FORT COLLINS — When Colorado State closes practice, it means closed to all but the current players, coaches, trainers and support crew.
Former starting defensive tackle Erik Sandie was turned away from Thursday morning’s scrimmage — the last heavy contact workout before the season opener.
To prepare for the Aug. 31 game against Colorado, the Rams scrimmaged for 1 1/2 hours, after 40 minutes of a full pregame workout.
“We’re still a little inconsistent on the offensive side, but I thought our defense got a little better,” coach Steve Fairchild said. “We’re more ready to play a game, defensively.”
Fairchild said game-week preparation for CU begins Tuesday. No significant injuries came out of the scrimmage.
Freshman cornerback Gerard Thomas continued to be the surprise of camp with three tackles. Defensive end Cory Macon had the only interception of the day, off starter Billy Farris.
Freshman Alex Kelly, who will probably redshirt, saw his first scrimmage work at quarterback. Farris’ 20-yard pass to tight end Kory Sperry was the lone TD of the day.
Assignments remain undecided.
Punters Jason Smith and newcomer Anthony Hartz reversed Saturday’s roles, with Smith taking honors with three punts for 44.3 yards. Smith, the returning place-kicker, also made a 42-yard field goal but missed from 26. Freshman Ben DeLine was good from 37 and 42 but missed two other times from 37 yards.
Footnotes.
CSU will follow the college trend of a “team walk” outside the stadium on game days for fans. . . . CSU was informed that Glen Anderson, a CSU basketball player from 1949-53 who later became the Iowa State coach, died Saturday at age 79.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
