Fort Collins – Don’t even think about a go-to receiver in Colorado State’s four-man senior wideout corps. With the Rams’ offense geared toward reviving the running game, tight end Kory Sperry coming off a strong preseason and more passes designed for the running backs, quarterback Caleb Hanie might be too busy to go to any of the wide receivers.
That’s fine with Damon Morton, Johnny Walker, Luke Roberts and George Hill. CSU’s days of a primary outlet ended in 2005 with David Anderson’s school record-setting career. If necessary, the receivers now are content to focus on a category borrowed from the statistically challenged offensive line.
Pancake blocks.
Knocking a defender flat on his back. The category (also called de-cleaters) was devised by line coaches to fill the statistical void and borrowed by sports information directors promoting postseason honors.
“The receivers would rather not catch one ball as long as they can win,” CSU wide receivers coach Marc Lubick said. “If they can pancake someone, they’re real excited about that.”
The quartet has bought into Lubick’s pitch.
“We have that competition among ourselves to see who can get the most DBs on their backs. Our whole offense is preaching about being physical and being tough,” said Morton, who led the Rams in reception yards last season with 722 on 48 catches.
“I don’t think any of us is greedy, stingy or jealous,” said Walker, who led in receptions last year with 58 for 586 yards. “We all look at each other as friends. We mainly talk about pancakes. … It’s rare to see another team with receivers get as many pancakes. We’re going to thrive on blocking because we know we’ll get the opportunity … to catch the ball and get into the end zone.”
Offensive linemen work for a 4- or 5-yard gain. Wide receivers see that extra downfield block resulting in 40-yard plays.
Hanie marvels at the unselfishness of his wide receivers.
“Stereotypically they are the statistical guys who get the ball, but it’s easy to work with our receivers because they are unselfish,” said Hanie, a senior. “I just try to make my reads. … If the read is to Kory and then the fullback, that’s where I’m going to go. They understand how my mind works and I have to make reads. They are smart guys, and it makes my job easier.”
CSU’s wide receivers share the same attitude, but Lubick said they bring different physical qualities. All are Californians except Roberts, who played three sports at Golden.
“Luke has great strength and ball skills. Damon is the fastest,” Lubick said. “Johnny is probably the most elusive and the best after-the-catch guy. George is strong and physical and is very elusive, also.”
After Anderson completed his career with the 2005 season, there was speculation whether Morton or Walker would be the primary target. Instead, the group went to committee. It has happened across the Mountain West Conference, where headliners such as Anderson, former Wyoming star Jovon Bouknight and former New Mexico star Hank Baskett are succeeded by group plans. Utah is calling its corps “the six-pack” this season.
“We’re not selfish. I don’t care if Johnny has a great game and I don’t see the ball,” Roberts said. “That’s what makes a great receiving corps, a different guy coming out every game. Look at great teams and how they win. It’s not the same guy every game. … You can shut a receiving corps down if you only have a couple of guys.”
The Rams don’t want to endure another 4-8 season, especially the seniors. Last year’s season-ending, seven-game losing streak has provided motivation.
“They know what it was like last year, and they definitely don’t want to be close to that or feel that way ever again,” Lubick said.
“We know we’re a whole lot better than what happened those last seven games,” Walker said.
Now they just have to go out and prove it any way they can.
Footnotes
CSU head coach Sonny Lubick’s weekly noon press conference will be televised live every week, starting today, on The Mtn. … Columbine tight end and defensive end Ben Tedford told CSU last week he will sign with the Rams in February. According to , the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Tedford also had offers from Kansas, Wyoming and Air Force.
Unbalanced offense
Last year, CSU relied heavily on its passing game after losing star running back Kyle Bell to a season-ending knee injury. A look at where the offense ranked nationally among 119 Division I-A teams in 2006:
(Category, Rank, Game avg.)
Rushing offense 113th 76.50 yds
Passing offense 42nd 218.08
Total offense 100th 294.58
Scoring offense 104th 16.83 pts
Staff writer Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
