2021 Colorado State Football Roster

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2021 COLORADO STATE FOOTBALL ROSTER

# Name

Position Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/ High school

0 Toby McBride Defensive Line 6-3 285 R-Sr. Fort Morgan, Colo. / Fort Morgan 1 Scott Patchan Defensive Line 6-6 255 Gr. Tampa, Fla. / IMG Academy Miami 2 Justice McCoy Quarterback 6-2 210 R-Jr. New Orleans, La. / Saint Augustine 3 E.J. Scott Wide Receiver 6-2 200 R-Jr. Powder Springs, Ga / McEachern 4 Rashad Ajayi Defensive Back 5-11 190 Jr. Atlanta, Ga. / Langston Hughes 5 David Bailey Running Back 6-0 235 Sr. Ridgely, Md. / North Carolina 5 Dequan Jackson Linebacker 6-2 235 Jr. Jacksonville, Fla. / Robert E. Lee 6 Ty McCullouch Wide Receiver 6-1 175 So. Moreno Valley, Calif. / Rancho Verde 7 Todd Centeio Quarterback 6-1 220 R-Jr. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. / Dwyer 7 Linwood Crump Defensive Back 6-0 175 Gr. South Amboy, N.J. / Piscataway 9 Logan Stewart Defensive Back 6-1 215 R-Sr. Loveland, Colo. / Mountain View 10 Tywan Francis Defensive Back 6-0 200 Jr. New Orleans, La. / Landry-Walker 10 Chance Harris Quarterback 6-0 200 Fr. Clovis, N.M. / Clovis 11 Henry Blackburn Defensive Back 6-0 200 Fr. Boulder, Colo. / Fairview 12 Cam’ron Carter Linebacker 6-2 225 Jr. Tucker, Ga. / Tucker 13 Luke McAllister Quarterback 6-4 190 Fr. Monument, Colo. / Palmer Ridge 14 Brandon Guzman Defensive Back 6-0 190 Fr. Pasadena, Calif. / Covina 15 Brandon Hickerson-RooksDefensive Line 6-0 235 R-Jr. Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin 15 Jonah O’Brien Quarterback 6-4 195 R-Fr. Bartlett, Ill. / Bartlett 16 Cameron Butler Tight End 6-2 250 Sr. Columbia, S.C. / Ridge View 17 Jack Howell Defensive Back 5-11 190 Fr. Chandler, Ariz. / Hamilton 18 Thomas Pannunzio Wide Receiver 5-9 170 Jr. Pueblo, Colo. / Pueblo South 19 Branden Coleman Defensive Back 6-1 180 Fr. Miami, Fla. / Columbus 20 A’Jon Vivens Running Back 5-11 200 R-So. Denver, Colo. / Mullen 22 Dante Wright Wide Receiver 5-9 180 So. Navarre, Fla. / Navarre 23 Mikell Harvey Defensive Back 5-8 170 R-So. Slidell, La. / Northshore 24 Kyjuan Herndon Running Back 5-9 190 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian 26 Marshaun Cameron Defensive Back 5-9 190 R-Sr. Los Angeles, Calif. / Cathedral 26 Logan Ludwig Wide Receiver 6-0 190 R-So. Roxborough, Colo. / ThunderRidge 27 Jaylen Thomas Running Back 5-11 215 So. Colorado Spring, Colo. / Vista Ridge 28 Christian Hunter Running Back 5-11 195 So. Fontana, Calif. / Kaiser 30 Chase Wilson Linebacker 6-2 225 Fr. Arvada Colo. / Ralston Valley 31 Tanner Hollens Running Back 6-1 220 Fr. Littleton, Colo. / Columbine 32 Marcus McElroy, Jr. Running Back 6-0 235 Sr. Denver, Colo / Mullen 33 Manny Jones Defensive Line 6-4 280 Sr. Cartersville, Ga. / Woodland 34 Titus Jones Defensive Back 6-1 190 R-Fr. Kingston, Ga. / Woodland 35 Joe DeLine Kicker 6-0 225 R-Sr. Steamboat Springs, Colo. / Steamboat Springs 35 Aaron Moore Linebacker 6-1 215 Fr. Oakland, Tenn. / Oakland 36 Payton Polson Linebacker 6-0 205 R-Fr. Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Valor Christian 37 Blake Beecher Running Back 5-10 195 R-Fr. Norco, Calif. / Norco 38 Griffin Vanderwaerdt Defensive Back 6-0 180 Fr. Parker, Colo. / Chaparral 39 Sanjay Strickland Linebacker 6-2 235 Fr. Arvada, Colo. / Pomona 40 Dawson Menegatti Wide Receiver 6-3 185 Fr. Pueblo West, Colo. / Pueblo West 41 Ryan Stonehouse Punter 5-11 180 Sr. La Verne, Calif. / Mater Dei 42 Mohamed Kamara Linebacker 6-2 240 So. Newark, N.J. / Central 43 Troy Golden Linebacker 6-2 235 R-So. Orlando, Fla. / Olympia 45 Bam Amina Linebacker 5-11 210 Fr. Waianae, Hawaii / Mililani 46 Devon Edwards Linebacker 6-1 220 Fr. Longmont, Colo. / Mead 47 David Aggrey Running Back 5-10 205 R-So. Bronx, N.Y. / Rangeview 49 Brandon Derrow Defensive Line 6-3 265 R-So. Columbus, Ohio / St. Francis De Sales 49 Anthony Koclanakis Linebacker 6-1 230 Gr. Anaheim, Calif. / Esperanza Murray State 50 Cian Quiroga Defensive Line 6-2 260 R-Fr. Denver, Colo. / Valor Christian 50 Owen Snively Offensive Line 6-5 290 Fr. Tilton, N.H. / Tilton 52 Aidan Cullen Defensive Line 6-5 255 R-Fr. Monument, Colo. / Palmer Ridge 52 Adam Korutz Offensive Line 6-2 295 Gr. Johnson City, N.Y. / Johnson City 53 Elijah Johnson Offensive Line 6-6 315 R-Jr. Severn, Md. / Dematha 53 Cade Plath Linebacker 6-0 225 R-Fr. Chanhassen, Minn. / Chanhassen 54 Mike Ciaffoni Defensive Line 6-3 280 R-So. Sudbury, Mass. / Lincoln-Sudbury 55 Tavian Brown Linebacker 6-1 230 R-Fr. Demopolis, Ala. / Demopolis 55 Cam Reddy Offensive Line 6-2 305 R-So. Franklin, Mass. / Lawrence Aca. 56 Ches Jackson Offensive Line 6-4 295 R-So. Tifton, Ga. / Tift County 57 Will Drewes Linebacker 6-0 200 R-Fr. Longmont, Colo. / Skyline 59 Grant Stewartson Defensive Line 6-2 285 Fr. Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Highlands Ranch 60 Florian McCann Offensive Line 6-3 300 R-So. Denver, Colo. / Mullen 63 Alex Azusenis Offensive Line 6-5 305 R-Fr. Powell, Ohio / Olentangy Liberty65 Tautai Li’o Marks Offensive Line 6-2 305 Fr. Santa Ana, Calif. / Mater Dei 68 Cameron Bariteau Defensive Line 6-1 310 Fr. Wareham, Mass. / Peddie School 69 Barry Wesley Offensive Line 6-7 310 R-Jr. Morrison, Colo. / Bear Creek 70 Joctavis Phillips Offensive Line 6-4 320 R-Jr. West Monroe, La. / Neville 71 Brian Crespo-Jaquez Offensive Line 6-6 315 Fr. Fort Collins, Colo. / Poudre 72 Dirk Nelson Offensive Line 6-3 300 Fr. Visalia, Calif. / Central Valley Christian 73 Gage Gaynor Offensive Line 6-4 290 Fr. Parkland, Fla. / Stoneman Douglas 76 Vincent Picozzi Offensive Line 6-4 300 Gr. Collegeville, Pa. / Lansdale Catholic 77 Keith Williams Offensive Line 6-7 300 R-Sr. Baltimore, Md. / Overlea 79 Tex Elliott Offensive Line 6-4 290 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral 81 Dane Olson Wide Receiver 5-11 180 R-Fr. San Diego, Calif. / San Marcos 82 Dylan Walker Tight End 6-5 250 Fr. Royersford, Pa. / Pope John Paul II 83 Chris McEahern Wide Receiver 5-11 190 R-Fr. Arvada, Colo. / Arvada West 84 Gary Williams Tight End 6-2 245 R-So. Charlotte, N.C. / Vance 85 Trey McBride Tight End 6-4 260 Jr. Fort Morgan, Colo. / Fort Morgan 86 Ross Reiter Long Snapper 6-0 230 Jr. Phoenix, Ariz. / Brophy Prep 88 Brian Polendey Tight End 6-5 260 R-Jr. Denton, Texas / Guyer 89 Kyle Helbig Tight End 6-4 255 R-Fr. Broomfield, Colo. / Holy Family 90 Casey Irons, Jr. Defensive Line 6-3 265 Fr. Gilmer, Texas / Gilmer 91 James Mitchell Defensive Line 6-3 300 Fr. Duncanville, Texas / Duncanville 92 Mukendi Wa-Kalonji Defensive Line 6-5 220 Fr. Aurora, Colo. / Grandview 93 Jonathan Terry Kicker 6-0 190 R-So. Castle Rock, Colo. / Castle View 94 Devin Phillips Defensive Line 6-2 310 Jr. Monroe, La. / Neville 95 Cayden Camper Kicker 6-4 205 So. Pueblo, Colo. / Pueblo County 96 Robert Liss Kicker 5-10 175 Fr. Phoenix, Ariz. / Verrado 98 Ellison Hubbard Defensive Line 6-2 285 Sr. Loganville, Ga. / Grayson 99 Jack Gabbe Punter 6-1 200 Fr. Jupiter, Fla. / Cardinal Newman

