Colorado State University Athletics
New Faces Stepping Up For Ram Football
4/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Injuries that prevent players from practicing are always a concern to college football coaches, including Colorado State's Sonny Lubick.
But Lubick said Wednesday that nine players missing from the team's lineup has allowed backups to gain valuable experience, as the Rams continued spring practice with a two-hour workout.
"In some ways, it's a blessing in disguise," said the Rams' 13th-year coach. "It gives us a chance to look at other guys."
Lubick said offensive starters Matt Bartz (tight end), Kory Sperry (H-back), Mike Brisiel (tackle), and top reserve Kevin McPeek (tight end) have missed the spring with injuries. Defensively, cornerbacks Robert Herbert and Brandon Cathy, linebacker Luke Adkins, and tackles Blake Smith and Delroy Parke have been absent. Herbert had a leg injury that required surgery before spring drills began, while Cathy is nursing an injury suffered during a practice. Adkins had knee surgery near the end of 2004, while Smith has been bothered by a bad back and Parke is ill.
Besides giving younger players needed practice, it has built the team's depth, Lubick said, especially at linebacker. Redshirt freshman Jeff Horinek has caught Lubick's eye with his play this spring. Returning starter Jahmal Hall has been impressive as well.
"Jahmal has been showing up as good as anyone," said Lubick. "Defensively, we're looking for guys who will come up and hit."
He also said the team's secondary continues to improve, especially Miles Kochevar, Ben Stratton, and Travis Garcia. Kochevar and Garcia split time as starters last year and have both played well this spring, according to Lubick. Stratton is as three-year starter who was a safety for the first time in his CSU career in 2004.
Colorado State returns to the practice field Friday afternoon, then will workout at 10 a.m. Saturday. The weekend practice will feature a controlled situational scrimmage, Lubick said.
