2020 Colorado State Football Roster

Name

Jadon Walker Justice McCoy Dajon Owens Caleb Blake E.J. Scott Rashad Ajayi Nate Craig-Myers Dequan Jackson Dante Wright Quinn Brinnon Warren Jackson Logan Stewart Tywan Francis Aaron Syverson Henry Blackburn Cam’ron Carter Patrick O’Brien Jeremiah Pruitte Cameron Butler Christian Cumber Thomas Pannunzio Xavier Goldsmith Jaylen Hearst A’Jon Vivens Mikell Harvey Kyjuan Herndon Keevan Bailey Marshaun Cameron Logan Ludwig Dylan Emery Jaylen Thomas Christian Hunter Tyreese Jackson Jack Grauberger Ryan Lynch Marcus McElroy, Jr. Manny Jones Hunter Williams Joe DeLine Payton Polson Blake Beecher

Position

Wide Receiver Quarterback Defensive Back Defensive Back Wide Receiver Defensive Back Wide Receiver Linebacker Wide Receiver Defensive Back Wide Receiver Defensive Back Defensive Back Quarterback Defensive Back Linebacker Quarterback Wide Receiver Tight End Defensive Back Wide Receiver Defensive Back Wide Receiver Wide Receiver Defensive Back Running Back Defensive Back Defensive Back Wide Receiver Defensive Back Running Back Running Back Running Back Linebacker Wide Receiver Running Back Defensive Line Running Back Kicker Linebacker Linebacker

Ht.

6-0 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-4 5-7 6-0 5-11 5-9

Wt.

195 205 190 185 195 190 205 230 170 205 215 210 195 195 195 220 240 215 250 180 165 170 200 195 165 175 175 195 185 195 215 195 220 200 190 230 275 185 220 200 195

Yr.

R-Jr. R-Jr. Sr. R-Fr. R-Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. R-Sr. Jr. R-Fr. Fr. Jr. R-Sr. R-Fr. Sr. R-Jr. Jr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-So. R-So. Fr. So. Sr. R-So. R-Fr. So. So. R-Fr. R-Sr. R-So. Sr. Sr. R-So. R-Sr. R-Fr. R-Fr.

Hometown/ High school

Lithia Springs, Ga. / Chapel Hills New Orleans, La. / Saint Augustine Los Angeles, Calif. / Gardena Winter Haven, Fla. / Bishop Moore Catholic Powder Springs, Ga / McEachern Fairburn, Ga. / Langston Hughes Dade City, Fla. / Tampa Catholic Jacksonville, Fla. / Robert E. Lee Navarre, Fla. / Navarre Pleasanton, Calif. / Bishop O’Dowd Mission Hills, Calif. / Bishop Alemany Loveland, Colo. / Mountain View New Orleans, La. / Landry-Walker Minnetonka, Minn. / Minnetonka Boulder, Colo. / Fairview Tucker, Ga. / Tucker San Juan Capistrano, Calif. / San Juan Hills Marietta, Ga. / Wheeler Columbia, S.C. / Ridge View Denver, Colo. / J.K. Mullen Pueblo, Colo. / Pueblo South Detroit, Mich. / Harrison Fort Worth, Texas / Fossil Ridge Denver, Colo. / Mullen Slidell, La. / Northshore Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian Conyers, Ga. / Salem Los Angeles, Calif. / Cathedral Littleton, Colo. / ThunderRidge The Colony, Texas / Valor Christian Colorado Spring, Colo. / Vista Ridge Fontana, Calif. / Kaiser Jeanerette, La. / Westgate Fort Collins, Colo. / Fort Collins Louisville, Colo. / Legacy Denver, Colo / Mullen Cartersville, Ga. / Woodland Frisco, Texas / Frisco Centennial Steamboat Springs, Colo. / Steamboat Springs Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Valor Christian Norco, Calif. / Norco

Name

38 40 40 41 41 42 43 45 47 49 50 52 53 55 55 56 56 57 60 63 64 69 73 76 77 81 83 84 85 86 87 89 90 92 93 94 95 97 97 98 99 Adonis Rufran Dane Olson Corte Tapia Alex Schreiner Ryan Stonehouse Mohamed Kamara Troy Golden Bam Amina David Aggrey Brandon Derrow Cian Quiroga Aidan Cullen Cade Plath Tavian Brown Cam Reddy Ches Jackson Rushton Roberts Kavesz Sherard Florian McCann Alex Azusenis Scott Brooks Barry Wesley Gage Gaynor John Blasco, Jr. Keith Williams Ty McCullouch Chris McEahern Gary Williams Trey McBride Ross Reiter Ryan Sayre Kyle Helbig Casey Irons, Jr. Livingston Paogofie Jonathan Terry Devin Phillips Blake Householder Toby McBride Huck Vollmar Ellison Hubbard Luis Lebron

