Colorado State University Athletics
Photo by: Quinn Baur
Inside Spring Football: Work
2/26/2019 6:30:00 PM | Football
FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Tuesday the Rams got back to work with their first on-field practice since Saturday's first scrimmage of spring ball. A dry, calm day, warmer than recent days, gave the team an ideal opportunity to take to the field the areas they needed to correct after film study of the scrimmage. The second scrimmage of spring ball is scheduled for this Saturday, March 2.
One area where the team is seeking to reestablish what has traditionally been a strength on the offensive side of the ball is the offensive line. Coach Bobo provided an update on what he has seen from that unit over the first seven practices while the team works different groups of players together to find the best five.
"I think it's trying some different combinations, and we feel like with the 'ones' right now, the five that you see out there are T.J. (Storment), Joctavis Phillips, Barry (Wesley), Ches Jackson and Keith Williams," Bobo said. "And Scott Brooks has rolled in there some. I feel like those six right now."
With eight more spring practices, there is plenty of opportunity for players to move up, and the key to competing for one of those coveted spots is not a mystery, according to Bobo.
"I've seen some things from some other guys, but they still have a ways to go," Bobo said. "They just have to keep hammering every day and working down there in their area, and get after it and work on fundamentals."
Wesley has been working at center this spring after the graduation of 12-game starter Colby Meeks, but his versatility could still come in handy if he is needed to move back to tackle, which he played most of 2018, or at guard, where he also made starts.
"Barry's a guy who's going to work his tail off and do what his coach asks of him," Bobo said. "I think he'll be fine there. The bottom line is we have to find the best five. Barry might still have to play tackle and we might have to move someone in there at center. If we were starting today, Scott Brooks would be at center and Barry would be one of the tackles."
IN THE TRENCHES WITH COACH GILMORE: Speaking for the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Rams' second-year defensive line coach, Keith Gilmore, met the media after practice Tuesday for the first time this spring.
"I think we've made some strides since last season," Gilmore said. "Guys have had a good offseason, they've been working hard, and just their understanding of what we are trying to accomplish (is better). We're doing more than just running plays, we're starting to understand. That's the best thing that's happening right now.
Gilmore also provided insight on the benefits of having spring ball earlier this year, and having a longer strength training cycle in the spring and summer, especially at his position.
"I definitely see it as a bonus, especially for guys like Rushton Roberts, some of the young guys," Gilmore said. "We've got some pretty decent strength with Emmanuel (Jones) and (Ellison) Hubbard and those guys; they're pretty strong at this point, but I think it pushes things up to get you a little bit more work in the weight room, a little bit more explosiveness. And if you do have some injuries, it gives you time to heal and recover."
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS UNDERWAY: Season tickets renewals for the Rams' 2019 season began in January and will continue through March 29. New season ticket commitments also are being accepted by contacting the Rams Sales Team at 800-491-RAMS (7267) or visiting CSURams.com/tickets. Current season ticket holders may renew their same seating location from the previous season by contacting their Ram Sales Team representative or by logging into their online account by clicking here. Season ticket holders also may request upgrades to their seating location when they renew online or over the phone. The seating upgrade process will take place in late April after the March 29 season ticket renewal deadline.
GET TO KNOW DEQUAN JACKSON
Jr. | Jacksonville, Fla. | Robert E. Lee HS | LB
On what movies he has seen recently...
I like The Upside, that's a good movie I've seen recently.
On what superpower he would choose…
I would heal sickness. I've lost a couple family members to illness, so I would probably cure all sickness.
On what he wants to do with his degree…
I'm thinking about majoring in criminal justice. I want to work with kids who are at risk of going through the system, or post, coming out of a juvenile system, and just trying to get them back into society.
On something not a lot of people would know about him…
A lot of people in Fort Collins, I don't think they know I lost my brother. It's one of the main reasons I play football and why I chose the number 5 here.
On the most challenging class he's taken at CSU, and what made it challenging…
The math I took last semester. I think it was just harder because the pacing is different than I'm used to. The tutors at the Academic Center helped me stay on track.
On his favorite football memory…
At the Florida game (last year), I made a tackle at the line for a loss right in front of my family. I'll never forget that.
On his favorite social media site…
I think I'm a fan of Instagram. A lot of my friends are on Instagram. Twitter is my second, but it's more football or college related.
On his favorite food…
My favorite food would probably be steak now. I didn't eat a lot as a kid, but ever since I got here I've had a lot steak, and I think I'm a big fan now.
On whether he prefers mountains or beaches…
Beaches. Beaches all the way, man.
On how he would describe his mentality when he's on the football field…
I've still got to develop my football IQ, but I think I'm savvy. I'm able to move around and think at the same time.
On the number one song on his playlist right now…
Kodak Black- Testimony
On what restaurant he likes most in Fort Collins…
I would have to say Austin's. I haven't gotten out a lot but I've gone there the couple times I have. It's pretty good. They got some steak in there but I had meatloaf.
On whether he has any special talent?
