Colorado State University Athletics
Rams practice in IPF for first time in spring
4/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 3, 2014
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Keeping on Head Coach Jim McElwain’s Spring Football schedule, the Rams practiced in the indoor practice facility on Thursday afternoon.
“We had planned by practice six to get the guys indoors,” McElwain said. “I thought they transitioned really well. We are getting a little thin on the offensive line right now, and we had a couple guys that had to take the day off (Sam Carlson and Mason Hathaway). They’ll be back. We thought it would be better to get them prepared to have a good scrimmage on Sunday. It was red-area day, so it’s easy to do red-area in here.”
McElwain continues to speak highly of his third spring camp and has said this is obviously the best set of spring practices that he has had since coming to Colorado State. On Thursday, McElwain continued to rave about his team.
“This group of guys, the way they were attacking what we did in ‘Ram U’ and then carry over and the transition into spring practice and how they get to their spots, how they know how to practice and what is expected to help each other get better. I like these guys,” McElwain said.
The Rams will conduct their first scrimmage of spring on Sunday morning. The CSU coaching staff likes to usually run 125-129 plays but due to injuries on the o-line they will only get in 110-117 plays.
“I think we need to cut it back,” McElwain said. “It’ll be very situation-oriented. The guys will understand where the sticks are and understand where they’re at on the field.”
On Sunday, CSU’s first live session of spring, the Rams defense will be without defensive linemen Austin Berk and Josh Lovingood, who are slowly being worked back into the rotation.
“They’ve been able to do all the indivudal work, all pod work, and everything half line,” McElwain said. “We were able to get them in some team run situations. That is one of those deals that I’m glad to see them out there and taking those reps. I’m surprised at the carry over actually. I think Josh Lovingood did some good things.”
The Rams have one more practice on Saturday morning on the practice fields south of Moby Arena before Sunday’s scrimmage.
Spring Camp Notebook:
Change of Dates: Colorado State's 2014 football season-opening game against the University of Colorado has been moved up one day to Friday, Aug. 29, to accommodate a national television audience. CU and the Pacific-12 Conference made the announcement Thursday.
“I think it is an outstanding way to kick off a holiday weekend,” McElwain said. “We do a game there and people can catch that on Friday, I think that’s exciting, and still have the full weekend to get out and enjoy the great things there are in Colorado. For both teams with big games the next week, travel games, it gives you an extra day of prep. I think there are a lot of positives in it.”
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.
Orange Out and Homecoming: Also on Thursday Colorado State announced the dates of two very important traditions surrounding home football games on the 2014 schedule, including the 100th renewal of Homecoming and Family Weekend.
The annual Ag Day tradition and Orange Out game will take place at Colorado State's Oct. 4 home game vs. Tulsa. The event honors Colorado State's Aggie heritage, and the team will don special orange jerseys for the occasion. At the Rams' Oct. 18 home game versus Utah State the school will hold its annual homecoming festivities, as the centerpiece of Homecoming and Family Weekend, scheduled for Oct. 16-19.
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.
