FORT COLLINS — Rashard Higgins was in pads and participated to a limited extent in the Colorado State practice Wednesday, but Rams coach Jim McElwain said the sophomore wide receiver remained “questionable” for Saturday’s game against Hawaii at Hughes Stadium.
If Higgins can’t go for the 8-1 Rams, quarterback Garrett Grayson probably will look more to Charles Lovett and Joe Hansley, the other wide receivers. Backups Xavier Williams and Elroy Masters Jr. also will be on the field more than usual.
Even if Higgins is available, opponents’ increasing attention to him has opened up more opportunities for the others.
“Obviously, Rashard’s a pretty big threat in the passing game,” said Hansley, a junior from Highlands Ranch. “But for all of us as wideouts, if he can’t play, then we’re all going to have to step up and make the plays he does.”
Hansley has 25 catches for 436 yards and two touchdowns.
“Rashard’s a big-play guy and Chuck can make some big plays, and I get my plays, too, but Garrett does a great job of finding the open receiver, wherever that might be,” Hansley said. “A lot it is the game plan every week, depending on what they’re going to run on defense.”
Lovett, a senior from Tampa, Fla., has 15 receptions for 250 yards. One of his two TD catches was the game-winning, fourth-down play against Boston College in the Rams’ signature, momentum-creating road win Sept. 27.
“I have to continue doing what I’m doing and step up my productivity a little bit, since I might be missing a bit part of our offense this week,” Lovett said. “Rashard’s having a career year, a great year, and I guess our role is to take some pressure off him when he’s double-covered or when he’s bracketed within the defense.
“Joe and I run our routes, knowing he’s double-covered more now. It does seem like every time they throw him the ball, he’s scoring a touchdown. It makes everyone’s job who’s involved with Colorado State easier.”
Lovett’s numbers are down since he had 35 receptions as a sophomore, but he doesn’t hold that against Grayson.
“Garrett’s come so far,” Lovett said. “We came in together, and we dreamed of a season like this. When we came, we were in the dump. He’s matured. He’s the definition of a true leader, fighting through injuries every week. I don’t think he’s been healthy since Week 1. He’s fighting through injuries and still putting up career numbers. I take my hat off to that guy. He knows I love and care about him a lot, because we came in together and we’ve been through so much.”
Lovett added: “All the hard work we put in, it wasn’t paying off. But now it’s starting to pay off. It’s a blessing, and we’re taking off and running with it.”
Terry Frei: tfrei@denverpost.com or
