Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Host Saturday Scrimmage
8/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 12, 2006
Sonny Lubick put his Colorado State University football team through a 98-play full contact scrimmage Saturday morning, the team's most extensive live drill in several years.
"We went a bit longer than we have in a long time," Lubick following the workout. "We did more hitting, but we got some work done."
Lubick split the scrimmage up into various situations. The first part of the scrimmage had the offense taking possession at its own three-yard line.
On the fourth play of the first drive, quarterback Caleb Hanie completed an 86-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Damon Morton down the right sideline, the first of two touchdowns scored during the scrimmage.
Later in the scrimmage, backup runningback Michael Myers scored on a 70-yard run during a part of the workout where the offense took control at its own 30-yard line.
The Rams finished the scrimmage working inside the red zone, where the final score of the day came when Jason Smith connected on a 28-yard field goal.
"It was fairly similar to most scrimmages at this time. There was good as well as bad on both sides," Lubick said. "Coaches want consistency at this point, but you aren't going to get that through 10 practices."
Lubick said the most disappointing part of the entire day was an injury to cornerback Brandon Cathy early in the workout. Cathy suffered a sprained left knee and will undergo further evaluation and examination. Cathy, a senior from Liberty, Mo., had been a starter previously in his career.
"It is bad losing Brand because he's been having a great camp," Lubick said. "There was no contact, he just twisted and got it caught in the turf."
Lubick said fortunately the Rams seem to have built depth in the secondary and hopes one of the candidates will step forward to replace Cathy.
A handful of players missed the scrimmage with minor ailments. Defensive tackle Matt Rupp (right hamstring), Grant Stucker (groin), and Darryl Williams (right hamstring) did not participate and are day-to-day.
Lubick said one of the keys to the Rams' success in 2006 will be improved defensive play. He was happy with Saturday's performance with the exception of the two long scoring plays. The Rams recorded four quarterback sacks, including one and a half by defensive end Jesse Nading.
"The defense played better, but we gave up too many big plays," he said.
Offensively, Lubick said he feels the Rams can be a threat. Hanie finished the day completing 10-of-14 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown. His backup, Billy Farris, threw for 155 yards, completing 11-of-15 passes.
Myers led all rushers in the scrimmage, gaining 110 yards on seven carries including the 70-yard scoring run. Gartrell Johnson gained 42 yards, while Kyle Bell added 21 on 11 carries.
Damon Morton was one of four receivers to catch four passes on the day. Morton gained 127 yards with the one touchdown. Rashaun Greer, George Hill, and Luke Roberts also caught four passes each.
Colorado State opens the season Sept. 2, playing host to Weber State at 3 p.m. at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Tickets are available online at CSURAMS.com.
CSU athletic department officials also said tickets still remain for sale for the Rams' game the following week, Sept. 9, against Colorado in Denver. Fans can also purchase those tickets online.
PASSING
Caleb Hanie - 10-14, 172 yards, 1 TD
Billy Farris - 11-15, 155 yards
Nick Neuenfeldt - 1-3, 4 yards
Sean McDougal - 0-2, 0 yards
RUSHING
Michael Myers - 7-110 yards, 1 TD
Gartrell Johnson - 13-42 yards
Kyle Bell - 11-21 yards
Nick Neuenfeldt - 1-11 yards
Tristan Walker - 1-5 yards
Damon Morton - 1-3 yards
Alex Square - 1-1 yard
Billy Farris - 4-0 yards
John Mosure - 2-minus 2 yards
Sean McDougal - 2-minus 4 yards
Caleb Hanie - 6-minus 6 yards
RECEIVING
Damon Morton - 4-127 yards
Rashaun Greer - 4-50 yards
George Hill - 4-46 yards
Luke Roberts - 4-39 yards
Dustin Osborn - 3-29 yards
Dion Morton - 2-18 yards
Kevin McPeek - 1-18 yards
R.J. Sanders - 1-4 yards
SACKS
James Morehead - 0.5
Jesse Nading - 1.5
Ty Whittier - 1.0
Brian Abata - 1.0
