Rashaun Greer is on pace to catch 90 passes this season — which would be 90 more than his career total coming into the season.
The little-known Colorado State junior wide receiver has become a big-time target for the Rams.
Greer, who redshirted as a freshman and failed to catch a pass in nine combined games the past two seasons, entered CSU’s bye week second among Mountain West Conference receivers in receptions (17), yards (222) and yards per game (111.0).
The big-legged 200-pounder has more than twice as many catches as junior Dion Morton, who entered the season as CSU’s most proven wide receiver.
Working with first-year quarterback Billy Farris and new coach Steve Fairchild, Greer has become the primary alternative to heralded senior tight end Kory Sperry — who has hauled in just five passes — and Farris’ favorite long threat. Greer’s longest play is 34 yards, but he has yet to get into the end zone.
“With each game my confidence builds,” said Greer, who caught eight passes for 70 yards against Colorado and nine for 152 against Sacramento State. “Coming into the season I didn’t have an individual goal. I just wanted to win games and go to a bowl.
“But I knew we would be throwing the ball a lot, and somebody has to catch them. I’ve just worked hard on the field, and I’m not afraid.”
While Greer, a former MWC track star, has surprised CSU followers with his production, it is precisely what Farris and Fairchild expected from the North Las Vegas native.
“I’ve been around him for (three years), and I knew he could do it, but he just had to get his mind right,” Farris said. “It was all mental. He just needed to get out there and do it, and I’ve thrown to him a lot because I know he can do it.”
Greer’s natural strength is his speed. He ran track while redshirting at CSU, finishing fourth in the conference indoor championships in the 60-meter hurdles, and 10th in the 110-meter hurdles at the outdoor conference meet.
Fairchild recognizes Greer’s production but spreads the credit for CSU’s early success through the air. Farris has completed 48-of-70 passes for 508 yards heading into Game 3 this week against Houston.
“Greer has had two good games. He’s answered a call coming out of spring ball, and both he and Dion had good fall camps,” Fairchild said. “And Billy has been steady, so that part has been nice too.”
Added Farris: “I’m really pleased with the passing game. I really like our offense. We have a lot of different wrinkles we can throw at people and keep them off-balance. I love this stuff, man. Coach (Fairchild) coming in, changing everything, and he’s taught it to us very, very well.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
