What We Saw: Johnson Cashes In Second Chance

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When Tory Horton was lost for the season, Colorado State lost a dynamic punt returner. The first shot at replacing him was with Kobe Johnson, but after a muffed punt a week ago, he wasn't seen again.

Until the start of the New Mexico game, when his second chance became a major play for the Rams in a 17-6 win. His 82-yard scoring return gave the team a 14-3 lead and a shot in the arm for an offense struggling to finish drives.

To get another shot felt good.

"The coaches just kept their faith in me. Coach (James Finley) told me after the muff he didn't lose faith in me," Johnson said. "Just kind of keep that in my mind throughout the week, throughout the preparation, make sure I was doing everything I needed to do to catch the ball, make sure I'm just looking it in, really. The coaches having that faith in me and instilling that faith in me helped a lot."

Last season, Johnson returned a kickoff for a touchdown, adding a punt return has a higher degree of difficulty. In the Air Force game, he completed a halfback pass for a touchdown. He's not getting as many carries as he once was, but he's still contributing.

That, CSU coach Jay Norvell believes, says a lot about the man.

"I think it shows the unselfishness of him as a player and finding ways to contribute. He threw a touchdown pass a week ago," he said. "This week he has the big punt return. I just have a lot of confidence in him. When we lost Tory … Kobe is just such a veteran player, and he has so much confidence in situations. I told (special teams coach Tommy (Perry), I just really want to see Kobe back there and give him a chance."

Tackling the Issue

Losing Peter Montini at tight end during the Air Force game affected the run game late. The Rams needed a solution and went with a pair of backup tackles, thanks to a suggestion from a friend.

"We talked about it, but actually I talked to my good friend Al Groh, and he watches us every week," Norvell said of the former head coach at Virginia and in the NFL. "He said you ought to throw a lineman in there.

"Alex Foster and Christian Martin, two really good lineman, we're using them at tight end a little bit and it was really effective tonight."

The Rams rushed for 192 yards on 36 carries (5.3 per on the average), using the bigger package a good portion of the game.
Good for Him

With a more clock-control approach on offense, Colorado State isn't taking as many chances down field as in the past. Still, it's part of Norvell's mentality, and when the Rams dial up a deep ball, it is more often than not intended for Caleb Goodie.

"He's gotten an opportunity to make some big plays. He can run," Norvell said. "He's got really good speed. We just missed him a couple of times on play actions, but we'll continue to do that and stretch the field."

Last week it was a one-handed grab off a slant which he turned into an 85-yard touchdown. In the New Mexico game, it was a deep post for a 46-yard score. He now has three scoring catches which have covered at least 40 yards.

Many people felt Horton was the fastest on the team, and Goodie said Horton always told him he was the quickest. Johnson sides with Goodie, who enjoys being the team's vertical threat.

"It's really fun," Goodie said. "It's exciting knowing they trust me to make plays for them."

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