Fort Collins – There’s the Bronze Boot that Colorado State’s ROTC corps polished up for Saturday’s Border War at Wyoming, and then there’s the walking boot that Jesse Nading was wearing Monday, four days after he sprained his ankle against Air Force.
CSU defensive ends coach Jesse Williams has a new rallying cry for Nading: “Remember Clark Haggans.” In the 1999 Border War, also in Laramie, the former Rams defensive end and current Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker sprained his ankle, left the stadium for X-rays and limped back into the game to polish off the win.
“The whole roar in the stadium when he came back. First play he gets a sack,” Williams said. “You always hold out hope.”
Nading said he heard of Haggans’ exploits and he’s trying to come back as soon as he can.
The junior from ThunderRidge High School is one of three defensive starters likely to miss Saturday’s game.
Defensive tackle Erik Sandie was on crutches Monday after undergoing an arthroscopic examination on his knee Friday. He said he hopes to be back in two weeks for the New Mexico game.
Safety Mike Pagnotta, the Rams’ leading tackler, didn’t practice and is out indefinitely with a sprained knee.
Defensive coordinator Steve Stanard said he couldn’t recall losing three starters to injury in one game since he was at New Mexico State and “Kansas State beat us up.”
Rams coach Sonny Lubick wouldn’t dwell on his battered defense. Unlike some recent years, the staff has been able to rotate a number of players on the defensive line and secondary.
There will be ample competition to play from Bob Vomhof, Tommie Hill and Wade Landers if Nading isn’t available.
Matt Rupp, who has three career starts, will start for Sandie.
“I’ve got the experience,” Rupp said. “We’ll all shoulder the burden.”
Jake Galusha takes over for Pagnotta at safety.
Lubick also said he doesn’t expect senior Ben Stratton back in time to face Wyoming. Even if he returns from a neck problem, it could take a few weeks to get back up to speed.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
