Football (pre) season is here!
The countdown to Aug. 31 and Texas is on for the Colorado State football team and its fans.
This 2024 season feels very important for a variety of reasons (that we’ll discuss more in depth as the season approaches) and fans have a lot of questions about the roster.
The Rams hit the field Friday for the first preseason practice. Let’s jump into a deep dive of reader questions about the 2024 Rams!
Most interesting position battle entering camp? (@TaylorDesch)
A lot of questions about position battles, understandably so. As it should be in Year 3 under coach Jay Norvell, CSU has most positions solidified in who will start. That said, there are some interesting showdowns.
There are a number of qualified running backs who could lay a stake for significant carries. Tight end is one to watch, as is offensive guard. Defensively, cornerbacks and D-line rotation are key.
More on most of these below.
What will the Running back rotation look like, it seems like we have a few pretty capable backs. (@DylanCarabajal1)
As promised, running back talk. Kobe Johnson has more than 2,500 career yards and is back after an injury last season. Norvell is very loyal to Avery Morrow. Justin Marshall was a revelation late last season and changed the offense in the final three games as a true freshman. Norvell has spoken highly of Damian Henderson, now a sophomore.
Jalen Dupree was arguably the best player in Arkansas in high school last season. Norvell has made it clear he feels it takes some time for freshmen to acclimate to college at running back, but Dupree will aim to crack the rotation. Don’t forget about Keegan Holles, either, who looked very fast in spring coming off an ACL.
So, that is a deep, deep room. Not enough carries for everyone. I think Marshall is the starter to begin camp, Johnson is the versatile back for all situations, and Henderson and Morrow are the short yardage backs. This is a group that could shuffle and shift all season long.
The Week 1 starting WR that will line up next to Horton and (Dylan) Goffney? Expectations for Jaxxon Warren? (@CFFNate)
How we looking at TE? (@daddoboddins)
CSU’s third starting receiver (Goffney will be in the slot) will be in a transfer in Armani Winfield (Baylor) or Donovan Ollie (Cincinnati), I expect. Jordan Ross, Caleb Goodie and Jamari Person are all in the mix.
Now, to tight end.
CSU must replace a Mackey Award finalist in Dallin Holker (now with the New Orleans Saints). The staff has mentioned former Nevada star Cole Turner (now with the Washington Commanders) as a comparison for Jaxxon Warren, the JuCo transfer CSU added this offseason.
But Warren has never played a down of FBS ball and is a year into his time as a tight end (he’s a former quarterback). He is a superb athlete and I think will play an important role, but I’m not about to put “match Holker” expectations on him.
Mason Muaau, Vince Brown and Jordan Williams all have experience at the position in the offense, but none have claimed the spot. This is a vital position battle to watch. A good tight end option opens up this offense.
How much playing time do you expect Jordan Ross to see year 1? (@____ian_______)
Here’s a hint at the potential of Jordan Ross, one of the highest rated recruits in program history. Both Norvell and safety Jack Howell made unprompted remarks of praise about the receiver when I talked to them at Mountain West media days.
“Jordan Ross, he’s the real deal,” Howell told me. “Sometimes you get some big names and you kind of question it, but Jordan Ross is really good.”
“We have a young freshman named Jordan Ross, and it’s probably the last time I’m going to have to remind you what his name is. He’s pretty special,” Norvell said.
So, don’t expect 100 targets, but it seems like he may get in the mix. At Nevada, Norvell had a package of plays for a youngster named Tory Horton as a true freshman. Ross could be on a similar path.
Which, if any, freshman do you see having the biggest impact this fall?
Any early thoughts on who the most improved player will be?
If you could take any former Ram and put them on this team, who would it be? (@terrytortellini)
It’s hard to guess on freshmen until we see some of camp. Some candidates include Ross and Chauncey Davis (DB) to name a couple. Receivers, DB’s and linebackers are always special teams candidates.
Likewise, it’s pretty tough to guess most improved before camp but CSU is hoping it’s Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. He has the ability to jump from good but inconsistent to electric at QB. Norvell has talked highly of his growth in understanding of the game.
A former Ram to this team? Wow that’s a good, fun question. There are a few ways to go. You could simply pick one of the best ever or go for a position of need. How about one of Joey Porter or the late Clark Haggans? CSU’s pass rush is a bit of a question mark (more on that below) and one of those guys could help really boost the defense.
EDITOR NOTE: OK, so I sent this story in for an edit. My boss, David Dishman, sent a message back that, in summary, said “wrong answer. The correct choice is BVP.” Well, I hate to admit it, but that is quite accurate. In a year…
The Coloradoan