Position

Defensive Back Wide Receiver Tight End Running Back Punter Linebacker Linebacker Linebacker Running Back Defensive Line Defensive Line Defensive Line Linebacker Linebacker Offensive Line Offensive Line Defensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Offensive Line Wide Receiver Wide Receiver Tight End Tight End Long Snapper Wide Receiver Tight End Defensive Line Defensive Line Kicker Defensive Line Offensive Line Defensive Line Long Snapper Defensive Line Offensive Line

Ht. Wt.

5-8 5-10 6-2 5-8 5-11 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-5 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-7 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-4 170 165 240 180 180 240 215 210 200 265 240 255 220 225 300 295 240 305 300 305 300 305 285 325 305 170 180 235 260 230 200 255 240 270 190 310 270 280 210 285 325

Yr. Hometown/ High school

R-Jr. R-Fr. R-Jr. R-Fr. Sr. So. R-So. Fr. R-So. R-So. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Jr. R-So. R-So. R-So. R-So. R-Fr. Sr. R-Jr. Fr. R-Jr. R-Sr. So. R-Fr. R-So. Jr. Jr. R-Sr. R-Fr. Fr. Sr. R-Fr. Jr. R-So. R-Sr. R-So. Sr. R-Jr. Colorado Springs, Colo. / William J. Palmer San Marcos, Calif. / San Marcos Windsor, Colo. / Windsor Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln Christian La Verne, Calif. / Mater Dei Newark, N.J. / Central Orlando, Fla. / Olympia Mililani, Hawaii / Mililani Bronx, N.Y. / Rangeview Columbus, Ohio / St. Francis De Sales Denver, Colo. / Valor Christian Monument, Colo. / Palmer Ridge Chanhassen, Minn. / Chanhassen Demopolis, Ala. / Demopolis Londonderry, N.H. / Lawrence Acad. Tifton, Ga. / Tift County Jacksonville, Fla. / The Bolles School Anderson, S.C. / T. L. Hanna Denver, Colo. / Mullen Powell, Ohio / Olentangy Liberty Moorpark, Calif. / Moorpark Morrison, Colo. / Bear Creek Parkland, Fla. / Stoneman Douglas Tacoma, Wash. / Stadium Baltimore, Md. / Overlea Moreno Valley, Calif. / Rancho Verde Arvada, Colo. / Arvada West Charlotte, N.C. / Vance Fort Morgan, Colo. / Fort Morgan Phoenix, Ariz. / Barophy Prep Castle Rock, Colo. / Douglas County Broomfield, Colo. / Holy Family Gilmer, Texas / Gilmer Arlington, Texas / Bowie Castle Rock, Colo. / Castle View Monroe, La. / Neville Missouri City, Texas / Dulles Fort Morgan, Colo. / Fort Morgan Colorado Springs, Colo. / Air Academy Loganville, Ga. / Grayson Jacksonville, Fla. / Sandalwood

Steve Addazio - Head Coach Brian White – Senior Associate Head Coach Chuck Heater – Defensive Coordinator / Safeties Joey Lynch – Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Louie Addazio – Offensive Line Cody Booth – Tight Ends Sean Cronin – Linebackers

2020 Coaching Staff

Kap Dede, PhD – Outside Linebackers / Nickelbacks Kenny Guiton – Wide Receivers Anthony Perkins – Cornerbacks Antoine Smith – Defensive Line Scott McLafferty – Head Football Strength & Conditioning Coach Spencer Reid – Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach Elijah Blackman – Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Nathan Morris – Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Clay Davie – Offensive Quality Control Jon Goodman – Special Teams Quality Control Ben Robertson – Defensive Quality Control Zac Jancek – Defensive Graduate Assistant Heath Parling – Offensive Graduate Assistant

Wide Receiver #9 Warren Jackson

Position Breakdown: QUARTERBACKS By EDDIE HERZ

Patrick O’Brien

Everyone knew athletic director Joe Parker would push Mike Bobo out the door if Colorado State failed to qualify for a bowl for a second consecutive season in 2019. When Collin Hill tore his ACL at Arkansas in week three, it seemed just as likely that the quarterback would exit alongside the head coach if the struggling Rams couldn’t get off the schneid. Obviously, both possibilities materialized as Bobo and Hill darted to South Carolina following another losing campaign. As a result, the top of CSU’s QB depth chart will almost definitely look the same as it did during the majority of 2019 as Patrick O’Brien returns to lead the Rams after starting in the team’s final nine contests.