# Name Position Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/ High school

Steve Addazio Head Coach Brian White Senior Associate Head Coach — Running Backs Jon Budmayr Offensive Coordinator — Quarterbacks Chuck Heater Defensive Coordinator — Safeties Antoine Smith Assistant Head Coach — Defensive Line Louie Addazio Assistant Coach — Offensive Line Alex Baileyv Assistant Coach — Wide Receivers Cody Booth Assistant Coach — Tight Ends Sean Cronin Assistant Coach — Linebackers Kap Dede, PhD. Assistant Coach — Outside Linebackers/Nick Anthony Perkins Assistant Coach — Cornerbacks Scott McLafferty Head Football Strength and Conditioning Coach Spencer Reid Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach Elijah Blackman Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Nathan Morris Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Tyler Rouse Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Clay Davie Offensive Quality Control Jon Goodman Special Teams Quality Control Ben Robertson Defensive Quality Control Heath Parling Offensive Graduate Assistant Dylan Autenrieth Offensive Graduate Assistant Corey Burns Defensive Graduate Assistant Sebastian Rivers Defensive Graduate Assistant Joel Baron Director of Football Operations Cassi White Director of Football Administration Tommy Clarkin Assistant Video Coordinator Andrew Liacopoulos Director of Player Personnel Frank Leonard Director of Recruiting Ricky Santo Director of RAM Life Programs

2021 Coaching Staff

Position Breakdown: QUARTERBACKS

By EDDIE HERZ

Todd Centeio

For the first time since his introductory press conference in February, Jon Budmayr approached the virtual podium to meet with an especially jumpy group of reporters.

Eager to learn the offensive coordinator’s initial thoughts after witnessing Colorado State operate in-person during early spring camp, the media bombarded Wisconsin’s former quarterbacks coach with question upon question.

From his gunslinger development strategies to his overall objectives as CSU’s new play-caller, Budmayr remained consistent while calmly issuing each response. However, one question sparked the coordinator’s demeanor.

Have you spotted any similarities between Todd Centeio and any of the quarterbacks you worked with at Wisconsin?

“The one that really jumped out to me when I first saw him was Russell Wilson,” Budmayr enthusiastically responded on March 2.

Months later, following a promising spring for the Rams’ surefire starting signal-caller, Budmayr stuck to his guns.

“He continued to do some things that reminded me of playing with Russell,” Budmayr described. “His ability to get out of trouble when things break down, throw well on the move and even his throwing mechanics.”

Though in possession of a multi-faceted repertoire, whether or not the relatively inexperienced dual-threat option

QUARTERBACK ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Todd Centeio Jr 6-1 220 Jonah O’Brien Fr 6-4 195 Justice McCoy Jr 6-2 210 Chance Harris Fr 6-0 200 Luke McAllister Fr 6-4 190 Matt Valecce So 6-5 225 Evan Olaes Fr 6-0 205

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

can function at a Division-1 level remains undetermined.

