Colorado State University Athletics
CSU Fall Camp Notebook: Day 7
8/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Midway through practice No. 8, the Rams were forced to move inside due to lightning in the area. Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo liked the way his team adapted, moving from the outdoor practice field to the team’s Indoor Practice Facility seamlessly.
“We didn’t wait around,” Bobo said. “We came in here and started right where we left off. Where I just came from, we would have gone inside and waited around until it cleared, so it’s nice to come in and get it done and finish on time.”
Despite moving indoors, the team was still able to complete the entire scheduled practice.
“We did everything,” Bobo said. “We didn’t skip a rep or change a period. We really finished a couple minutes early because we’re no-huddle, so guys still got the amount of reps that we thought they were going to get today.”
Bobo could tell the team was coming off a double practice the day before, saying there was some soreness, but was once again encouraged by the team’s effort and performance.
One position that particularly stood out was the linebackers.
“I believe we’ve got some size and some athletic ability; the experience is the thing,” Bobo said. “Cory James is playing Mike, which he’s never played, you’ve got Kiel (Robinson) and Kevin (Davis) – Kiel played a little bit last year and Kevin played special teams – they don’t have a lot of game reps. It’s very important that they lock in every day and get better every day.
“As far as athletic ability, I’m really impressed with the linebackers. Josh Watson is another guy who’s doing a really nice job. Demontrie Taylor, we moved to Sam, and he’s doing an outstanding job. These guys have talent, it’s just experience.”
The Rams will practice twice Friday before holding their first scrimmage Saturday at Hughes Stadium.
“I think we’re doing a nice job of understanding what’s going on,” Bobo said. “For the most part, guys are understanding what we’re doing, they’re understanding assignments. Now we have to get better at the little things – like executing an assignment, the fundamentals. We’re playing hard – there’s no doubt about that – and giving good effort, but we’ve still gotta do better fundamentally.”
Additional quotes:
(on special teams coordinator Jeff Hammerschmidt and their first meeting)
“I’m not a genius on the X’s and O’s of special teams, but when he would explain a drill, explain a protection, explain a scheme, and then he turned on the tape and his guys were executing the things he explained . . . Your players are a reflection of the coach, and they were executing what he was explaining in a great manner. I was impressed in the interview.”
“Since that time, he probably runs the best special teams meeting I’ve ever sat in and been a part of. Guys are organized, he does a great job, and if we’re going to be good we’re going to have to win some games on special teams."
(on the importance of special teams)
“It’s called special teams, so you’ve got to give a special effort. It’s a want and sacrifice for the team; you’ve got to, no matter the situation, be willing to suck it up. We’ve put a lot of time on special teams, and we make sure the first-teamers know that most are going to be on at least two special teams. Everybody’s gotta play special teams; we’re going to put our best players on the field, and guys are going to make a difference.”
“It’s hidden yardage, it’s subtle plays that can turn a game around, and that’s the difference between winning and losing.”
(on the chemistry of the defensive backs)
“I do see a chemistry. I didn’t get to see that during the spring because KPL (Kevin Pierre-Louis) had a hamstring (injury) and was out a little. The whole defense wasn’t really on the same page with a new defense, new terminology, new understanding. Those guys have done a nice job communicating; they’re constantly talking. From May through the summer, there was a steady stream of guys like Trent (Matthews) and KPL going in the GA’s office and getting information, wanting to watch more tape. They’re excited. There’s something about being a senior – their last year – and wanting to make it special. It’s on their watch, and they’re doing a nice job of making sure they’re prepared every day.
(on Tuesday’s night practice)
“I thought we practiced extremely hard. The third-down drill and one-minute drill, the defense did an outstanding job. Coach (Tyson) Summer’s message to the defense was that we’re going to have a bad play, we’re going to have a bad quarter, maybe, but we can’t have a bad game.
Injury update: Bobo was pleased to report that overall, the team has not been hampered by injuries. Offensive lineman Jordan Benson has been out with a sprained ankle and tight end Kivon Cartwright and safety Jake Schlager wore a red jersey for precautionary reasons on Wednesday, but both practiced. Wide receiver Jordon Vaden was out of the red top Wednesday for the first time.
“Overall we’re pretty healthy, just the usual camp soreness, groins, hamstrings . . . things like that,” Bobo said. “We’ve got to be careful about that. We cut practice about 20 minutes today, we’ll cut a little bit off of tomorrow to make sure that we’re ready to go on Saturday and have a good scrimmage.”
Rams at the Rockies on Saturday: CSU is taking over Coors Field on Saturday for Rams at the Rockies. More than 1,000 CSU fans have purchased tickets for the event, which features Bobo throwing out the first pitch and the entire football team being in attendance and signing autographs. Tickets may be purchased online using the promo code RAMS. More information can be found here.
“I told myself I was going to go somewhere this summer and practice, but I haven’t, so I’m going to just wing it,” Bobo said with a laugh.
