Colorado State University Athletics
Rams go 34 plays in `futures' scrimmage
11/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 13, 2009
By Zak Gilbert
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - True freshmen Chris Nwoke and Nico Ranieri led the CSU offense to a 30-26 victory over the Rams' defense in a futures scrimmage Friday afternoon inside the program's new $13 million indoor practice facility.
Nwoke, a 6-foot, 208-pound running back out of Highlands Ranch, Colo., put the contest away with a 9-yard run on the last of the day's 34 snaps. The carry gave the offense the points it needed in a highly competitive scrimmage, in which coaches considered the first unit to 30 points victorious. The customized scoring system, used in at least half of all CSU practices, awards points based on team accomplishments, such as big gains on offense, and takeaways on defense.
The scrimmage highlighted a surprisingly spirited series of practices during CSU's bye week. Before giving the team a weekend off, Head Coach Steve Fairchild wanted to get a good look at his future talent by putting his younger players through a 20-minute live scrimmage.
The powerful Nwoke (pronounced WOH-kay), from ThunderRidge High School, had 14 carries for 84 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown off left tackle, complete with a nice move to get him into the open field. Fellow Denver-area product Jonathan Gaye, from Mullen High School, also had a 35-yard score. All snaps during the scrimmage were from the defense's 35-yard line.
Ranieri, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound quarterback from Orlando, Fla., started the scrimmage with center exchange issues, fumbling each of the first two snaps. True freshman cornerback Dru Taylor recovered one of the fumbles, helping the defense seize early momentum and build a formidable lead. Defensive tackle Te'Jay Brown, another player from Florida, had 1½ tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in the first half of the scrimmage.
But Ranieri settled down in time to lead a comeback, hitting 6-of-7 passes for 71 yards on the afternoon, including a 35-yard strike to redshirt freshman Marquise Law, another Florida player, between two defenders in the corner of the end zone.
The other quarterback in the scrimmage, Kansas State transfer M.J. McPeek, also enjoyed a solid day. A 6-foot-4, 220-pound walk-on from Aurora, Colo., he was 3-of-5 for 74 yards with a pair of touchdowns, a 35-yarder to another talented walk-on, Chris Robinson, and a 35-yard screen to UCLA transfer Raymond Carter.
Carter, the nation's No. 3-ranked back out of high school who joined the Rams over the summer, made a highlight-reel move to break away on the touchdown. He figures to play a big role in the Rams' offense, along with Nwoke, once he becomes eligible in 2010.
The Rams return to practice Monday afternoon in preparation for their final two contests, beginning Nov. 21 at New Mexico.
CSU closes the regular season with the annual Border War and battle for the Bronze Boot, against Wyoming on the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27. Good seats are still available. For tickets, fans can call 1-800/491-RAMS or visit CSURAMS.com, and take advantage of the print-at-home feature.
