Colorado State University Athletics
2004 Ram Football Media Day
8/9/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Click here to view photos from the 2004 Ram Football Media Day
Fort Collins - Colorado State University football coach Sonny Lubick welcomed more than 100 student-athletes for the beginning of preseason workouts Monday.
Lubick put his team through a two-hour workout in the morning. Players and coaches then were available for interviews and photos at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium in the afternoon during media day activities.
Lubick said he and his coaching staff are looking at a youthful but talented football team as the Rams prepare for the Sept. 4 season opener at Colorado.
"We are a youthful football team. But I think we have a chance to be a good football team," said Lubick.
"Offensively, there won't be much change from last year. Defensively, we have some talent, so now we have to coach them."
The Rams return a 15 starters - eight on offense, four more on defense, and three kickers. Colorado State must replace departed starting quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt, who was named the Mountain West Conference's offensive player of the year in 2002 and again in '03.
Junior Justin Holland will be the starter after serving as Van Pelt's understudy the past two seasons. Holland, who is the state of Colorado's all-time prep passing leader, started Colorado State's San Francisco Bowl game with Boston College.
Lubick said the Rams' attack will again focus on the running game, but not with Holland carrying the ball. Van Pelt led the team in rushing last season, something Lubick says won't happen in 2004.
"The major difference is that Justin won't be running the football. We won't design special plays for him to run. Justin's best asset is his accuracy passing the football."
He'll play behind a line that returns three starters and a top backup from last year's squad, a group Lubick calls solid. Leading the way is senior Erik Pears from Denver Kennedy High, a first-team all-league pick last season.
Joel Dreessen, the team's starting H-back, and tight end Matt Bartz are a formidable duo and make up a strength for the Rams overall at tight end.
David Anderson, who set new school season records with 72 receptions for 1,282 yards, leads a list of receivers Lubick sees as talented but young. Anderson was a first-team all-league pick last season.
Defensively, Lubick said the Rams should be quicker and more physical in 2004, but youthful as well with four returning starters led by defensive end Patrick Goodpaster.
Turnovers will also be a major focus in 2004. Last season the Rams finished 108th in turnover margin, -15.
"That is a focus. It's been a real effort on the players part. It's a simple game: Don't turn the ball over."
The Rams return to the practice field Tuesday morning for a 9 a.m. workout.
Under NCAA guidelines adopted last year, the Rams will practice once a day Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. The entire practice schedule prior to the Sept. 4 opening game is listed below.
For ticket information, call 1-800-491-RAMS or visit CSURAMS.com.
2004 Preseason Practice Information & Calendar Dates
Date Day Event Time
Aug. 9 Mon. Team Practice #1 (Helmets) 9 a.m.
Aug. 10 Tue. Team Practice #2 (Helmets) 9 a.m.
Aug. 11 Wed. Team Practice #3 (Helmets, Shoulder Pads) 9 a.m.
Aug. 12 Thur. Team Practice #4 (Helmets, Shoulder Pads) 9 a.m. - Business After Hours (North Concourse/Moby Arena) 5 p.m.
Aug. 13 Fri. Team Practice #5 (Full Pads) 9 a.m.
Aug. 14 Sat. Team Practice #6 9 a.m. - Team Practice #7 4 p.m.
Aug. 15 Sun. Team Practice #8 9 a.m.
Aug. 16 Mon. Team Practice #9 9 a.m. - Team Practice #10 4 p.m.
Aug. 17 Tue. Team Practice #11 9 a.m.
Aug. 18 Wed. Team Practice #12 9 a.m. - Team Practice #13 4 p.m.
Aug. 19 Thur. Team Practice #14 9 a.m. - MWC Kickoff Luncheon (Denver Marriott Tech Center) 11:30 a.m.
Aug. 20 Fri. Team Practice #15 9 a.m. - Team Practice #16 4 p.m.
Aug. 21 Sat. Team Practice #17 TBA
Aug. 23 Mon. First day of classes All Day - Team Practice #18 4 p.m.
Aug. 24 Tue. Team Practice #19 4 p.m.
Aug. 25 Wed. Team Practice #20 4 p.m.
Aug. 26 Thur. Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Kickoff Luncheon (UPHI) 11:30 a.m. - Team Practice #21 4 p.m.
Aug. 27 Fri. Team Practice #22 4 p.m.
Aug. 28 Sat. Team Practice #23 (Game Walk-Through; Hughes Stadium) TBA
Aug. 30 Mon. Team Practice #24 4 p.m.
Aug. 31 Tue. Team Practice #25 4 p.m.
Sept. 1 Wed. Team Practice #26 4 p.m.
Sept. 2 Thur. Team Practice #27 4 p.m.
Sept. 3 Friday Team Practice #28 TBA
Sept. 4 Sat. Colorado State at Colorado 6 p.m. MT
