Colorado State University Athletics
Special Teams a Focus Point in Thursday's Workout
8/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 11, 2005
Colorado State University completed its first week of preseason football workouts Thursday with a two-hour practice session.
"It was a pretty good practice," said Rams' coach Sonny Lubick following the workout. "We only practice once, so we went a little longer, about 2 hours and 20 minutes. They start to get a little tired and a little hot."
"It was a good day. They worked hard, and continue to have a good attitude. We're just trying to get better every day."
Lubick said the Rams continue to focus on special teams in each of the practice sessions Colorado State must replace departed senior Jeff Babcock, the team's punter and place kicker the past two years.
Sophomore Jimmie Kaylor figures to be the starting punter, while senior Kevin Mark is projected as the starting kicker.
"I think the kickers will be fine. We need a bit more consistency, but we're working on that. We have a good punter in Jimmie Kaylor. Kevin has been in our program for four years, so he knows what he's doing," said Lubick.
The Rams must also find a new long-snapper. Former tight end Joel Dreessen, drafted by the New York Jets last spring, held the job for four seasons.
"We have about three guys. They just need the work," said Lubick of the potential replacements from Dreessen.
The Rams opened preseason drills a week ago, and since that point have practiced eight times. The team will have two workouts Friday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a Saturday morning workout at 8:30 a.m.
Lubick said the Rams will also have a live contact session during Saturday's workout.
Defensive end Matt Rupp remains sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury. Safety Ben Stratton is nursing a right hip pointer, and linebacker Luke Adkins is also out while still recovering from offseason knee surgery.
Following practice, Lubick was to join Director of Athletics Mark Driscoll, volleyball coach Tom Hilbert and cross country coach Del Hessel at the second annual Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Fall Kickoff Luncheon. Lubick and his colleagues were to provide a brief preview of the upcoming season.
Chamber officials said late Wednesday they were expecting a crowd of nearly 300 people to attend the event at the Hilton of Fort Collins. Last year's event drew about 225 Ram fans. Included on the agenda for Thursday's luncheon was a season preview video featuring the four respective teams (football, volleyball, men's and women's cross country), plus comments by Driscoll as well as remarks by chamber president Mike Burns.
Colorado State opens the season Sept. 3 against the University of Colorado in Boulder. Kickoff time is 1:30 p.m. The game will be shown live by TBS, and can be heard on the Colorado State Sports Network including flagship station KCOL (600 AM) in Fort Collins and KNUS (710 AM) in Denver. Rich Bircumshaw calls the play-by-play, Erik Olson is the analyst, and Brian Roth provides sideline reports. Kevin McGlue is the game producer.
Tickets to all five of CSU's home games in 2005 - including dates with Front Range rivals Air Force and Wyoming, along with Utah, San Diego State, and Nevada, are on sale by calling 1-800-491-RAMS, or online at CSURAMS.com. Single-game tickets are also available at all King Soopers and City Market grocery store locations throughout the state of Colorado.
Colorado State opens the home schedule Sept. 24, playing host to the University of Nevada in the newly-renovated Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Game time is 4 p.m.
