Monday Presser: Playing Better Has to Start in Practice

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Sep 20

7:30 PM

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vs UTSA

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5:30 PM

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7:00 PM

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FORT COLLINS – The answer was short and sweet.

No.

And that's a problem, because it was in reference to whether or not his team practices the way Jay Norvell desires.

"We really haven't. I think we have some great examples of that," Norvell said at his weekly press conference Monday. "I made a point about Tory (Horton) and Dallin (Holker) today in the meetings. Tory and Dallin played great because they practiced great. Sometimes it's hard for young kids to understand that, that the way they prepare, the way they watch film, the way they watch special teams film, the way they really focus in on the details and what it takes to play well, that's how they're going to perform on Saturdays."

Later on, Norvell would talk about how they expect practice to be harder than the game. If you learn what's coming, understand how to read it, the game slows down and seems easier. That's not happening thus far with his team, at least not top to bottom.

The top looks good. Norvell thinks Horton is one of the best practice players he's ever had, comparing him to former Nevada wideout Romeo Doubs. He said Horton learned from Doubs. They view practice like a game, and he's waiting for the trickle-down effect to start happening with this roster.

"I think we just need to lock in mentally more than physically," Nuer Gatkuoth said. "We know we're a physical team, but the mental aspect, we just need to be more mentally there at practice."

Norvell said Holker is the same way. The players see it, now they have to react accordingly.

It's not just being focused, but with the right lift, Dylan Goffney said. There has to be a vibe at practice, a feeling things are being done with a purpose which doesn't allow the sessions to feel like an assembly line.

"That mental aspect, but just bringing energy at practice," he said. "I feel people need to get more excited for practice. It's not just something we go through the motions for, it helps us also."

Part of the learning curve is the youth of the team, Norvell believes. The Rams played more young players more often in Saturday's win over Utah Tech, a trend he expects to continue in regard to T.J. Crandall and Jaylen Gardner, Buom Jock and Kennedy McDowell on defense, Jamari Person and Caleb Goodie on offense.

Youth is not an excuse, and Norvell said it's on him, his staff and the leaders to set an example. The youth push will also provide a type of motivation Norvell could not put into practice last season.

"We are going to play guys who prepare the right way. We have enough good players," Norvell said. "Last year, we couldn't say this. I'm from the old school; I believe what Bobby Knight said – the best motivator is the bench. If you don't do what we ask you to do, then you need to sit on the bench. That will get a guy's attention.

"The only thing we can control as coaches is playing time – who's on the field. Who's on the field should be a representative of what we're asking the players to do as coaches. That's really important, and we have to send that message to some kids sometimes."

Long Breaks

The first half Saturday came with basically three halftimes. The real one which was scheduled, the other two brought about by weather in the area. After the game, the Rams talked about the discussions which were held and the adjustments made in those action breaks, but staying ready to go was also a concern.

"It was pretty weird. We'd go out there for a few minutes and come right back in," Goffney said. "It kinda was hard on our legs I feel like. You have the adrenaline running and you have to stop and you're just chilling. We'd go in there and talk about adjustments and you'd just have to wait and stay locked in. Then you'd have to get ready and go back out there and play again."

Upon their return to the field, both teams had a 10-minute warm up session, which helps to get the blood pumping again. But the start-and-stop aspect still tested the ability to keep muscles loose.

Goffney found he had to do at least a little extra in the locker room.

"I was getting up and going on the foam roller a little bit, maybe a few minutes," he said. "After that, I just relaxed, eased my mind and tried to stay focused."

Here and There

Norvell expects running back Kobe Johnson to be ready for Saturday. … Colorado State has dropped the past four games to Utah State, the past two by combined scores less than a touchdown. … On the flip side, the Rams are 4-2 in the past six Mountain West openers, including a road win in 2017 at Logan, the last time the team beat the Aggies on the road. … Mohamed Kamara leads the nation in sacks per game (1.63) and Tory Horton leads the nation in receptions (45) and receiving yards per game (135.0).

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