Upon operating under first-string duties for the first time of his collegiate career, the California native completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,803 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Rams constructed a 3-6 record over his fill-in tenure.

Despite an abbreviated spring camp, offensive coordinator Joey Lynch felt pleased with the redshirt senior’s efforts as the quarterback digested the regime’s fundamental philosophies. Though O’Brien’s seven-interception season wasn’t perfect, Lynch believes O’Brien’s “key experience” will benefit the gunslinger.

“You really saw his development from his first

QUARTERBACK ROSTER YEAR HEIGHT

Todd Centeio Jr 5-11 Justice McCoy Jr 6-1 Jonah O’Brien Fr 6-3 Patrick O’Brien Sr 6-5 Aaron Syverson Fr 6-0

WEIGHT

216 205 200 240 195

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

start to his last start,” Lynch says. “From getting around him this spring, I think he can throw and locate the football. I’m excited about it. He gives us the ability to do what we want to do as an offense and allows us to succeed.”

Still, O’Brien has a lot to work on to become a reliable asset behind center. His shaky pocket awareness amounted to an incomplete campaign – exemplified when he often stepped right into pressure.

However, the nonthrowing aspects of O’Brien’s game don’t appear to worry Lynch. Frankly, the quarterback deserves a bit of a break considering unforeseen circumstances thrust him into the starting gig. And it’s worth noting how CSU’s coordinator sees potential in O’Brien’s capacity to navigate the pocket and improve his sometimessporadic decision-making.

“He has really good feet. Everyone knows he’s a throwing quarterback, but he’s a good enough athlete where he can move in the pocket and escape and do some things. He’s a smart guy, and he’s worked at it.”

There is nothing like a little competition to force the best out of teammates, especially in the quarterback room — where complacency kills. Beyond for injury insurance, this is why adding former Temple quarterback Todd Centeio can prove advantageous.

Because without Centeio in the mix, the only scholarship arm in the race behind O’Brien would be Justice McCoy— who never really pressed O’Brien amid multiple open competitions between the two for starting duties.

The dual-threat backup’s accomplishments in the American Athletic Conference surely suggest Centeio’s capabilities of motivating O’Brien further during fall camp. In 10 games last year, the redshirt junior completed 34-51 attempts for 444 yards while amassing 155 rushing yards on 47 carries.

“We truly believe that competition brings the best out of everybody,” Lynch says. “Getting Toddy out here was great. He’s played well, and he’s a little different than Patty in that he can do some things with his legs. That’s going to allow us to be very multiple at quarterback. Justice McCoy is awfully confident in his ability too. I’m looking forward to getting out there and letting them compete in August.”

Position Breakdown: RUNNING BACKS By EDDIE HERZ

Marcus McElroy

For the first time since Dalyn Dawkins departed, Colorado State finally manufactured a competent rushing attack to go along with former head coach Mike Bobo’s always-potent passing game. Despite Marvin Kinsey Jr.’s issues holding onto the ball, the speedster represented the most explosive running back in the Mountain West upon leading the league in rushing through seven games. However, when CSU dismissed Kinsey from the middle of last season, it was back to square one as Bobo’s backfield regressed to its prior, lackluster self.

Though CSU possesses a plethora of unproven backs heading into 2020, the squad appears to have ideal leadership in place to flip the script as Steve Addazio takes charge after consistently producing rushing success over his coaching tenure.

“To have a physical, tough program, you have to be able to stop the run and be able to run,” Addazio said at his introductory press conference in December. “That’s a building block to winning a championship. You have to have the ability to run the football.”

Addazio arrives owning a run-first reputation in light of Boston College’s rushing

RUNNING BACK ROSTER YEAR HEIGHT

David Aggrey So 5-10 Kyjuan Herndon Fr 5-9 Christian Hunter So 5-10 Tyreese Jackson Fr 6-0 Marcus McElroy Sr 5-11 Alex Schreiner Fr 5-8 Jaylen Thomas So 5-10 Hunter Williams So 5-7

WEIGHT

200 175 195 220 230 180 215 185

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

offenses finishing 25th or better in the FBS during four of the coach’s seven seasons. Nevertheless, the veteran sideline chief typically orients year one of a new gig “towards the talent on the roster.” In other words, the Rams may continue their pass-heavy trend right off the bat considering the program’s weapons at receiver.

While leaning on the run represents more of a long-term goal, Addazio won’t hesitate to prioritize the ground game if someone can emerge as a trusty contributor out of the backfield. Plus, new offensive coordinator/play-caller Joey Lynch holds similar values regarding a multifaceted offense’s importance.

