Schield Prepared to Carry Load Against Utah Tech

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FORT COLLINS -- Always stay ready.

Vann Schield had to do so in Colorado State football's 31-23 win against Middle Tennessee last Saturday. When running backs Avery Morrow and Kobe Johnson went down with injuries, Schield got his first career shot in the third quarter.

"It was a blessing (to play). You dream of times like that when you're 6-, 7-years old at this level," Schield said. "It's crucial to stay prepared. (Head coach Jay) Norvell and (running backs coach Jeremy) Moses preach 'next man up' and to practice like a starter when you're in a backup role as a younger guy."

Schield turned heads during spring camp when he had to carry much of the running load due to Morrow's absence and Johnson not yet arriving on campus from North Dakota State. Both Norvell and Moses were intrigued by the safety-turned-running back during camp, knowing they'd have a viable option should either starter go down.

They got a glimpse of it Saturday night as he recorded six carries for 12 yards. Moses said Schield will start this weekend on Ag Day against Utah Tech.

"His performance didn't surprise me," Moses said. "Since the day he's been with (the team), he's prepared like he's a starter, he's always asking questions, eager for opportunities. He was the leading rusher this spring, carrying the load for us, so it really wasn't any surprise to me he was able to go out and execute the way he did. He takes his role seriously, he prepares like no other, he asks all the right questions, he's always thinking about football."

A quick look at Schield's frame gives the first clue as to what he can offer in both the passing and running games. At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Moses said he can be tough for defenders to tackle if he gets downhill.

He didn't get much of an opportunity to pick up speed Saturday, but his hurdle over a Blue Raider defender caught the eye of right tackle Drew Moss.

"I know Vann is going to run hard," Moss said. "That's one thing about Vann, you saw that hurdle, he's gonna go out there and put his body on the line for his guys, so it makes me want to do the exact same thing for him. I'm excited to see what he can do."

Perhaps the most important wrinkle in his game given his frame is his ability to pick up blitzes and protect quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Against a team like Middle Tennessee, there had to be a presence from a running back in blocking blitzers.

Schield provided just that. Not only did he pick up blitzers, but he's "moving them," according to Moses. Against another team in Utah Tech which runs brings pressure often, they'll need a similar blocking presence.

"I was comfortable putting him in the game in that situation, especially considering as much blitz as Middle Tennessee showed towards the end of the game, knowing we're going to be in passing downs," Moses said. "I was really comfortable. I trust the hell out of him that he's going to get the job done."

The rushing stats were from a small sample size, but his average of two yards per carry is on par with both Morrow (2.8) and Johnson (2.7) as the Rams have struggled to get a ground game generated.

Though Schield never played a snap for CSU before Saturday, he garnered attention from Norvell through spring camp and through the two quarters he played against Middle Tennessee. According to Norvell, he's got all the right attributes to be impactful filling in at running back.

"(Vann) is durable, he's consistent, he carries the ball with some physicality," Norvell said. "And he's dependable, you know what you're going to get from him. So much of our game is understanding protection and being able to pick up blitzes. Vann's just a team guy, whatever the team needs, he's prepared, and he can do it. I know he's going to be ready if we need him."

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