Fort Collins – Another year, another change in nomenclature for the Colorado State backfield.
Last season the traditional one-back offense introduced a blocking back, primarily for short-yardage and goal-line situations. This time around, offensive coordinator Dan Hammerschmidt is calling the position the “lead back.” He’s just not sure who will man the position.
The competition for the lead back is as intense as any position on the offense. Last year Tristan Walker, a true fullback type, and H-back/tight end Kory Sperry took the blocking back role when the formation was used. Sperry’s presence telegraphed a pass play to defenses, and his blocking ability, at both the tight end and blocking back position were criticized by the staff.
“He made a couple of big blocks today that show the stuff we want to see,” Hammerschmidt said.
Walker remains in contention for the role along with backup H-back Kevin McPeek, who has caught the ball consistently all month. The offensive coordinator said Kyle Van Horn, who has recovered from a serious boating injury, also is in the mix.
“We have to find the best lead back,” Hammerschmidt said.
The position is a key part of the run game and right now, running the ball more effectively is Hammerschmidt’s top priority in practice.
“Every time Coach wants to go live run, we also vote for it,” he said. “We’ve got good backs, a bunch of good linemen, we just need to get flowing together and get the run game going.”
The Rams will continue to mix it up, and Hammerschmidt said there will be more empty backfields given quarterback Caleb Hanie’s ability to run the ball.
There’s a lot to digest in the multiple scheme, especially with two new offensive line starters – junior college transfer Marvin Arnold and redshirt freshman Adrian Martinez.
“We’re probably inconsistent at times, but it’s still early,” Hammerschmidt said. “Hopefully by this time next week we’ll be a little more consistent.”
Hammerschmidt said the communication on the offensive line is the biggest part of the run game.
“You have to work on it,” he said. “If Tiger Woods goes to the U.S. Open, he probably wouldn’t win that thing if he didn’t practice for half a year. If we don’t work on our run game, we won’t make any yardage.”
Footnotes
Wide receiver George Hill will miss a week of practice with a torn knee meniscus, and freshman linebacker Jake Pottorff will be out at least a week with a shoulder injury. But defensive tackle Matt Rupp (hamstring) returned to drills on a part-time basis. … The Rams will hold Saturday’s 9 a.m. scrimmage at Hughes Stadium. … CSU usually has only a final weekend walkthrough at the stadium, but coach Sonny Lubick wants players to get used to the new turf and figure out the best footwear. The players get the day off today, and Lubick said they may or may not have two practices Friday, the last scheduled day of two-a-days.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-820-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