“I truly believe that we have the ability to be balanced and have a downhill rushing attack,” Lynch says. “It starts up front, but we feel good about the group we got. You can’t be a one-dimensional offense. You can’t let the defense dictate what you are going to do.”

Whether or not Lynch’s optimism persists depends on Marcus McElroy, CSU’s only upperclassman running back. As the most experienced returner, the Denver native will likely start the year as the Rams’ lead back. The primary question pertains to if McElroy can maintain a starting job after struggling to make the most of his chances last year.

Subsequent to an encouraging fall camp, the senior was supposed to serve as one facet of a two-headed monster with Kinsey. Instead, he suffered an early injury before failing to effectively utilize his stocky frame when healthy en route to totaling 80 carries for 370 yards. McElroy’s bright side is he’ll have more wiggle room than ever to overcome his woes, given the youth accompanying him on the depth chart.

Next in the envisioned arrangement stands the true sophomore duo of Jaylen Thomas and Christian Hunter — which very well could serve as a secondary, change-of-pace tandem if McElroy flourishes.

Amounting to a respectable first-year stint, Thomas amassed 222 yards and a trio of rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, despite flashing agility in practice, Hunter spent most of 2019 on the bench. The California native recorded just 24 touches for 99 yards. Regardless, his knowledge of the college level compared to many CSU backs bodes Hunter well.

Position Breakdown:

Dante Wright

Whether or not Steve Addazio intends to bring a run-oriented offense from Boston College to Colorado State, doing so will likely have to wait a year or two. In addition to concerns at running back, it’s safe to assume quarterback Patrick O’Brien will match or surpass his 36.3 passing attempts per start from last season because of the remarkable retention within CSU’s wide receiver corps.

Upon returning more production than any position, the Rams welcome back every pass-catcher who meaningfully contributed to CSU’s 305 receiving yards per contest — which ranked third in the Mountain West. Undoubtedly, the Rams are in line to continue bullying opponents through the air in 2020. Maybe even to a greater extent than in 2019.

“We have some talent and depth,” first-year offensive coordinator Joey Lynch says. “When you say those two words, you get excited as a coach. We have a lot of guys that can run and make plays for us. And we’ll be able to rotate some guys to keep the defense

RECEIVERS By EDDIE HERZ

on their heels with the depth, speed and overall diversity of that group.”

Of course, Warren Jackson leads the charge after making a mockery out of defensive backs across the nation. While hogging O’Brien’s attention, the over-the-top threat hoarded 77 grabs in 10 games for 1,119 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to firstteam all-league honors.

Jackson bypassed the NFL Draft in light of some unfinished business at CSU. Now, the only thing stopping the 6-foot-6 athlete from outdoing his previous campaign is an unforeseen injury.

Serving as a potent contrast to Jackson, Dante Wright returns following a historic collegiate introduction. While displaying his versatility, the swift underclassman totaled 57 receptions for 805 yards and six total touchdowns. From returning punts to rushing for 214 yards, Wright truly did it all.

“(Wright) is working really hard right now,” Jackson says. “He’s gaining weight and getting stronger. I expect another explosive season from him. He’s getting the playbook down easily too. His speed brings a different dynamic to our offense. So, I’m really excited for what he can bring.”

Speaking volumes to the Rams’ array of receiving talent, Nate Craig-Myers rounds out a dazzling trio of front-line wideouts. The former Auburn Tiger and blue-chip recruit finished fourth on the squad in both receptions (23) and receiving yards (329) amid a smooth transition to CSU’s offense.

Making the Rams’ receiving game even more of a handful for opposing squads, defending CSU’s tight ends doesn’t get much easier.

Despite a cluster of injuries plaguing CSU’s tight ends last year, Trey McBride returns to Canvas Stadium after single-handedly carrying the position toward efficacy. McBride hauled in 45 receptions for 560 yards and four touchdowns during a breakout campaign in which the Fort Morgan native became tougher to defend each week.

The sky’s seemingly the limit for the junior, given his substantial improvements in both receiving and blocking facets. This is especially the case considering the instant connection between McBride and new position coach Cody Booth. “Cody Booth is really teaching us the fundamentals of how to block,” McBride says. “And with him having played in the NFL, he really knows how to block the big guys that shouldn’t be blocked. He brings a lot to the table. It’s really nice for me while I focus on my route running to be as well-rounded as possible.”

