FORT COLLINS — While most of the Colorado State assistant coaches are intent on getting true freshmen up to speed, Larry Lewis views them from a different angle.
As the running backs coach, he has a few prospects to get ready, but as the special- teams coordinator, he’s taking a hard look at every new player.
“I think probably so, just in terms of seeing the whole perspective of it,” Lewis said. “Not just can a guy play his position, but what can he offer you? Is he athletic enough to do what we’re doing, does he pay attention enough, is he physical enough?”
Coach Steve Fairchild never has been shy about playing true freshmen, noting they can add to their worth and chances by contributing on special-teams units.
He thinks young receivers Charles Lovett (who was at his first full practice Saturday at Hughes Stadium) and Lee Clubb can help the team on the outside if they prove they can keep up with the offense. The possibility of a couple of plays a game isn’t always enough to make that jump, unless they prove they can contribute in other areas.
“If you’re a backup linebacker, there’s a chance you might not play very many snaps in a game,” Fairchild said. “But if you can go out 16 to 18 special-teams snaps and help us, that’s the guy we want to travel with us; that’s the guy we want in pads.”
Lewis and Fairchild believe starters should play a big role on special teams, and Lewis said when standouts such as Mychal Sisson work hard during special-teams periods, it drives the importance of that phase of the game to other players.
Coming in from Iowa Park, Texas, Lovett said the point was driven home early.
“Every day I’ve got to come out here and prove myself each and every way I can,” Lovett said. “There are no drills where I can back off. I’m like a baby. I’m like in ninth grade again, a freshman.”
Keeping score. Part of camp is keeping tabs on the offense and defense going against each other, and so far, the offense has the upper hand. During drills that have point values awarded to them, the offense has a 33-13 lead after three days. The big leap came during one- on-one passing drills Saturday, with the offense winning 11-4. The defense came up with one pick, by Momo Thomas.
Footnotes. The Rams, who were in helmets and shoulder pads Saturday morning, practice again today at 7:45 a.m., then will come out Monday for the first day in full pads, followed by Tuesday’s first two-a-day session. Wednesday is an off day. . . . The team did get the last period off Saturday as a surprise. The coaches had it planned, mostly to get back to the offices and go over film before too late in the afternoon. The return to campus was delayed because of Meet the Rams day, allowing the 100 or so fans in attendance to come down to the field.
