FORT COLLINS — Two Colorado State coaches know the obstacles faced by junior college quarterback transfers. The last juco QB to earn a starting job at CSU was quarterbacks coach Daren Wilkinson, and he didn’t even play his last season in 1996.
One of the most prolific two-year transfers was head coach Steve Fairchild, and he redshirted one of his three seasons. In between Fairchild and Wilkinson, Kelly Stouffer became a first-round NFL draft pick.
That doesn’t mean Fairchild and Wilkinson were giving any breaks to junior college transfer Jon Eastman as spring practice opened Tuesday. Fairchild said the 6-foot-2, 214-pound January enrollee from Snow College (Utah) was recruited to replace injured Klay Kubiak.
Wilkinson said: “The tough thing is not only learning the offense in January but acclimating to the team and taking a leadership role.”
Eastman, who kept working out on the field after practice, said, “I’m excited the quarterback job is open right now. I have two years of eligibility so I need to get out there and play. I’m not here just to stand on the sideline.”
Alex Kelly, the homegrown redshirt freshman, has the most time remaining on his clock. “Everyone has a chance,” Kelly said. “I can’t tell (the pecking order). It’s just awesome to get thrown in the mix.”
Grant Stucker, who took the first snaps Tuesday, has the least time remaining as a senior.
“There’s no bad blood between us,” said Stucker.
Footnote.
The schedule has already changed, with practice today instead of Thursday because of a poor weather forecast.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