RECEIVER ROSTER YEAR

Cameron Butler Sr Nate Craig-Meyers Sr Jaylen Hearst Fr Kyle Helbig Fr Warren Jackson Sr Logan Ludwig So Ryan Lynch So Trey McBride Jr Ty McCullouch So Chris McEahern Fr Dane Olson Fr Thomas Pannunzio Jr Brian Polendey Jr Jeremiah Pruitte Fr Ryan Sayre Sr E.J. Scott Jr Corte Tapia Jr A’Jon Vivens So Dylan Walker Fr Jason Walker Jr Gary Williams So Dante Wright So

HEIGHT

6-2 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-6 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-8 6-6 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-2 5-9

WEIGHT

250 205 200 255 210 185 190 260 170 180 165 165 230 215 200 195 240 195 236 195 235 170

Position Breakdown: Offensive Line By EDDIE HERZ

Barry Wesley

Neither the position nor the side matter to Barry Wesley. The redshirt junior offensive lineman has started in each of Colorado State’s previous 24 contests while boasting nine gameopening appearances at left guard, eight at right tackle and seven at left tackle. Wherever a coach situates

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

Wesley in the trenches, the former walk-on finds a way to carry his weight.

However, not even the versatile upperclassman can play in multiple places at once, which would certainly be convenient for a less-than-dominant CSU offensive line losing a trio of last season’s starters in right guard Jeff Taylor, left guard

OFFENSIVE LINE ROSTER YEAR HEIGHT

Alex Azusenis Fr 6-5 John Blasco Jr 6-6 Scott Brooks Sr 6-3 Brian Crespo Fr 6-5 Gage Gaynor Fr 6-3 Blake Householder So 5-11 Ches Jackson So 6-4 Elijah Johnson Sr 6-5 Adam Korutz Sr 6-2 Luis Lebron Jr 6-4 Tautai Marks Fr 6-2 Florian McCann So 6-3 Dirk Nelson Fr 6-2 Cam Reddy Jr 6-1 Kavesz Sherard So 6-4 Owen Snively Fr 6-4 Barry Wesley Jr 6-6 Keith Williams Sr 6-7

WEIGHT

305 325 300 317 285 270 290 300 290 325 280 300 296 300 305 280 305 305 Nouredin Nouili and left tackle T.J. Storment.

New offensive line coach Louie Addazio evidently meets an uphill climb in 2020. Luckily for the coach, it isn’t as if the unit loses every viable contributor from a campaign where the line actually began achieving cohesion down the stretch.

“I was thinking about our communication at practice today,” Wesley said last November. “We were gelling out there. We were on like a telepathic level. I feel like that is across the board now.”

Set to assist Wesley in running the show, the Rams retain a key facet in center Scott Brooks. After working his way into the rotation in 2018, the senior’s involvement skyrocketed as he went on to handle firststring snapping duties in all 12 games last year.

In all likelihood, right tackle Keith Williams will accompany Wesley and Brooks opposite the defense when CSU’s first bout rolls around. Upon improving his mobility, the 6-foot7-redshirt senior’s duties expanded from playing twice as a backup in 2018 to drawing four starts in 11 contests last season.

The remaining vacancies in the trenches are genuinely up for grabs. Although, CSU’s staff started laying the foundation for an offensive line rebuild months ago. And even if the Rams weren’t losing 31 combined starts from 2019, the new regime still would have hit the recruiting trail in search of “quality depth.” With Joey Lynch’s blistering pace of play in mind, the more linemen, the merrier.

“There’s no question that we feel like we can create quality depth,” the offensive coordinator says. “Especially up front, injuries happen. You need depth, and at the same time, we are going to play with some tempo now. We aren’t just going to play five linemen. We want to play multiple linemen throughout the game because of the amount of plays we want to run every Saturday.”

In addition to stockpiling five true freshmen of threestar caliber (247Sports.com), Steve Addazio worked old ties to snag a trio of former Boston College linemen in Cam Reddy, Adam Korutz and Elijah Johnson.

While only Korutz cracked BC’s two-deep rotation in 2019, all three are seemingly in line to compete for sizable roles after transferring from Chestnut Hill with prior knowledge of Addazio’s system.

“It’s going to be exciting to get out there with the freshmen and some of the guys we added through the transfer portal,” Lynch says. “And I think all the guys up front believe in the philosophy and have a great feel for what we are doing.”

