FORT COLLINS — There was no surprise that fifth-year senior Billy Farris was named Colorado State’s starting quarterback Monday after moving to the front last spring.
The only mild shock was coach Steve Fairchild’s announcement came so early in camp. Farris was told before Monday morning’s conditioning session. He becomes the initial first-time senior starting QB at CSU since Ryan Eslinger in 1998.
“Things cleared up. In my mind, he’s the starting quarterback,” said Fairchild, who made the decision before any scrimmages. “There’s really not a monkey off his back, because I’m still 2 feet from his ear.”
Farris, who wasn’t expecting a decision for another week, said the official announcement hasn’t changed much, but “it gives me the right to be more verbal.”
“Grant (Stucker) is behind me. He’s pushing me. He’s going to make me keep that spot,” Farris said.
He and Stucker, a fourth-year junior from Ponderosa, are roommates during preseason camp.
“I trust the coaches’ decision,” Stucker said. “It’s very disappointing. I’m disappointed but not discouraged. I told Billy I’m not going to stop pushing him.”
Farris, the only one of three contenders who has taken a snap during a game, won marks from Fairchild for separating himself from Stucker and redshirt freshman T.J. Borcky.
“I think it was clear to most people, and our team really has respect for Billy,” Fairchild said.
The first and second units are splitting the practice time, but Fairchild said that changes next week when the first unit draws more time in preparation for the Aug. 31 opener against Colorado.
Farris, a former walk-on from Baton Rouge, La., has played in nine games.
Footnotes.
The indefinite suspension of cornerback DeAngelo Wilkinson was prompted by misdemeanor assault and underage drinking charges. Fairchild said he would not comment on a separate incident by another player under investigation by the Fort Collins Police Department. “I’ll get to the bottom of it and if it warrants it, I’ll take action,” he said. . . . Saturday’s full scrimmage will be closed to the public and media. “I just feel comfortable as we do certain elements of our Colorado game plan that we have practice closed,” Fairchild said. The Rams will scrimmage Wednesday, and that practice is open. . . . Receiver Blake Swain and safety Jarrad McKay, both redshirt freshmen, are done for the year with knee injuries. Both were injured Saturday.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