After accumulating 24 appearances in three campaigns as Temple’s backup, Centeio transferred to CSU, unexpectedly snatching season-opening first-string duties away from third-year Ram Patrick O’Brien.

Nevertheless, O’Brien— now a graduate student at Washington—relieved Centeio in the fourth quarter of the Rams’ first game and proved competent on his way to starting in CSU’s final three contests.

Centeio’s prime opportunity disappeared in a flash as he eventually totaled 14-of-36 completions for 207 yards and 25 scrambles for 95 rushing yards in three games (two off the bench).

“I was playing with an injured index finger and other injuries that bothered me throughout the season,” Centeio said. “But I really felt like I let it fall through my hands. You can’t make the same mistake twice. I’m really focused on doing everything to become the guy everyone depends on.”

Well, given the shortage of experience behind Centeio, the chances of letting his shot at QB1 slip through the cracks in 2021 aren’t probable. Still, the Florida native will undoubtedly need to display improvements in several facets to lead a successful offense.

Though the junior enjoyed precision-wise growth over the spring, Centeio most notably enhanced his mental arsenal. As Budmayr believes, the cerebral aspect of the position reigns supreme. When mastering such, a gunslinger can then utilize physical strengths to the maximum extent.

Plenty of room for refinements persist. However, it seems Centeio has placed himself on Budmayr’s ideal philosophical path.

“I feel like I improved the most in my decision-making and everything of the mental nature,” Centeio said. “(Budmayr) has been a great teacher with all that. Now I have a really good grasp of the offense. But I still want to be a master at it.”

Below Centeio, the Rams’ battle for backup duties constitutes a free-for-all between young gunslingers. The race to crack CSU’s three-deep depth chart includes redshirt freshman Jonah O’Brien—who progressed admirably during spring—as well as two true freshmen, Chance Harris and Luke McAllister.

After accruing six appearances off the bench at Boston College in 2019, sophomore Matt Valecce also joins the QB room as a transfer.

Position Breakdown: RUNNING BACKS

By EDDIE HERZ

A’Jon Vivens

Even before the pandemic, Steve Addazio knew reshaping Colorado State’s offensive identity demanded time.

Changing a unit’s instincts requires prolonged reiteration. Implementing multiple recruiting classes that cater to the fresh needs, instead of Mike Bobo’s envisioned strengths, is certainly necessary as well.

With the aforementioned notions in mind, CSU hasn’t panicked following a subpar first season on the sidelines. Nevertheless, closing the gap between who the Rams are and who Addazio hopes they become still represents a legitimate task that won’t effortlessly reach fruition— which perhaps pertains to the rushing attack above all.

“We rolled steadily there over the spring,” Addazio said. But that’s a position that we have to continue to grow and improve at. We need to keep building toughness in the run game.”

Addazio’s track record of constructing efficacy on the ground sets the bar high for CSU’s backfield. However, as green and gold fans grew accustomed to during Bobo’s often one-dimensional offensive reign, the Rams’ tailbacks scuffled as a whole upon averaging 3.2 yards per carry in 2020 (dead-last in the Mountain West).

Ugly? On most occasions,

RUNNING BACK ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT A’Jon Vivens So 5-11 200 Jaylen Thomas So 5-11 215 Christian Hunter So 5-11 195 Tanner Hollens Fr 6-1 220 Marcus McElroy Sr 6-0 235 Blake Beecher Fr 5-10 195 David Aggrey So 5-10 205 David Bailey Jr 6-0 235 Alex Berrouet Fr 6-0 210

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

absolutely. Regardless, the rushing attack surely could have performed worse. In fact, A’Jon Vivens’ emergence supplies optimism surrounding the run game’s chances of producing consistency in 2021.

“It was a growing process,” Vivens said. “I was just focusing on knowing the plays last year. Now I feel like I really know what I’m doing. I’ve really grown from a mental aspect of the game since last year. I got way better with learning defenses and picking up on blitzes.”

As the sophomore alluded to, Vivens’ priority last season related to finding his footing at his new position after previously playing wideout.

