Colorado State University Athletics
CSU Fall Camp Notebook: Day 4
8/7/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 7, 2016
The sun was shining Sunday morning in Fort Collins, allowing Colorado State to practice in a little more adverse conditions for the first time of fall training camp. Head coach Mike Bobo noted that the heat is a good thing for his team, and that it allows them to be tested more and prepared for gameday.
“You like it when the sun comes out and you have a little adversity and they’re tired,” Bobo said. “You have to know what it feels like and realize that we can push through.”
The Rams weren’t as crisp Sunday as they had been the first three days, with Bobo stating he felt there was some mental fatigue. But he again added that that is part of the early stages of fall camp.
“There were a few mistakes today,” he said. “I thought it was more mental fatigue than anything else. They got tired a little bit.”
Bobo also added that while “we kind of gave in a little bit during the middle of practice” the team fought through and finished strong. He also noted that he’s been pleased with players knowing the playbook and what to do, as well as the defensive shift to a 3-4 base.
Part of that defensive alignment will be Justin Nunez, who has made the switch from offensive lineman to nose tackle.
“I really believe Justin could be a very good offensive lineman but he has the chance to be a good defensive lineman, too, and that’s a credit to what type of athlete he is,” Bobo said. “He’s learning what to do – working with the 1s and 2s – and he’ll play for us this year.”
On the offensive side of the line, Bobo sees that position as a strength.
“Linemen are pretty much in full pads every day, whether the rest of the team is or not,” Bobo said. “They’re going and practicing extremely fast and physical. I see a group that can be the strength of our football team.”
CSU returns starters Jake Bennett (center), Nick Callender (left tackle), Zack Golditch (left guard) and Fred Zerblis (right guard), but also adds several additional players, including Nicho Garcia, Jeff Taylor and Nebraska transfer Paul Thurston, who is competing for a starting role.
“Paul is a big guy who is athletic and smart,” Bobo said. “He’s already picked up what we’re doing. He moved into the 1s today and can play left guard and center, and could even play tackle in a pinch. He’s a very good athlete, he’s smart and he practices the way we like guys to practice. I’m pleased with Paul.”
CSU’s offense averaged 417.0 yard per game in 2015 (third in the Mountain West) and in great part because of the offensive line was among the nation’s leaders for tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game; 11th), sacks allowed (1.17 per game; 22nd), third-down conversions (46.0 percent, 20th), fourth-down conversions (58.8 percent, 36th), first downs (23.15 per game, 33rd) and red-zone offense (87 percent, 44th).
The Rams return to the practice field Monday morning for their fifth practice of fall camp, and their first in full pads. NCAA rules require teams to be in shorts the first two practices and shells (shoulder pads) the next two before adding its full attire.
“I believe Jordon Vaden can be a very good player with us,” Bobo said. “He looks more comfortable and is trusting his techniques. I see a guy who is getting better.”
Like he mentioned following the spring game, Bobo isn’t against also using Vaden at wide receiver at times, stating it’s a “good possibility.”
Increased reps: With the Rams looking to fill several holes on both sides of the ball, and a large recruiting class coming in and learning the ropes, Bobo wants to make sure each player gets plenty of opportunities to learn his position and showcase his talents.
“Repetitions are key,” he said. “Instead of running 16 plays you’re running 32 so everybody gets reps. You don’t learn by watching, you learn by doing. Everybody who is out there is getting reps.”
The sun was shining Sunday morning in Fort Collins, allowing Colorado State to practice in a little more adverse conditions for the first time of fall training camp. Head coach Mike Bobo noted that the heat is a good thing for his team, and that it allows them to be tested more and prepared for gameday.
“You like it when the sun comes out and you have a little adversity and they’re tired,” Bobo said. “You have to know what it feels like and realize that we can push through.”
The Rams weren’t as crisp Sunday as they had been the first three days, with Bobo stating he felt there was some mental fatigue. But he again added that that is part of the early stages of fall camp.
“There were a few mistakes today,” he said. “I thought it was more mental fatigue than anything else. They got tired a little bit.”
Bobo also added that while “we kind of gave in a little bit during the middle of practice” the team fought through and finished strong. He also noted that he’s been pleased with players knowing the playbook and what to do, as well as the defensive shift to a 3-4 base.
Part of that defensive alignment will be Justin Nunez, who has made the switch from offensive lineman to nose tackle.
“I really believe Justin could be a very good offensive lineman but he has the chance to be a good defensive lineman, too, and that’s a credit to what type of athlete he is,” Bobo said. “He’s learning what to do – working with the 1s and 2s – and he’ll play for us this year.”
On the offensive side of the line, Bobo sees that position as a strength.
“Linemen are pretty much in full pads every day, whether the rest of the team is or not,” Bobo said. “They’re going and practicing extremely fast and physical. I see a group that can be the strength of our football team.”
CSU returns starters Jake Bennett (center), Nick Callender (left tackle), Zack Golditch (left guard) and Fred Zerblis (right guard), but also adds several additional players, including Nicho Garcia, Jeff Taylor and Nebraska transfer Paul Thurston, who is competing for a starting role.
“Paul is a big guy who is athletic and smart,” Bobo said. “He’s already picked up what we’re doing. He moved into the 1s today and can play left guard and center, and could even play tackle in a pinch. He’s a very good athlete, he’s smart and he practices the way we like guys to practice. I’m pleased with Paul.”
CSU’s offense averaged 417.0 yard per game in 2015 (third in the Mountain West) and in great part because of the offensive line was among the nation’s leaders for tackles for loss allowed (4.62 per game; 11th), sacks allowed (1.17 per game; 22nd), third-down conversions (46.0 percent, 20th), fourth-down conversions (58.8 percent, 36th), first downs (23.15 per game, 33rd) and red-zone offense (87 percent, 44th).
The Rams return to the practice field Monday morning for their fifth practice of fall camp, and their first in full pads. NCAA rules require teams to be in shorts the first two practices and shells (shoulder pads) the next two before adding its full attire.
Vaden becoming more comfortable: Senior Jordon Vaden moved from wide receiver to cornerback during spring ball, and the trial went well enough to keep Vaden on the defensive side of the ball entering fall camp. The speedy player is still impressing, running with the 1s.Just your casual backflip to begin Sunday morning football practice. No big deal. pic.twitter.com/b8cFY7vTOo
— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) August 7, 2016
“I believe Jordon Vaden can be a very good player with us,” Bobo said. “He looks more comfortable and is trusting his techniques. I see a guy who is getting better.”
Like he mentioned following the spring game, Bobo isn’t against also using Vaden at wide receiver at times, stating it’s a “good possibility.”
Increased reps: With the Rams looking to fill several holes on both sides of the ball, and a large recruiting class coming in and learning the ropes, Bobo wants to make sure each player gets plenty of opportunities to learn his position and showcase his talents.
“Repetitions are key,” he said. “Instead of running 16 plays you’re running 32 so everybody gets reps. You don’t learn by watching, you learn by doing. Everybody who is out there is getting reps.”
Thursday, May 14
Monday, May 11
Friday, May 08
Tuesday, April 28