For a newcomer to Colorado-Colorado State hostilities, there’s nothing anyone can tell CSU starting running back Raymond Carter about rivalries that he doesn’t already know.
The last time he appeared in a game was Dec. 6, 2008, playing for UCLA in front of 87,790 at the Rose Bowl against rival USC in the season finale.
A four-star recruit from Los Angeles’ fabled Crenshaw High School, he grew up following the crosstown rivalry. He had not heard much about CU-CSU until he transferred to Fort Collins in the summer of 2009.
“Everyone talks CU,” Carter said. “I don’t really know too much about them, but I’m looking forward to the game and the whole atmosphere of the whole rivalry. I’m pretty sure this rivalry will be the same thing as the UCLA-USC rivalry.”
He also hopes Saturday’s outcome is more favorable than that December game as a 33-point underdog. He was stopped on his first career reception for a 3-yard loss, and the Bruins fell to the then-No. 5 Trojans 28-7.
After tearing his ACL as a true freshman, Carter struggled in 2008 as a redshirt freshman reserve. It prompted a move to the secondary the next spring, and Carter transferred with the familiar quest for more playing time.
At 6-feet and 217 pounds, the former track sprinter’s best asset is his quick first step. Carter went into CSU’s camp atop the running back depth chart and stayed there. Coach Steve Fairchild repeatedly singled him out.
“He looked good just running the scout team last fall,” Fairchild said of Carter’s transfer-year duties. “Then we got him in the spring, and he hit a lull a little. Rather than run offensive cards (for the scouts), he had to learn our offense. He had a great summer, and he’s looking very good.”
Fairchild calls the offensive plays, but his staff handles the substitutions. Offensive coordinator Pat Meyer said it will be up to running backs coach Anthoney Hill in the booth to keep anyone from getting too many consecutive carries.
In its best days, CSU had running backs who routinely had 20 carries a game.
“I don’t know if we have a number set aside,” Hill said. “There will be certain packages of plays where different guys will be in there.”
Powerfully built senior John Mosure has been used as a receiver and running back, and in a primary role in the wildcat formation. Redshirt freshman Chris Nwoke’s combination of power and quickness is a younger version of Carter. Freshman Tony Drake is pure speed.
“We’re not the brightest guys in the world, but we’re smart enough to know when to leave somebody in,” Hill said. “The trick is you have to know when to take them out.”
So how many carries is too many, in Carter’s estimation?
“I don’t know,” he said. “Whatever the coaches are willing to give me, I’m fine with. We got a good group of running backs; we all can get it done.”
The depth at running back is essential to taking some of the load off freshman quarterback Pete Thomas.
“Our run game is going to be pivotal to keep the pressure off Pete,” Carter said. “Once we have to pass, our pass protection has to be perfect. CU’s defense probably is going to come after us. We just have to be prepared to protect Pete so he can get the ball to our receivers.”
There was a time Carter never thought the day would get here. Now the Rocky Mountain Showdown is hours away.
“It’s going to be a rowdy game. Everyone is going to be going crazy,” Carter said. “The campus is real hyped about the game. It’s a big rivalry. I’m just soaking it all in.”
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
