Colorado State University Athletics
Rams begin preparations for first scrimmage on Sunday
4/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 1, 2014
Photo Gallery (Don Reichert)
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Colorado State football team is one third of the way through Spring Football, and is now focused on preparing for Sunday’s scrimmage.
In his third season, Head Coach Jim McElwain has seen dramatic improvement this year in comparison to past springs. Since the Rams are ahead of schedule through five practices the coaching staff is able to work in actual situations, which usually doesn’t come until later in spring.
On Tuesday, McElwain saw a lot of learning on both sides of the ball and was complimentary of both units.
“Today’s situational stuff was really good,” McElwain said. “I thought the offense took advantage of some sudden change in the red area and was able to work some high-mid and low-red. And then the defense had to prevent a field goal at the end and I thought they stepped up.
Defensive linemen Austin Berk and Josh Lovingood were cleared for full contact and began to work themselves into the rotation on Tuesday. The defensive line is a position where McElwain feels good from a depth standpoint.
“I really like where LaRyan (King), Terry (Jackson) and Joe Kawulok are. It was great to see Josh Lovingood actually take some reps today. He’s a guy that started for us as a true freshman against Alabama before he got hurt. Austin Berk was able to take reps today. From a depth standpoint, I feel good. Johnny Schupp is showing up every single day, and at that nose spot, Justin Hansen, who we moved over from the o-line a year ago, has really done a good job, especially when we are in some odd stuff.”
The Rams will return to the practice field south of Moby Arena on Thursday afternoon as they continue to prepare for Sunday’s closed scrimmage. CSURams.com will provide a post-scrimmage recap and statistics on Sunday.
Spring Camp Notebook
Get To Know: Throughout Spring Football CSURams.com will feature a series of short videos that will give fans the chance to learn more about their favorite athletes.
O-Line Update: McElwain has been vocal about who he feels can start at offensive line for the Rams, but there is a battle for the starting center spot. The coaching staff feels they have three centers starting on the o-line in freshman Jake Bennett, redshirt sophomore Fred Zerblis and senior Mason Myers. However, redshirt sophomore Tomas Rivera has stepped up his play this spring.
“We’ve got some other guys in there battling,” McElwain said. “Tomas Rivera has really stepped up and done some good things and really pushing for one of those guard spots. That has been good to see.”
Ladies Huddle: Tomorrow, McElwain and his coaching staff will be hosting Colorado State's annual Ladies Huddle. The event will be a little different than in years past. Attendees are encouraged to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing because they will be participating in drills similar to what the Rams do in practice.
The 2014 Ladies Huddle begins at 5 p.m. and will wrap up between 8:30-9.
Watch The Rams: Fans in the Denver area will be able to get their first look at the 2014 Rams on Saturday, April 12 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. At around 11 a.m. the Rams will begin warming up and will participate in a scrimmage. This will be held in place of the Infinity Park practice.
A week later on Saturday, April 19 CSU will play its annual Green and Gold Game at Hughes Stadium. That will also begin around 11 a.m. Fans who can’t make it out to Hughes for the spring game can catch all the action on CSURams.com as CSU will offer a free live stream.
