Colorado State University Athletics
CSU football camp blog - Scrimmage 2/Practice 19
8/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 22, 2009
By Nick Frank
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - With only 15 days until the opener at CU, the Rams have been putting a lot of time into practice. Saturday, the team scrimmaged at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium for nearly three hours.
"That was goal No. 1 to get out and compete in this type of heat for the length of a game, which we haven't done so far," Head Coach Steve Fairchild said. "We were competing for 2 hours and 50 minutes into it on a hot day and we were getting after it there. I like that."
Along with a full officiating crew, the players were greeted with large cooling fans that provided relief from Saturday's heat. Trainers also made sure players had cold towels on their heads.
Quarterback Jon Eastman returned to practice, but only in limited action. With Eastman and freshman Nico Ranieri both dealing with injuries, Fairchild had T.J. Borcky take a few snaps at quarterback.
"Right now until we name a starter, he is an option," Fairchild said. "I am going to look at the tape. We will see where we stand next week. I am not ready to make that decision right now."
Big plays: During the live tackling portion of practice, running back Micheal Connor broke loose for a 46-yard run, gaining most of the yards after contact. The day's leading rusher, he had 65 yards on six attempts. Alex Square also found a hole in the defense, rolling for 25 yards on one of his carries. He finished with three carries for 29 yards.
Linebacker Alex Williams intercepted a tipped pass, only to have it nullified by an offsides penalty on the defense. Tanner Hedstrom also picked off a pass.
While helping with run support, safety Travis Ford impressed coaches and players with a big hit on a running back.
Back at practice: Defensive lineman Eugene Daniels was back at practice Saturday after being taken to the hospital for heat-related symptoms earlier in the week.
Returners: Lou Greenwood and Gerard Thomas were the two punt returners the Rams looked at Saturday. The kick returners were Raymond Carter, Vernon Scott and Greenwood.