Despite the learning curve, Vivens tallied team-mosts in carries (49) and yards (210). Given the instant impact, the Denver native appears destined for increased productivity.

Vivens endured the growing pains. Now, he owns an ideal understanding of how to exploit holes at the collegiate level.

“He’s got a lot of potential,” offensive coordinator Jon Budmayr said. “As he continues growing and getting comfortable, his skill set will allow him to have success. But he did some great things and started getting a better feel in the spring. He did a lot that we want to build off.”

Beyond Vivens, burly ballcarrier Marcus McElroy should at least obtain a sizable portion of the Rams’ goal-line carries.

McElroy began 2020 as CSU’s lead back before scuffling under first-string duties since consistently doing so as a reserve. The senior averaged a minuscule 2.7 yards off 41 touches as his issues squeezing through blocks persisted.

Thus, competition to hoard the bulk of the backfield spotlight is undoubtedly apparent—which is especially the case following the recent addition of Boston College’s David Bailey.

As BC’s leading rusher, the immediately eligible junior turned 127 carries into 503 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020. A year prior, Bailey thrived in a complementary role via accruing 148 carries for 848 yards.

Given Bailey’s established competence, surpassing Vivens and McElroy while materializing as CSU’s go-to back isn’t out of the question. Nor is any backfield possibility.

“That group will answer those questions as we work through fall camp,” Budmayr said. “It’s too early to tell. There’s a lot of room for improvement, but they’re hungry. And that competition will help them.”

Position Breakdown:

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

Dante Wright

Todd Centeio’s capacity to move the chains through the air looms large as Colorado State quests for multi-dimensional offensive efficacy.

However, the other primary element of CSU’s throwing game materializes as virtually certain ahead of fall camp. In other words, if the Rams’ signal-caller progresses past his accuracy issues, the squad’s receivers boast the competence to satisfy their end of the bargain.

And though Centeio may not possess the same arm strength as deep-ball dependent Patrick O’Brien, Steve Addazio’s pass-catchers haven’t lost any sleep since commencing its offseason quarterback transition. Simply put, when CSU’s dual-threat junior isn’t handing the ball off or personally scrambling for yardage, CSU believes in Centeio’s ability to execute the hurling task at hand.

“We definitely have the chemistry to where he always knows where I am,” tight end Trey McBride said. “If we didn’t get something right, we’d fix it after practice. He threw great in

RECEIVERS

By EDDIE HERZ

the spring. I’m really confident in Todd’s ability to be effective.”

With Centeio tossing the pigskin, the Rams’ tight ends and wideouts like their odds of turning a corner inside Jon Budmayr’s scheme.

Speaking of the offensive coordinator’s philosophy, Dante Wright distinguished Budmayr’s creative reliance on playmakers as a noticeably encouraging aspect of the playbook. Although, regardless of formation or who calls the shots, nothing has disrupted the versatile weapon’s knack for finding an upfield crease through two collegiate seasons.

Hence, for the Rams’ go-to wideout, seeing eye-to-eye with his quarterback and coordinator represents a bonus. Either way, Wright—who corralled 20 receptions for 315 yards last season after seizing 2019 ESPN True Freshman AllAmerican honors—will make his presence known.

“I like (Budmayr’s) ideologies and how his offense operates,” Wright said. “But I don’t want to put my success in someone else’s hands. I feel like as long as I’m doing my thing, the sky’s the limit for me.”

As for Wright’s comrades, though CSU anticipates growth from Ty McCullouch and returning starter E.J. Scott, the preseason’s most significant WR-related storyline transpired via the transfer portal—where the Rams acquired New Mexico graduate Jordan Kress.

The Loveland native totaled 40 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns in two campaigns as UNM’s leading wideout upon subsequently placing himself in CSU’s starting wideout discussion.

Meanwhile, the squad’s true pass-snagging depth resides within a tight end arsenal.

“Anytime you can get a big body that runs really well, like Trey, you’re gonna find multiple ways to get him the football,” Budmayr said. “The group behind him is really good too. That position has a lot of depth. So getting all of them involved will be a major emphasis.”

As Budmayr mentioned, two-time all-league honoree McBride returns for presumably his final collegiate campaign before shifting gears toward the NFL. Following a breakout 2019 season in which McBride concluded as the squad’s third-leading receiver, the Rams heavily relied on the junior last year as he accrued team-mosts in grabs (22) and receiving yards (330).

