In Position: Mumme Looking for Pecking Order

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Quarterback

Who's Back: Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Brig Hartson, Clay Millen, Giles Pooler, Jackson Stratton.

Who's New: Jackson Brousseau

Key Number: Clay Millen set the school record for completion percentage at 72.2 which also stands as an FBS record for a freshman.

What Happened: Colorado State's quarterback room was the youngest in the nation a year ago, none of them older than a redshirt freshmen. By the end of the season, due to injury and some by design, the Rams started three different quarterbacks, with Millen starting the 10 games he was healthy enough to play. Millen threw for 1,910 yards with 10 touchdowns against six interceptions in his first season as a starter.

From the Top: Quarterbacks coach Matt Mumme entered last season knowing he wanted to give all of his young quarterbacks a shot in game action. He knew who his starter was – and still does. Now, he wants a definitive pecking order behind Millen.

"I need to see the younger guys progress to be more like Clay," he said. "Specifically, Brayden, Jackson Stratton and Giles Pooler. I really need to feel better about who the backup is truly going to be and who we can find confidence in if Clay goes down again."

When Millen went down with an injury, Fowler-Nicolosi started the next week against Nevada. The next week Pooler starter against Utah State. Stratton saw time in relief in four games. All of them were young, all had a chance to display their skills.

This camp, they'll get another chance, but one of them has to shine.

"The big thing is we know a lot about Clay Millen and what he can do. Him honing his skills this camp is really important and getting a rapport with the running backs, wideouts and tight ends," Mumme said. "Brayden and Jackson Stratton will see an increased amount of reps, even more so from the spring. That will give them opportunities to really display their talents and what they can do."

Ideally, Mumme wants at least one of them to advance to a point where they are challenging Millen for his spot.

From the Room: As the returning starter, Millen carries some internal focus to camp. Last year was his first as a starter, entering the role as a redshirt freshman. His first start was at Michigan, and due to an injury, he was sidelined two weeks.

He feels all he learned has to be applied at a higher level. He also has to be more comfortable being "the guy."

"I think the biggest thing this year coming into the season, I'm an older guy now, the focus is leadership," Millen said. "Keep on being a leader, leading my guys, be vocal with them."

In that regard, he feels more comfortable entering his second fall camp at Colorado State. He feels calmer, not just around the team but about his game.

While his completion record speaks well for his accuracy, he still sees room for improvement in certain aspects of the offense, some of which come down to his ability to make snap decisions.

"This year too, getting more downfield passes. I think we were good on deep balls when we had the opportunity," he said. "I think we have to be a lot better on the intermediate throw and obviously not take sacks. If we're able to do that, I think we'll be a really good offense."

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