Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Kick Off Third Week of Spring Football Practice
4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 10, 2006
Fort Collins - Colorado State University began its third week of spring football practice Monday with a two-hour workout.
Head coach Sonny Lubick said following the workout he was pleased with the workout, as well as his team's progress to date.
"I thought it was as good practice," he said. "The players worked hard, and I think we are making some progress."
Lubick said the team continues to focus on the rushing game - both on offense and defense. Lubick said the Rams have concentrated this spring on stopping the run, and at the same time improving the team's rushing game offensively.
Colorado State's running game will be bolstered by junior-to-be Kyle Bell, who was second in the Mountain West Conference and 22nd nationally in 2005 when he averaged 107.3 yards per game and rushed for 1,288 yards overall including 10 touchdowns. Bell's rushing figure was the fourth highest in school history.
Bell seemingly has plenty of help in CSU's backfield. Sophomore Gartrell Johnson has been impressive during the spring after playing as a reserve behind Bell and Nnamdi Ohaeri a season ago.
Ohaeri, who transferred to CSU last year, approached the coaches during the offeseason and offered to move to the secondary. But he has been bothered by an ankle injury and won't practice this spring with the defense. His departure vaulted Johnson into the backup role.
Defensively, Lubick said the Rams' front four and linebackers have improved during the spring, and he looks for continued progress during the next two weeks.
Defensive end Jesse Nading, a junior and a two-year starter, anchors the defensive line and will be among the top players at his position in the MWC in 2005. Blake Smith, a starter throughout last season, along with Matt Rupp and Erik Sandie, provide the Rams with three quality tackles. Rupp and Sandie were both part-time starters a season ago. Sophomore Wade Landers, a sophomore who played considerably last season as a true freshman, along with junior Bob Vomhof join Nading as the top defensive ends.
Junior Jeff Horinek, Lubick said, moved to the middle linebacker spot after starting last season outside. John Radford, a part-time starter last season, gives the Rams a second experienced linebacker alongside Horinek.
The Rams have two more practices scheduled this week. CSU returns to the field Wednesday afternoon and again Thursday. Workouts begin at 4 p.m.
Colorado State's annual Green-Gold Spring Game will be played Saturday, April 22 at French Field in Fort Collins, adjacent to Rocky Mountain High School at the intersection of Swallow and Shields. The game begins at 11 a.m., with a free pancake breakfast staged by the school's Spirit Committee beginning at 9 a.m. There is no admission charge to the game.