Position Breakdown:

Manny Jones

Loaded with budding talent, it appeared that Colorado State’s defensive line was in position to anchor its side of the ball before the 2019 season. By the campaign’s conclusion, the unit lived up to the hype in specific aspects. In others, the line never materialized. The Rams worked their way out of the trenches to total 16 more sacks last year (29) than in 2018. But, when it came to containing the run, CSU stumbled to the fourth-worst mark in the Mountain West (196 yards allowed per game). Nevertheless, the defensive front again possesses potential to surface as a robust force as position coach Antoine Smith seizes command of a troupe that retains much more than it waved goodbye to following Mike Bobo’s final hurrah. “That’s the goal with every d-line I hope (to be the best in the conference),” senior defensive end Manny Jones said during spring

Defensive Line By EDDIE HERZ

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

camp. “The main goal is stop the run first and then work from there to pass rush and then just overall defense.”

The Rams’ apparent depth lies at the defensive tackles spots, where the squad should be able to rotate competent bodies at ease. In fact, Jamori Fox represents the only true DT from last year no longer on the roster, and he failed to record a tackle as a redshirt senior.

A pair of probable starters in senior Ellison Hubbard and junior Devin Phillips — who totaled 58 takedowns and 11 TFLs in 20 combined starts — highlight the remarkable turnover at DT.

Mature depth may transpire in the form of Toby McBride if the unquestionably talented senior can shake the injury bug. The Fort Morgan product accumulated 22 tackles (five for loss) and two sacks in six games last year before suffering the third season-ending ailment of his career. One can only imagine the damage McBride is capable of if he could stay healthy for the first time since 2016.

Speaking of damage, it’s about time to mention the most lethal weapon in the defensive trenches for the Rams — defensive end Manny Jones. The reigning All-Mountain West honorable mention has always contributed effectively, but Jones performed to a new degree in 2019 while notching a single-season most 54 takedowns and leading CSU with eight TFLs.

Based on the senior’s initial thoughts, the Rams’ first-year staff should only pump more juice into Jones compared to previous campaigns as he looks to conclude his career assertively.

“There’s just a lot more energy, a lot more initiative to get stuff done,” Jones said during spring camp. “It’s a lot more getting there and doing your job, running this drill as we went through in walk-throughs.”

The primary concern on the line resides at DE opposite Jones as losing both Jalen Bates and JanPhillip Bombek leaves the second starting role off the edge untaken.

A less-established player must rise to the occasion. However, lessestablished on the roster doesn’t necessarily mean inexperienced. In comes a seasoned asset in Miami graduate transfer Scott Patchan, who arrives after posting career-bests in both tackles (33) and TFLs (six) over 13 games.

“Hopefully, I can bring some experience,” Patchan says upon transferring in April. “I’m not trying to be a guy that’s hyped because I’m from Miami. I’m just trying to be another guy but also be a leader in that room, knowing I’m one of the oldest guys on the team.”

DEFENSIVE LINE ROSTER YEAR HEIGHT

Cameron Bariteau Fr 6-0 Aidan Cullen Fr 6-5 Brandon Derrow So 6-3 Brandon Hickerson-Rooks So 5-11 Ellison Hubbard Sr 6-1 Casey Irons Jr. Fr 6-3 Manny Jones Sr 6-4 Toby McBride Sr 6-3 James Mitchell Fr 6-1 Livingston Paogofie Sr 6-1 Scott Patchan Sr 6-6 Devin Phillips Jr 6-1 Cian Quiroga Fr 6-1 Rushton Roberts So 6-4

WEIGHT

312 255 265 221 285 240 275 280 278 270 249 310 240 240

Position Breakdown: Linebackers By EDDIE HERZ

Dequan Jackson

You can’t mention Dequan Jackson without discussing Cam’ron Carter, and vice versa. On similar trajectories since the beginning, Colorado State’s pair of linebackers obtained loads of indispensable playing time as true freshmen before substantially improving last season.

Now, with two notable linebacker departures in Tron Folsom and Max McDonald, CSU’s defense will depend on the formidable tandem’s production in the middle of the field more than ever.

Jackson and Carter learned from a previously lethal one-two punch of Josh Watson and Tre Thomas, who concluded their CSU careers by totaling more than 100 tackles apiece in 2018. Fittingly, the Rams’ current junior linebackers are slowly forming into the hard-hitting

LINEBACKER ROSTER YEAR

Bam Amina Fr Blake Beecher Fr Tavian Brown Fr Cam’ron Carter Jr Troy Golden So Jack Grauberger Sr Dequan Jackson Jr Mohamed Kamara So Aaron Moore Fr Payton Polson Fr Cade Plath Fr Sanjay Strickland Fr Chase Wilson Fr

HEIGHT

5-11 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-1

WEIGHT

210 195 225 220 215 200 230 240 206 200 220 230 198 duo’s second coming.

