FORT COLLINS — Even though it’s spring practice, the mention of receiver David Anderson brought to mind a powerful Colorado State passing game of a few years ago.
CSU coach Steve Fairchild is searching for another strong receiver like Anderson, who just completed his fourth season in the NFL with the Houston Texans, from a group of mostly young and unproven players.
“We don’t have a lot of game experience there,” Fairchild said after a session at CSU’s indoor facility. “Yes, we’re kind of a makeshift group right now.”
To bolster the group, T.J. Borcky, the starter at quarterback when spring practice began, has moved to receiver. He should play that position this fall, but Fairchild noted he’ll have a situational role at quarterback.
Sophomore Lou Greenwood, who is listed on the roster at running back, also is a candidate at wide receiver. He played at the wideout position during most of Tuesday’s practice.
“We’re still trying to figure out Greenwood,” Fairchild said. “There are a number of things he can do and obviously we have to get him the ball. He played outside more today than he has in the past.”
Senior Tyson Liggett, of Limon, is the leader of the group, but hasn’t played much. He caught 11 passes last year against BYU, but fullback Zac Pauga is the leading pass catcher returning from last year with 25.
“Liggett is probably one of our starting receivers at this point,” Fairchild said. “As we develop, we’ll define those roles a little more. He’s very smart and played all the spots last year.”
Freshman Pete Thomas and redshirt freshman Nico Ranieri took most of the snaps in Tuesday’s practice.
“We have to help the quarterbacks more than anything,” Liggett said. “We have to help them get better every day. We have to make it easy on them.”
Injury report.
The medical staff will assess the knee injury of linebacker Andy Clements, who was injured Saturday. Fairchild fears Clements could be out for the year. Senior cornerback DeAngelo Wilkinson is wearing a boot to protect an injured foot and could be held out the rest of spring practice.
Spring game.
Fairchild has all but made up his mind to have a spring game Saturday, April 24.
“If our line is healthy, I think we’ll do it,” Fairchild said. “I like this group of seniors and I’d let them draft teams and have a little fun with it.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
