Colorado State University Athletics
Photo by: Javon Harris
Spring practice dates for CSU football announced
2/22/2018 12:42:00 PM | Football
Green & Gold spring game slated for April 21 at 12 p.m.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Colorado State football team will begin spring practice under fourth-year head coach Mike Bobo on Monday, March 19. The spring period will consist of 15 practices, concluding with the annual Green and Gold spring game at CSU Stadium on Saturday, April 21 at 12 p.m. MT. The game is free and open to the public, though practice sessions throughout the spring are not. More information for fans planning to attend the spring game will be provided later this spring.
Spring football returns to campus as the Rams will play their first Green and Gold game in the on-campus stadium, where the Rams set single-season records for total home attendance (192,369) and per game average (32,062) in last year's inaugural season.
Several standouts return from an offense that ranked 11th in the FBS, including running back Izzy Matthews, who is tied for fifth in program history in career rush TDs (26). Wide receiver Olabisi Johnson finished last year with 41 catches for 595 yards, including a team-high six receptions for 119 yards in the New Mexico Bowl against Marshall. It was his second consecutive strong bowl game, following his school-record 265 receiving yards in the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Sophomore Collin Hill returns at quarterback after redshirting in 2017. He started four games as a true freshman in 2016 and performed well before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Hill completed 58 percent of his passes (75-129) for 1,096 yards and eight touchdowns, with just two interceptions, prior to his injury.
The defense will be spearheaded by the return of the team's two top tacklers from 2017, linebacker Josh Watson and safety Jordan Fogal. Watson led the team with 109 tackles and was an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection. Fogal, who was playing in his first season at CSU after transferring from Utah, ranked second on the team with 71 tackles. Other significant contributors returning to the Rams defense will include linebacker Max McDonald (fourth in tackles), cornerback Anthony Hawkins (team-leading three interceptions) and linebacker Emmanuel Jones (returning leader in tackles for loss).
The returning defensive talent will be led by new coordinator John Jancek, who brings 10 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the FBS level, most recently a three-year stint at Tennessee. Four other new assistant coaches join Jancek on that side of the ball, including special teams coordinator and linebackers coach Chase Gibson. Dave Johnson was also added to the staff to be the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. The six new full-time assistant coaches boast over 100 years of combined experience on Division I coaching staffs.
Season tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now. Fans may renew their season tickets or establish new accounts by calling the Rams Sales Team at 800-491-RAMS or visiting CSURams.com/tickets. The renewal period ends March 1 for existing season ticket holders who wish to retain or improve their seat locations from last year. The exciting 2018 home schedule features four Mountain West clashes and a visit from SEC opponent Arkansas. Season ticket packages also include the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver against Colorado.
CSURams.com will deliver fans daily updates with in-depth coverage of spring ball, and fans can always follow the program daily via Twitter (@CSUFootball) and Instagram (CSURamsFB).
Full Spring Practice Schedule:
March: 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
April: 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20
Green & Gold Spring Game: April 21, 12 p.m. MT
Spring football returns to campus as the Rams will play their first Green and Gold game in the on-campus stadium, where the Rams set single-season records for total home attendance (192,369) and per game average (32,062) in last year's inaugural season.
Several standouts return from an offense that ranked 11th in the FBS, including running back Izzy Matthews, who is tied for fifth in program history in career rush TDs (26). Wide receiver Olabisi Johnson finished last year with 41 catches for 595 yards, including a team-high six receptions for 119 yards in the New Mexico Bowl against Marshall. It was his second consecutive strong bowl game, following his school-record 265 receiving yards in the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Sophomore Collin Hill returns at quarterback after redshirting in 2017. He started four games as a true freshman in 2016 and performed well before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Hill completed 58 percent of his passes (75-129) for 1,096 yards and eight touchdowns, with just two interceptions, prior to his injury.
The defense will be spearheaded by the return of the team's two top tacklers from 2017, linebacker Josh Watson and safety Jordan Fogal. Watson led the team with 109 tackles and was an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection. Fogal, who was playing in his first season at CSU after transferring from Utah, ranked second on the team with 71 tackles. Other significant contributors returning to the Rams defense will include linebacker Max McDonald (fourth in tackles), cornerback Anthony Hawkins (team-leading three interceptions) and linebacker Emmanuel Jones (returning leader in tackles for loss).
The returning defensive talent will be led by new coordinator John Jancek, who brings 10 years of experience as a defensive coordinator at the FBS level, most recently a three-year stint at Tennessee. Four other new assistant coaches join Jancek on that side of the ball, including special teams coordinator and linebackers coach Chase Gibson. Dave Johnson was also added to the staff to be the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. The six new full-time assistant coaches boast over 100 years of combined experience on Division I coaching staffs.
Season tickets for the 2018 season are on sale now. Fans may renew their season tickets or establish new accounts by calling the Rams Sales Team at 800-491-RAMS or visiting CSURams.com/tickets. The renewal period ends March 1 for existing season ticket holders who wish to retain or improve their seat locations from last year. The exciting 2018 home schedule features four Mountain West clashes and a visit from SEC opponent Arkansas. Season ticket packages also include the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver against Colorado.
CSURams.com will deliver fans daily updates with in-depth coverage of spring ball, and fans can always follow the program daily via Twitter (@CSUFootball) and Instagram (CSURamsFB).
Full Spring Practice Schedule:
March: 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
April: 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20
Green & Gold Spring Game: April 21, 12 p.m. MT
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