Grant Stucker, the fifth-year senior from Ponderosa who waited patiently while playing in five games over three seasons, was named Colorado State’s starting quarterback today. The Rams open the season Sept. 6 at Colorado.
“We will start Grant Stucker at CU,” CSU coach Steve Fairchild said after practice. “He will start the game and Jon Eastman will be ready. I would like to get Jon in there at some point, but it depends on the flow of the game.”
Stucker, 6-2, 203 pounds, has five career passing attempts with three completions for 22 yards. Last season he also ran four times for 43 yards.
Although Fairchild had brutally critiqued Stucker two weeks ago after a scrimmage, the coach said today, “He has played a little more consistently down the stretch. Since last Saturday, I have been pleased with the direction he’s headed. There will be growing pains with both of them.”
Recalling the lessons he learned last year from Billy Farris, who also didn’t start until his senior year, Stucker said, “Billy was really mentally tough and bounced back every time. Nothing is laid in cement. Ever. No matter if you’re a four-year starter like me, just getting named right now.”