I would say public speaking. In a lot of my classes most freshmen come in and fear public speaking.
One area where the team is seeking to reestablish what has traditionally been a strength on the offensive side of the ball is the offensive line. Coach Bobo provided an update on what he has seen from that unit over the first seven practices while the team works different groups of players together to find the best five.
"I think it's trying some different combinations, and we feel like with the 'ones' right now, the five that you see out there are T.J. (Storment), Joctavis Phillips, Barry (Wesley), Ches Jackson and Keith Williams," Bobo said. "And Scott Brooks has rolled in there some. I feel like those six right now."
With eight more spring practices, there is plenty of opportunity for players to move up, and the key to competing for one of those coveted spots is not a mystery, according to Bobo.
"I've seen some things from some other guys, but they still have a ways to go," Bobo said. "They just have to keep hammering every day and working down there in their area, and get after it and work on fundamentals."
Wesley has been working at center this spring after the graduation of 12-game starter Colby Meeks, but his versatility could still come in handy if he is needed to move back to tackle, which he played most of 2018, or at guard, where he also made starts.
"Barry's a guy who's going to work his tail off and do what his coach asks of him," Bobo said. "I think he'll be fine there. The bottom line is we have to find the best five. Barry might still have to play tackle and we might have to move someone in there at center. If we were starting today, Scott Brooks would be at center and Barry would be one of the tackles."
On the schedule this week: Work.#EDGE pic.twitter.com/RI6POanURL
— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) February 26, 2019
IN THE TRENCHES WITH COACH GILMORE: Speaking for the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Rams' second-year defensive line coach, Keith Gilmore, met the media after practice Tuesday for the first time this spring.
"I think we've made some strides since last season," Gilmore said. "Guys have had a good offseason, they've been working hard, and just their understanding of what we are trying to accomplish (is better). We're doing more than just running plays, we're starting to understand. That's the best thing that's happening right now.
Gilmore also provided insight on the benefits of having spring ball earlier this year, and having a longer strength training cycle in the spring and summer, especially at his position.
"I definitely see it as a bonus, especially for guys like Rushton Roberts, some of the young guys," Gilmore said. "We've got some pretty decent strength with Emmanuel (Jones) and (Ellison) Hubbard and those guys; they're pretty strong at this point, but I think it pushes things up to get you a little bit more work in the weight room, a little bit more explosiveness. And if you do have some injuries, it gives you time to heal and recover."
Hey #CSURams, @barry_jwesley just got done with practice and has an update for you!#EDGE pic.twitter.com/GuhdA4HpGg
— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) February 27, 2019
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS UNDERWAY: Season tickets renewals for the Rams' 2019 season began in January and will continue through March 29. New season ticket commitments also are being accepted by contacting the Rams Sales Team at 800-491-RAMS (7267) or visiting CSURams.com/tickets. Current season ticket holders may renew their same seating location from the previous season by contacting their Ram Sales Team representative or by logging into their online account by clicking here. Season ticket holders also may request upgrades to their seating location when they renew online or over the phone. The seating upgrade process will take place in late April after the March 29 season ticket renewal deadline.
GET TO KNOW DEQUAN JACKSON
Jr. | Jacksonville, Fla. | Robert E. Lee HS | LB
On what movies he has seen recently...I like The Upside, that's a good movie I've seen recently.
On what superpower he would choose…
I would heal sickness. I've lost a couple family members to illness, so I would probably cure all sickness.
On what he wants to do with his degree…
I'm thinking about majoring in criminal justice. I want to work with kids who are at risk of going through the system, or post, coming out of a juvenile system, and just trying to get them back into society.
On something not a lot of people would know about him…
A lot of people in Fort Collins, I don't think they know I lost my brother. It's one of the main reasons I play football and why I chose the number 5 here.
On the most challenging class he's taken at CSU, and what made it challenging…
The math I took last semester. I think it was just harder because the pacing is different than I'm used to. The tutors at the Academic Center helped me stay on track.
On his favorite football memory…
At the Florida game (last year), I made a tackle at the line for a loss right in front of my family. I'll never forget that.
On his favorite social media site…
I think I'm a fan of Instagram. A lot of my friends are on Instagram. Twitter is my second, but it's more football or college related.
On his favorite food…
My favorite food would probably be steak now. I didn't eat a lot as a kid, but ever since I got here I've had a lot steak, and I think I'm a big fan now.
On whether he prefers mountains or beaches…
Beaches. Beaches all the way, man.
On how he would describe his mentality when he's on the football field…
I've still got to develop my football IQ, but I think I'm savvy. I'm able to move around and think at the same time.
On the number one song on his playlist right now…
Kodak Black- Testimony
On what restaurant he likes most in Fort Collins…
I would have to say Austin's. I haven't gotten out a lot but I've gone there the couple times I have. It's pretty good. They got some steak in there but I had meatloaf.
On whether he has any special talent?
I would say public speaking. In a lot of my classes most freshmen come in and fear public speaking.
Players Mentioned
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