Colorado State University Athletics
CSU Fall Camp Notebook: Day 6
8/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Tuesday marked Colorado State’s second practice in full pads, and after a disappointing performance Monday, head coach Mike Bobo was much more impressed with his team’s performance on Tuesday.
“I thought it was a good day,” Bobo said. “The message after practice was, ‘Thank you.’ They came out and practiced like Rams football players should. It wasn’t perfect, but we went to work, and that’s what I wanted.”
Tuesday also marks CSU’s first two-a-day. The team, which reported a week ago Wednesday, will hold 19 practices leading up to its second scrimmage on Aug. 20. The Rams’ Tuesday evening practice will take place inside the team’s Indoor Practice Facility.
Among the areas talked about on Tuesday were quarterbacks, running backs and special teams.
Bobo on the quarterback competition: “You grade them every day, critique them every day, talk to them all the time. Right now it’s a three-man race. The first big test will be the scrimmage on Thursday. We’ll see who can go out there and execute. It’s not just about completing passes but running the offense.”
Bobo on junior RB Dalyn Dawkins: “He works extremely hard every day. Does Dalyn Dawkins love football? There’s zero doubt in my mind; I would take 100 (of) Dalyn Dawkins. Everything that kid does is exceptional, especially his effort and how he approaches practice.”
Bobo noted that Dawkins has never been shy to take a hit and that he’s been working extremely hard on ball security. Aside from Dawkins, the running back position can be a strength for the Rams, as they also add sophomore Izzy Matthews, who rushed for 590 yards as a third-string freshman, despite seeing limited time during the first half to the season. Additionally, Bobo has been impressed with several of the newcomers, including Darius May and Marvin Kinsey, Jr.
“Darius, I’ve been really impressed with him. He’s very attention to detail. I probably see him coming in to Coach (Bryan) Applewhite’s office more than anybody I’ve ever seen, other than a quarterback, trying to watch himself, trying to watch film. Marvin Kinsey’s had two pretty good days. He has some explosive play-making ability too.”
Bobo on special teams: “We have to create field position and create explosive plays. We obviously have a weapon in our punter, and I like the way our kickers are kicking the ball. We have some athletic young guys that you should see on special teams.”
Media Day Wednesday: Seniors Kevin Davis and Nolan Peralta joined Bobo in Las Vegas in late July for the Mountain West Football Media Days. On Wednesday, however, even more players will partake in CSU’s on-campus media day, which can be streamed live at CSURams.com/videos. Taking part in the event will be Bobo, defensive coordinator Marty English, offensive coordinator Will Friend and 10 players: QB Faton Bauta, C Jake Bennett, LB Kevin Davis, RB Dalyn Dawkins, P Hayden Hunt, TE Nolan Peralta, S Jake Schlager, CB Tyree Simmons, QB Nick Stevens and LG Fred Zerblis.
Scrimmage nearing: Thursday marks one full week into fall training camp, and will also be the Rams’ first scrimmage. The competition will include a predetermined number of plays and will allow players fighting for positions a better chance to showcase their talents.