“It felt like they were passing the torch,” Jackson says. “I learned the playbook from them a bit. Those guys were athletic and smart. Being behind Josh so long taught me a lot. But we were more alike than a lot of people realized. Like the way I related to Josh seeing the game and the position he played. Then Cam’ron stepping into where Tre was. We appreciate what they did. But I’m definitely excited for us to do better and bigger things than those guys.”

While paving the way for the defense, Jackson emerged as a regular starter after successfully getting his feet wet in 10 games as a newcomer. The middle linebacker finished second on the squad (87) tackles and fourth in takedowns for loss (6.5) upon asserting himself as a vocal leader.

As a guaranteed starter, Jackson will guide the linebacker troupe for years to come. But there is no Batman without a Robin — especially in this case, considering Robin, or Carter, occasionally served as a captain alongside Jackson as well.

“Our chemistry has definitely grown, and I can get a feel for what Cam’ron is going to do out there, and that’s the same for him,” Jackson says. Being able to communicate to put ourselves in the best position to make the play is where our chemistry is best. We cooperate and work together to where it gives us an advantage playing together.”

Carter’s contributions at outside linebacker are equally crucial for the Rams to furnish overall efficacy in the center of the defense. As a big-hitter with a confident demeanor, Carter surged past a freshman campaign where he tallied 29 tackles to a record 65 tackles and seven takedowns for loss in 2019.

The third starting linebacker job is where the Rams somewhat enter an unknown realm. However, though many backers will contend, Mohamed Kamara’s progress last year surfaces the New Jersey native as a plausible candidate.

Similar to Jackson and Carter, Kamara proved beneficial while acquiring invaluable reps as a freshman. The once-touted recruit posted 22 tackles in nine outings. Kamara also cracked the starting lineup in four of CSU’s final seven contests upon achieving a noticeable late-season rhythm.

“The best man is going to play,” Jackson says. “But I think Mohamed has been working really hard since he got here. I feel like it will be a good rotation either way, though. We have a lot of good guys on top of Mohamed. I can tell this is going to be a good group.”

Position Breakdown:

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications Logan Stewart

Replicating its basementdwelling status from a year prior, John

Jancek’s discombobulated defense quickly sunk to the bottom of the Mountain West

Conference upon averaging 40 points allowed through the squad’s 1-3 start in 2019.

From an outside perspective, the sliver of hope concerning a possible defensive turnaround dwindled before Colorado State even began its league schedule.

However, CSU’s defense decided it had enough once

Toledo scampered all over

Canvas Stadium in the final segment of the forgettable four-game portion.

The Rams’ defense revived itself thereafter — holding opponents to 24 points or less in half of their remaining games. Notably, elite play in the secondary heavily accounted for the defense’s leap toward respectability.

The resurgence certainly wasn’t enough for CSU’s athletic department to consider retaining Jancek when cleaning house.

Nonetheless, the extent to which the secondary excelled

Defensive BACKS By EDDIE HARZ

lends new coordinator Chuck Heater a positive facet to lean on heading into 2020.

“The Toledo game was embarrassing, as bad as we played defensively,” former coach Mike Bobo said last October. “I think they were challenged after that, and the good thing about it is how they’ve responded.”

CSU’s secondary darted to the finish line en route to surrendering the conference’s least passing yards per game (181.6). Amid the progression, unestablished individuals such as Logan Stewart blossomed to bring the backfield together.

After surpassing expectations in his first full season out of junior college, Stewart will have to shoulder even more responsibility without graduated safety Jamal Hicks orchestrating the secondary.

Hicks became the first CSU defensive back in approximately four decades to accumulate more than 100 single-season tackles (117) as the heart and soul of the unit. With Hicks’ mentoring him every step of the way, Stewart

recorded 76 tackles (third on team), three pass breakups and two interceptions. Now, the Loveland native keeps the spirit of Hicks alive upon capturing increasingly significant duties at safety.

“(Hicks) has helped me a lot,” Stewart said last November. “He put me under his wing and taught me how to play at a high level, how to practice and how to watch film every day. He’s been a great leader and role model.”

Moving a tad closer to the line of scrimmage, prosperity at cornerback predominantly hinges on if Rashad Ajayi can respond from an unforeseen sophomore slump.

As a true freshman in 2018, the speedy cornerback frequently displayed his difference-making caliber over 12 starts. Ajayi’s team-best seven pass breakups, along with three forced turnovers, raised the bar tremendously for the Georgia product before his sophomore campaign.

