Colorado State University Athletics
CSU Fall Camp Notebook: Day 13
8/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Grant Larson
Athletics Communications
The Colorado State Rams held their 15th practice of fall camp on Wednesday morning at Hughes Stadium. The practice coincided with the inaugural Training Camp Live broadcast live from Hughes Stadium, which featured an inside look at CSU’s practice as well as exclusive interviews with head coach Mike Bobo, athletics director Joe Parker and others.
Also featured during the broadcast was the first look at the team’s brand new Under Armour jerseys for this upcoming season. The players were given the first look at the custom-made uniforms during team meetings on Tuesday night, and both the coaching staff and players were thrilled with how they turned out.
“I was excited that we got the deal, and then I was I was excited to get new uniforms and upgrade our helmets,” Bobo said on the new Under Armour look. “When I first got here I thought we looked a little sloppy, our uniforms didn’t fit right. Now I think we look great. I think we look good, we feel good. Now we have to play good. The players were excited. They liked the look and the combinations. I believe the players’ favorites were the green on green."
You saw them unveiled this morning. Now see our brand new @UnderArmour uniforms up close 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/akfGd3QtBZ pic.twitter.com/i2ejXuCGfm
— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) August 17, 2016
In addition to a new look, the updated uniforms were custom-made for CSU after several conversations with Under Armour executives, CSU equipment manager Kris Young and football strength coach Ryan Davis.
“It’s a custom fit,” Bobo said. “I think only five or six teams have this new material; it’s cutting edge and fits tight on the shoulder pads and is less likely for them to grab. It feels good, too. Hopefully we’ll be able to play a little faster in them.”
Following the uniform reveal to the team, wide receiver Robert Ruiz and defensive back Eric Williams, were surprised by the coaching staff with the announcement that they would be put on scholarship for the upcoming season. Defensive tackle Jakob Buys was previously informed on Monday night that he also would be put on scholarship.
“You want to reward guys who work hard and are going to play a role on your team,” Bobo said. “Those three, not only do they work hard, but they’re moving up on the depth chart and are continuing to improve.”
Scholarship players. pic.twitter.com/5GMouoB0XX
— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) August 17, 2016
Following practice, the Colorado State Marching Band came to Hughes to teach the fight song to all of the newcomers, a tradition that the staff feels further strengthens the relationship between the band and football team. Bobo and the players were extremely thankful for all of the work the band puts in, and expressed to them just how much of a difference it makes at the stadium on gamedays.
The Rams will not practice on Thursday, as it marks the official university move-in day for the incoming freshmen. Instead, the team will be scattered around campus assisting the first-year students move into their dorms and welcoming them to Colorado State University.
“All freshmen live on campus, and I think that’s very important that they’re part of the student body, because they are the student body,” Bobo said. “I really, really, really like the way this university treats its students; it’s student-friendly. Student-athletes are considered the student body, and being part of the student body includes moving into the dorms. Our guys are already in there, but I want those guys around the rest of the student body. One, it’s pride in the university and two, it’s getting around those students. Nolan Peralta or Kevin Davis or Dalyn Dawkins might meet one freshman, and that freshman might want to come to a football game because they met one of those kids.”
