Colorado State University Athletics
Lubick Likes Rams' Leadership
8/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 6, 2006
While admitting that the success of his football team in 2006 will be based on plays made on the field, Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick said one other major factor will be team leadership.
Through four preseason practices, Lubick is more than happy with his team's veteran leadership.
"We've got enough guys who are doing it by their actions, by showing it," said Lubick. "I see bonding and togetherness. They really came together as a group back in January."
Lubick said leadership is being provided by key seniors, as well as several juniors. He alluded to wide receiver Dustin Osborn, offensive linemen Clint Oldenburg, Jerome Williams and Josh Day as providing veteran leadership.
Osborn is a three-year starter and a former walkon who has ranked among the team's leaders in receiving the past two seasons. Oldenburg and Day are both three-year starters, while Williams was a part-time starter and top backup last season.
But he also said top juniors are providing guidance for the team as well. Runningback Kyle Bell, quarterback Caleb Hanie, and defensive end Jesse Nading have shown leadership through the first four days of practice.
"Who wouldn't follow those guys?" he asked. "They are genuine. They do it with their actions. I really like our chemistry, but you still have to go out and play the game. The test is doing it in a game."
Bell led the Rams with 1,288 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns last season, ranking among the Mountain West Conference and national leaders. Hanie started five games as a true freshman in 2004 and was a steady backup last season. Nading led the team in quarterback sacks in 2005 and is a two-year starter.
Sunday, Lubick put his team through a two-hour morning workout in helmets and shoulder pads. The Rams will put on full pads for the first time at 9 a.m. Monday, the team's fifth workout of the preseason.
The Rams will then take Tuesday off, instead participating in media day activities at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium at 10 a.m. Then it's back to the field Wednesday for two workouts, scheduled for 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a single drill Thursday.
Lubick said putting on full gear for the first time won't alter he and his staff's practice approach.
"We've really been going at it pretty good already," Lubick said. "Putting on pads won't make a difference. We'll limit the contact, but we're getting what we need."
Lubick said on days the Rams have two practices scheduled, the team will wear full pads in the morning, then "shells" - helmets and shoulder pads - for the later session.
Lubick said he anticipates more contact either Wednesday or Thursday, and again on Saturday as the Rams continue preseason workouts.
A handful of players were held out of Sunday's workout with minor muscle pulls, including defensive end Wade Landers (right groin) and defensive tackle Matt Rupp (right hamstring). Both are day-to-day.
The Rams open the season Sept. 2, playing host to Weber State at 3 p.m. at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium.
The game marks the 25th anniversary of the school's annual Ag Day, celebrating the local, state and regional agricultural heritage.
Tickets are available online at CSURAMS.com
