Steve Fairchild had an uneasy feeling when he welcomed Rocky Long to watch a Rams practice in Albuquerque before last year’s New Mexico Bowl. Long had stepped down as New Mexico’s coach, and Fairchild knew it wouldn’t take much time for Long to find another job.
“I thought he was going to Oklahoma State,” Fairchild said. “That’s probably why he didn’t tell anyone he was going to San Diego State.”
Long resurfaced in the Mountain West when Brady Hoke was hired from Ball State to revive the perpetually underachieving Aztecs.
Hoke was hired Dec. 16. Long visited CSU practice Dec. 18. His hiring as the defensive coordinator was announced Dec. 31. Long and Hoke were on the same Oregon State staff in the early 1990s.
On Tuesday’s MWC teleconference, Hoke said, “He was obviously one of the first calls I made.”
Fairchild said he doubted Long saw anything in December that he hasn’t seen on film from the Rams this season.
Although it will take some time for San Diego State to recruit to Long’s defense, he has already made an impact with an unusual, five-back blitzing scheme.
Fairchild said he has seen the Aztecs improving the way CSU did a year ago.
Mason update.
It’s unclear when CSU running back Leonard Mason can return to practice with bruised ribs. Fairchild said Mason’s return depends on “his tolerance for pain.” Fairchild hasn’t named a starter for Saturday but will keep a rotation that includes John Mosure and Lou Greenwood. Reserve Alex Square also figures to get more playing time. Although Mason appeared to take over the job in the last few games, Fairchild said the Rams would keep a rotation.
No homecoming.
Two Aztecs who were probably looking forward to the trip to Hughes Stadium won’t be playing Saturday. Fullback Matthew Kawulok, older brother of Rams linebacker Michael Kawulok, ended his collegiate career with a shoulder injury a few weeks ago. Former Mullen standout offensive lineman Alec Johnson, who has worked his way into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman, will miss the game with a sprained knee.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
