Fort Collins – After Colorado State pulled the redshirts off six freshmen a year ago, few, if any, of the February high school signees were expected to contribute to this season’s veteran team.
A handful, however, have made strong impressions in the first week of camp and could be early candidates for playing time. Linebacker is one area that has coaches concerned, which could result in dipping into the freshman ranks if injuries thin the depth chart.
“Sedric Patterson and Jake Pottorff have to work hard because they could find themselves at No. 2 pretty quickly,” coach Sonny Lubick said.
Senior linebacker Luke Adkins’ continued presence in street clothes is a growing concern.
“If he misses another four or five days – that’s 12-14 practices – it will still take close to two weeks to get in playing shape,” Lubick said.
Another freshman making an impression is Shawn McGoveran, a defensive lineman out of Pomona High School. “It’s early to say but he’s a pretty tough guy,” Lubick said.
James Morehead from ThunderRidge could get on the field this season because of his ability as a long snapper.
CSU didn’t expect to use quite so many freshmen a year ago, but injuries dictated playing time for H-back Kory Sperry and quarterback Caleb Hanie. Two others, defensive tackle Matt Rupp and running back Gartrell Johnson, had their redshirts restored on medical hardships.
It’s highly unlikely any freshmen will break into the wide receiver lineup, but Lubick said he likes what he has seen from Rashaun Greer of Las Vegas and Pueblo Central walk-on Chaz Miles. Quarterback Grant Stucker of Ponderosa, ticketed for a redshirt year, also has impressed in limited practice time.
The Rams had the first of four two-a-day practices Wednesday, just in time for unusually muggy weather.
Lubick sounds encouraged so far.
“As a veteran club we should have mostly good practices,” he said. “When I look back to last year, we had too many bad practices.”
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-820-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
