Offensive Line Shows Growth With Moving Parts

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – For Mike Ciaffoni, the past two weeks have been a bit different, giving him a touch of an identity crisis. During the bye week, he went from banging heads with the offensive line to banging heads alongside of them.

"It's been crazy, just switching from offense to defense," he said. "It's been fun."

He goes from one established group at Colorado State to another which is trying to build the same type of reputation. Both the offensive and defensive fronts have the same goals, to be aggressive and move the pile, none of this standing-their-ground stuff.

The offensive group was trying to gain a cohesiveness as it went through a physical stretch of four weeks to start the season, and when the fifth week rolled around, they had a new member and a fresh configuration with the loss of starting guard Vincent Picozzi to a season-ending injury.

It meant Barry Wesley moved inside to guard, snapping a streak of eight straight games as a starting tackle, giving Keith Williams his first start of the season. The most encouraging sign was the Rams' improving run game didn't miss a beat, as backup running back A'Jon Vivens rushed for 114 yards and the team averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

"I'm fired up for those guys," line coach Louie Addazio said. "Guys stepped up, guys competed and that's what it's all about. We need guys to be able to play multiple positions, and our mantra last week was whatever it takes to win."

Wesley has played every position in a game in his career, and the former walk-on has started all 33 of his collegiate contests, so moving inside wasn't a big deal, but he did have to readjust a bit. He joked he forgot just how congested the game is inside after playing on an island for so long, but it came back to him after a few snaps.

It was the third time in four games the Rams rushed for more than 200 yards as a team and averaged better than 4.0 yards per carry. Those are all positive signs for an offense which wants to operate in a physical, run-first manner.

Having versatility is key, but having it all tied together is crucial.

"I think the one thing I've noticed since the start of the season is the chemistry is really starting to show right now," Wesley said. "We came out with a lot of juice, a lot of energy. I feel like a big part of that was the chemistry building from all those teams we played. Coach talked about I don't know when you're going to bear the fruit, but I felt it. I felt the energy on Saturday, I felt the way we were talking and communicating. Whatever I have to do to help it reach its full potential and stay at its full potential, I'm happy to do."

Ciaffoni has proved to be a quick study, because he played snaps on the offensive line in the game, the latest member of a growing group which is building layers. Head coach Steve Addazio noted Ches Jackson, Tautai Li'o Marks and Williams have all been getting game reps, adding to the overall depth.

What the younger Addazio has seen really gain steam within the ranks is the basis of what they always want to see from the offensive line play.

"Technique and fundamentals. What happens with speed of the game, it can shock you at times and you lose your technique and fundamentals, and I'm proud of the guys for staying within the framework of what we do and doing a good job of hatting them up and moving the downs," Louie said. "We're taking steps and we're building. That's our mindset every day. We're trying to win the line of scrimmage every rep, and it's still a work in progress and we've got a long way to go, but we're taking steps, and I'm fired up about that."

That's what Ciaffoni has noticed from his varied vantage points this season. With his switch, he's is a regular after practice working extra with the younger Addazio, and even other linemen are staying back and helping him with his footwork, his hand placement and stance.

The switch has been a whirlwind, but he's excited about his change of sides, having not played on the offensive line since his senior year in high school.

"It's knocking people back off the ball. I'm just trying to help the team anyway I can," he said. "I joined the group and I'm trying to keep pushing them forward. Me and Coach A, we've been grinding through, trying to get all of those habits back and get all the D-line out. It was great to play. It's completely different on the other side of the ball, but I still try to knock people off the ball. I feel like I did pretty well."

Wesley believes the physical nature of the first four weeks helped push along the group's development, but the Rams are all aware New Mexico's defensive scheme will be another big test for them, with the varied pressures and looks the Lobos will bring to the table. The younger Addazio is telling them it is the latest challenge, one which will highlight their willingness to stick to their fundamental teachings and not get carried out of place.

But tests are necessary to gauge growth, and recently, the offensive line has entered with pencils sharpened.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results