessions.
He also said the Rams overall are beginning to build more depth.
?We?re starting to develop depth at some positions,? said Lubick. But Lubick also said the adjustment from high school to college takes a toll.
?Young kids have a difficult time keeping up with the grind of two-a-days,? said Lubick.
Tuesday, the Rams continued preseason workouts, again without live contact. Lubick said the team will have some contact Thursday, and more extensive work Saturday.
He left the practice field Tuesday happy with his team?s performance.
?It was a good practice. Fatigue is setting in a little bit ? aches and soreness. I still believe for the most part they are working hard. You have to fight through the fatigue.?
?We?re right on schedule. The players and the coaches have done a good job.?
The Rams will practice twice Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the once Thursday. Lubick will travel to Denver Thursday for the annual Mountain West Conference Kickoff Luncheon at the Denver Tech Center Marriott, beginning at 11:30 p.m.
The Rams open the season Aug. 30 playing the University of Colorado at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver. Kickoff is 5:45 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Season and individual game tickets are available by calling toll free 1-800-491-RAMS, locally 491-RAMS, at all King Soopers and City Markets located throughout the state, an online 24 hours a day at CSURAMS.com.
