Fort Collins – After two games, the Colorado State coaching staff had to decide if it wanted an extra pass blocker in the backfield or a runner who could make forward progress.
Their answer is the latter, with Kyle Bell being promoted during the off week to first-string running back. He was the third man on the depth chart to start the season.
“It’s Kyle right now,” said running backs coach Mick Delaney, pending the return of Nnamdi Ohaeri, who started the season opener against Colorado and was injured.
Jimmy Green started against Minnesota last week, and redshirt freshman Gartrell Johnson fumbled in his only series.
In two games as a backup, Bell has averaged 4.7 yards a carry, best on the team.
Although Bell, a sophomore, was the leader coming out of spring ball, Ohaeri had a strong fall camp to win the starting job. Ohaeri carried seven times for 19 yards before he sprained his ankle at Colorado.
“Gartrell was very overanxious in a first-game situation,” Delaney said.
Redshirt freshman Tramell McGill is awaiting his first action, and Delaney said he may be used in third-down situations. Green will become a short-yardage specialist and blocking back.
No letting up
There have been years when the coaches gave the players off the Saturday of a bye week.
Not this year.
“We have to get four good practices in,” CSU coach Sonny Lubick said.
The Rams scheduled practice from Wednesday through Saturday, with Lubick saying, “We need to come out better in all three phases.”
The Rams won’t use the time for an advance look at Air Force, even though it will be a short week with the Mountain West opener on a Thursday night, Sept. 29. CSU plays Nevada on Sept. 24 in a nonconference game.
“That gets yourself out of kilter. We have to worry about Nevada,” Lubick said, who then cited a lengthy agenda of work – particularly in special teams, turnovers and the running game – that needs to get done before he worries about defending AFA’s option.
Footnotes
Offensive coordinator Dan Hammerschmidt had considered heading to San Diego on Friday for a reunion of his 1981 Helix High School team (alma mater of Alex Smith, Reggie Bush, Bill Walton, among others). He knows of one other former teammate who won’t be there – UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, whose team plays Oklahoma the next day. …
The 0-2 Rams avoided ESPN.com’s Bottom 10, and the school was honored for “Best Adventure Sports Access” by Sports Illustrated on Campus because of its recreation opportunities on the Poudre River, along with 250 miles of bike routes and trails in Fort Collins.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-820-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