Beyond McBride, who snagged all four of CSU’s 2020 receiving touchdowns, senior Cameron Butler’s re-insertion since missing 2020 with an injury should prove beneficial. In three seasons (2017-19), the veteran recorded 49 receptions for 555 yards over 32 contests (20 starts). Plus, junior Brian Polendey (four 2020 starts) and sophomore Gary Williams (three games in 2020) grant CSU a tandem of blocking specialists.

RECEIVER ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT

E.J. Scott

Jr 6-2 200 Ty McCullouch So 6-1 175 Thomas Pannunzio Jr 5-9 170 Dante Wright So 5-9 180 Kyjuan Herndon Fr 5-9 190 Logan Ludwig So 6-0 190 Dawson Menegatti Fr 6-3 185 Dane Olson Fr 5-11 180 Chris McEahern Fr 5-11 190 Damir Abdullah Fr 6-5 195 Gerick Robinson Fr 5-10 175 Jordan Kress Sr 6-0 195 Cameron Butler Sr 6-2 250 Dylan Walker Fr 6-5 250 Gary Williams So 6-2 245 Trey McBride Jr 6-4 260 Brian Polendey Jr 6-5 260 Kyle Helbig Fr 6-4 255 Tanner Arkin Fr 6-4 235 Drake Martinez Fr 6-3 215

Position Breakdown: Offensive Line

By EDDIE HERZ

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

Adam Korutz

Last year’s virtually nonexistent preseason and subsequently reduced campaign extracted vital ingredients to the pie up front.

While striving to build cohesion, offensive linemen can’t rely on explosive play-making or natural talent to the extent of surrounding areas on the turf.

For any given front five, hours upon hours in the trenches are indispensable— which Colorado State’s offensive line lost an unprecedented amount of before and during the stoppage-themed regular season. Yet, despite an inadequate, pandemic-tainted recipe, CSU’s offensive front managed to cook up a respectable entree at the line of scrimmage.

“It’s really impressive. It’s a reflection of what (Steve and Louie Addazio) do each day,” offensive coordinator Jon Budmayr said. “Those two obviously work very closely with that group. And from what I’ve been able to learn schematically and techniquewise from that position in the short time I’ve been here, it’s easy to see why that group has success.”

The coronavirus-afflicted stint constituted a testament to the Addazio family’s knack for assembling a sturdy wall of quarterback protectors. Though Steve has been doing so with ease every year since first coaching an offensive front in 1985 at Western Connecticut State, 2020 supplied unique challenges.

With senior center Cam Reddy, junior left guard Elijah Johnson and graduate right guard Adam Korutz entering the starting rotation, CSU’s reconfigured offensive line faced the task of growing accustomed to one another on the fly in light of the preparation-deficient season.

Nonetheless, Steve and Louie Addazio—CSU’s offensive line coach—found a way to churn out three AllMountain West honorable mentions in Reddy, Johnson and Barry Wesley.

One might ask how the unit found its footing under such tricky circumstances. Well, Reddy, Johnson and Korutz may have been new to Fort Collins; however, upon transferring from Addazio’s prior destination, the former Boston College athletes were familiar with the way CSU’s coach handles business.

“The offensive line has really started to gel,” Addazio said. “They’ve really learned what it

OFFENSIVE LINE ROSTER

Owen Snively Adam Korutz

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Fr 6-5 290 Grad 6-2 295

Elijah Johnson Jr 6-6 315

Cam Reddy

So 6-2 305 Ches Jackson So 6-4 295 Florian McCann So 6-3 300 Alex Azusenis Fr 6-5 305 Tautai Li’o Marks Fr 6-2 305 Barry Wesley Jr 6-7 310 Joctavis Phillips Jr 6-4 320 Brian Crespo-Jaquez Fr 6-6 315 Dirk Nelson Fr 6-3 300 Gage Gaynor Fr 6-4 290 Vincent Picozzi Grad 6-4 300 Keith Williams Sr 6-7 300 Tex Elliot Fr 6-4 290 Justin Michael Fr 6-5 265 George Miki-Han Fr 6-1 310

takes to become a legitimate front. Now they get a full fall camp to get everything down.”

