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Looking for that ‘x-factor’
By Justin Michael
Colorado state’s offense never quite took flight in year one of the Jay Norvell era.
There were many reasons why the ‘air raid’ was largely grounded in 2022, including, a unit that averaged just 13 points per contest and failed to score 20 points in a single game.
Injuries and mid-season departures certainly impacted the overall depth of the group. It’s tough to consistently produce when the offensive line is constantly being reshuffled out of necessity. And any time that four quarterbacks see the field in a single season, that’s pretty much all you need to know.
Entering the 2023 campaign, the hope is that with a more experienced Clay Millen (qb) playing behind a revamped group in the trenches, the offense as a whole will be able to function more effectively — particularly with a deeper group of wide receivers at his disposal.
While improved play out wide, as well as in the trenches will be key for the Rams this season, the ‘x-factor’ for the offense might actually be the tight ends. As Norvell has explained on multiple occasions, the Rams aim to be an explosive unit that can frequently stretch the field. However, in order to do that, it can’t just be vertical routes down the sidelines. CSU has to be able to attack the middle of the field too.
In 2022, CSU tight ends combined to produce just 21 receptions and one touchdown, which was not nearly enough to make an impact. Opposing defenses were basically able to ignore an entire section of the field and shadow Tory Horton over the top with a second defensive back on
Tight ends could be key to offensive success
every snap. Although he still managed to produce 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns, deep shots were basically the only way that the Rams were able to sustain drives or produce points.
Knowing that the squad needs more production in the middle of the field, Norvell and his staff signed three tight ends in the 2023 recruiting cycle, including a pair of transfers. Of the group, Norvell has referred to the trio as the best class of tight ends he’s signed.
Highlighting the newcomers is Dallin Holker, a BYU transfer that consistently stood out throughout the spring. Listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Holker has the size and strength to be impactful as a blocker. He really shines as a pass catcher though, as he has soft hands and deceptive body control.
“He’s an accomplished receiver,” Norvell says of
Holker. “I think he’ll give us a play-maker down the middle to really complement our wide receivers.
Along with Holker, the Rams also signed Vincent Brown, a 6-foot7, 215-pound red zone threat out of the college of Dupage, who Norvell describes as very similar to Washington Commanders tight end Cole Turner. True freshman Mason Muaau will be joining the mix too. Finally, Jordan Williams returns for his sophomore year after flashing his talent near the end of last season.
With a revamped tight end room, the hope is that the green & gold will resemble the explosive offenses produced by Norvell during his Nevada tenure. They didn’t have the right personnel to do so in 2022, but now that the longtime football coach has his guys, look for the offense to break through in 2023.