Colorado State University Athletics
Spring Notebook: Rams move indoors due to rain
3/28/2017 12:00:00 AM | Football
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Colorado State began Week 2 of spring football practice on Tuesday afternoon, being forced indoors due to rain. The venue change didn’t alter much of practice, however, with the coaching staff still able to get in most of the work they were expecting to perform.
CSU had 27 players make their CSU debuts in 2016, plus 22 players making their first career starts. Both figures ranked among the top 10 in the country, and head coach Mike Bobo is beginning to see the payoff.
Following Tuesday’s practice – now more than one-fourth of the way through spring camp – Bobo singled out several freshmen from 2016 who are taking the next steps heading into their sophomore campaigns. Among those noted were defensive back Jamal Hicks and defensive lineman Toby McBride. As true freshmen in 2016, Hicks had 16 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception while starting five games. McBride, a product of nearby Fort Morgan High School, had 32 tackles and 4.0 sacks. The 32 tackles were the most by a CSU true freshman in six seasons.
I see a guy who understands how Coach (Marty) English and Coach (Jamie) Bryant want him to practice,” Bobo said of Hicks. “I see a guy who has gotten better in the first four days of practice. Toby, he’s now emerging as the tough, blue-collar player that we thought he could be, but he’s also a leader.”
While Hicks and McBride were mainstays among the Rams’ defense, another 2016 signee who is showing promise is linebacker Hunter Donnelly, who redshirted last fall as a true freshman.
“I was very impressed with Hunter the first three days,” Bobo said. “I saw a guy who would strike, I saw a guy who would use his hands, I saw a guy who would run to the football, and that’s what you want to see. You see those things and we’ll find a place for you to play.”
Last fall was an indication that Bobo isn’t afraid to play young players, especially on special teams or if they prove they are capable of taking over key roles.
“A big part of our special teams will be the freshmen that we signed (in February).” Bobo said. “Quite frankly, I don’t believe in redshirting. I think you ought to play them. We’re going to play guys early.”
Scrimmage Nearing: CSU will again practice on Thursday before holding its first of three scrimmages on Saturday. The Rams will also scrimmage on Saturday, April 8 and Saturday, April 22 – the latter of which is the Green & Gold Spring Game open to fans.
Homecoming Set: Colorado State announced its 2017 Homecoming & Family Weekend dates on Tuesday. A major part of the weekend is the Rams’ football game, which will be held Oct. 14 vs. Nevada. Additionally, CSU announced its full slate of theme games, including Ag Day/Orange Out (Sept. 9). For complete information, click here.
Johnson Returns: Junior wide receiver Olabisi Johnson, who set a school receiving record (265 yards) in the Potato Bowl vs. Idaho in December, returned to practice after missing Saturday due to sickness. Unable to participate on Tuesday were Dalton Fackrell, Shun Johnson and Izzy Matthews – who each suffered injuries on Saturday.
Spring practice 4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/v9bfaYjReU
— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) March 28, 2017