Surrounded by massive expectations, the cornerback suffered a lapse in production while totaling only eight tackles in nine games. However, Ajayi didn’t succumb to the suddenly blinding spotlight. Instead, lingering injuries hindered his preparedness. Assuming the ball-hawking corner avoids any setbacks, Ajayi should be on his way toward a bounceback campaign in which he re-establishes his reliability.

Marshaun Cameron, who aged like a fine wine during his first season at CSU, possesses favorable odds at starting in the defensive backfield as well. Seemingly setting an upward trend in motion, the agile cornerback started in seven of the Rams’ final eight clashes. The Northern Colorado transfer concluded the campaign boasting a team-most five pass breakups and a respectable 37 tackles.

DEFENSIVE BACK ROSTER YEAR HEIGHT

Rashad Ajayi Jr 5-11 Keevan Bailey So 5-11 Henry Blackburn Fr 5-11 Caleb Blake Fr 5-10 Quinn Brinnon Jr 6-0 Marshaun Cameron Sr 5-9 Christian Cumber Jr 6-0 Dylan Emery Fr 6-0 Tywan Francis Jr 5-11 Xavier Goldsmith Fr 5-8 Brandon Guzman Fr 5-10 Mikell Harvey So 5-8 Dajon Owens Sr 6-0 Adonis Rufran Jr 5-8 Logan Stewart Sr 6-1

WEIGHT

190 175 195 185 205 195 180 195 195 170 172 165 190 170 210

Position Breakdown: SPECIALISTS By EDDIE HARZ

Ryan Stonehouse

Wyatt Bryan’s departure hit Colorado State like a freight train last season. Granted, considering the fouryear starter converted 11-18 field-goal attempts as a senior in 2018, more consistency from the kicker would have been ideal.

However, in addition to frequently splitting the uprights in crunch time, Bryan accumulated 53 successful three-point tries over his career while concluding his tenure as the program’s alltime leading scorer.

Bryan’s exit left CSU scrambling for a competent replacement as a neverending merry-go-round at

placekicker ensued in 2019. Though plenty of candidates auditioned, none performed convincingly enough to seize the duties permanently. Consequently, CSU again finds itself in desperate need of a reliable placekicker.

A trio of inexpert specialists — Cayden Camper, Max Poduska and Braxton Davis — combined to make 14-24 field-goal attempts as the squad’s 58.3 conversion percentage ranked dead last in the Mountain West. Though none of the players excelled, concerns intensify in 2020 since all three players are no longer on the roster.

Unless Camper returns from an indefinite

SPECIAL TEAMS ROSTER YEAR HEIGHT

Joe DeLine Sr 6-0 Robert Liss Fr 5-10 Ross Reiter Jr 5-11 Ryan Stonehouse Sr 5-11 Jonathan Terry Fr 6-1 Huck Vollmar So 6-2 Dante Wright So 5-9

WEIGHT

220 160 230 180 190 210 170 suspension, redshirt senior Joe DeLine and redshirt freshman Jonathan Terry stand first in line at placekicker. DeLine, who recently served as CSU’s primary holder, must shake some rust off his leg with zero kicks to his name. Similarly, Terry has yet to propel a ball in college.

Beyond the unestablished duo, true freshman Robert Liss arises as the final contender for both placekicking and kickoff responsibilities. The Arizona native split the posts on 7-9 field goals and converted 24-27 PATs last season.

Luckily for the Rams, the punting situation represents the polar opposite of the kicking debacle. For the fourth consecutive season, CSU pencils in senior Ryan Stonehouse at starting punter. The two-time AllMountain West first-team member accrued 16 punts of at least 50 yards and pinned 13 pigskins inside the opposing 20. The specialist’s career gross-yard average (47) ranks first in program history as well.

As for returning the ball, the Rams have sizeable large shoes to fill following Anthony Hawkins’ graduation. The explosive athlete proved lethal in the return game averaging 26 yards per return in 21-24 team attempts — which ranked 18th individually in the FBS.

Hawkins’ departure leaves the role wide open to whomever emerges as a viable returner in practice. CSU’s running backs, wide receivers and a defensive back or two — such as Keevan Bailey — will certainly compete.

The punt returning circumstance is less murky as all-purpose phenom Dante Wright looks to build off a campaign where he hauled in 19-21 team attempts. Ideally, enhanced experience will grant the sophomore a better grasp of handling the job after averaging only 7.1 yards per return last year.

Defensively, special teams coach Jon Goodman takes over for a kick return defense that requires fine-tuning in light of the squad allowing 27.7 yards per return, the third-worst national mark. On the other hand, constructing a stout punt return defense shouldn’t represent a tough task. CSU assembled the conference’s third-best punting defense at 5.5 yards surrendered per boot.