FORT COLLINS — Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild knew just what he wanted from his second recruiting class — and for the most part, he got it.
“We tried to address every need from a position standpoint across the board,” Fairchild said Wednesday while announcing the incoming 21-member class.
“The only place we did not sign a player at a position was at kicker, and we felt having signed Ben DeLine last year put us in good shape there.” The Rams signed five offensive linemen, four defensive linemen, two tight ends, two quarterbacks, two running backs, one linebacker and a punter. They also signed four defensive backs and a wide receiver.
“We tried to come in big at the offensive line spot,” Fairchild said. “We have five names there because a year from now we’re going to take a hit in graduation in that spot.” The Rams will bring in quarterbacks Jon Eastman, a junior college transfer from Utah’s Snow College, and Nico Ranieri, who was the central Florida player of the year in 2008 as a high school senior.
“Jon had a great freshman year and didn’t play as much this past year because of a little bit of an issue with a foot injury,” Fairchild said. “I liked that he is quick with the ball and he stands in the pocket and makes plays.” Fairchild said Eastman would be in the mix this spring to replace departing starter Billy Farris. Farris took nearly every snap last year.
“Klay Kubiak is not going to be back with a shoulder injury so we’ll throw it open in the spring,” Fairchild said. “We’re going to have Eastman, Grant Stucker, T.J. Borky and Alex Kelly, and we’re going to coach them just like we did the quarterbacks last year.” The Rams face a similar situation when it comes to running backs. They lose 1,476-yard rusher Gartrell Johnson and his backup, Kyle Bell, and they took that into account by signing Chris Nwoke of ThunderRidge High School in the Denver area and Lou Greenwood of Conroe, Texas.
Fairchild expects to have Leonard Mason, a transfer from College of the Desert in California, in the mix to compete for the running back position. Mason signed early and is already on campus and enrolled in school.
Last year’s punter, Anthony Hartz, left the team for what Fairchild said were personal reasons. But the program found an able replacement in Pete Kontodiakos, who tied his school’s record with a 65-yard punt.
“We anticipate him being our punter for four years,” Fairchild said.
The Rams signed just one linebacker, Mike Orakpo of Sugar Land, Texas, but Fairchild said he’s still looking to add more.
“We’re not done yet,” he said. “We will continue through the spring not only getting a jump on next year, but filling out this class.” Colorado State is coming off a 7-6 season capped by a 40-35 victory over Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl.