Beyond the retained starting five, which also includes left guard Keith Williams, the Rams welcome back several pertinent depth assets—headlined by backup LG Joctavis Phillips, who served as a key backup for the third-straight season upon competing in a trio of 2020 contests behind Williams.

Alongside eight combined three-star recruits from the 2020-21 classes, Addazio snatched a well-established transfer, Temple graduate Vincent Picozzi. Boasting prospects of obtaining a solid workload, Picozzi totaled 35 starts at LG/LT over his fouryear tenure as an Owl.

Experience? Check. Better chemistry? Check. But is the offensive line genuinely willing to grind through the necessary labor to breed thorough affluence? Well, the group certainly seems committed to the Addazio family’s process.

“They’ve bought into the strength and conditioning program and nutrition side of it, which is huge at that position,” Budmayr described. “We’ve gotten bigger and stronger. But the other piece is they’re doing a great job in the film room and understanding their responsibilities. They’re making the right calls and understanding why we’re doing what we’re doing. So, I think they have a chance to be one of this conference’s top offensive lines.”

Position Breakdown:

Ellison Hubbard

Individual motives sparked graduated defender Scott Patchan’s initial interest when debating whether or not to return for the 2021 campaign.

While eying a professional career, the desire to polish an already-impressive repertoire significantly influenced Patchan’s eventual decision to stick around Fort Collins.

Though hopes of enhancing his NFL odds reigned supreme, the position group’s seemingly endless collective potential kicked the former Hurricane over the edge upon transpiring a practically irrefutable offer.

“I came back to work towards going high in the draft,” Patchan said. “But finding out everyone was coming back absolutely made the decision easier. If those guys weren’t there, it’s probably a different conversation. We can do some great things if we just keep our foot on the gas.”

Since pressuring gunslingers and gobbling up opposing running backs at

Defensive Line

By EDDIE HERZ

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

a stupendous rate, Colorado State’s defensive line has accrued positive preseason attention across the Mountain West. Providing rationale behind the hype, Manny Jones and Toby McBride return to form an established trio of dependable, effective starters.

Nevertheless, the buck doesn’t stop with the firststringers. Instead, CSU’s overall abundance of competent components amounts to what appears as a uniquely proficient defensive line in the making.

Notably, coach Antoine Smith’s troupe also includes senior Ellison Hubbard, who accumulated 86 tackles (15.5 for loss) and 20 starts in three seasons before solely operating as a backup last year.

Hubbard won’t hesitate when called upon moving forward, nor will fellow DT Devin Phillips after starting all 22 of CSU’s games from 201819—during which he posted 55 takedowns combined.

“We have a different deal of depth here,” Smith said. “No one’s job is ever safe. So every day on the practice field, it’s like 4th-and-1 for them.”

Highlighting a promising underclassman array, once-touted recruit James Mitchell will compete for reps after playing in two games as a true freshman out of Duncanville, Texas.

The list goes on.

As a result of the jampacked room, CSU’s mixture of blossomed ability and budding talent have combined to manufacture ultracompetitive practices.

“We have a whole group that’s just as good as the first, if not better, that can come in,” Jones said. “That’s a plus, in the long run, always having fresh guys out there. And It makes you never wanna come off the field.”

Given CSU’s range of genuine depth, Smith doesn’t intend on firmly distinguishing starters from reserves. Instead, speaking to the line’s acrossthe-board capacity, the coach believes he owns double the quantity of capable firststringers than necessary.

So, as the Rams enter 2021 with a loaded arsenal, Smith aspires to mirror how many Power-5 juggernauts operate by distributing regular snaps among a vast rotation. Now, time will tell if the Rams can furnish a bit of SEC-esque dominance in the trenches.

“We have front stability that most people don’t. We have eight guys that could go into game one and get the job done. So, I talk to our guys about being rotational starters. That’s what Alabama and Clemson do. They roll personnel. We don’t just have four guys, and then after them, we drop right off the highest point of the Grand Canyon. It’s rare for the Mountain West, and that’s how we’re gonna play.”

DEFENSIVE LINE ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Toby McBride Sr 6-3 285 Scott Patchan Grad 6-6 255 Brandon Hickerson-Rooks Jr 6-0 235 Manny Jones Sr 6-4 280 Brandon Derrow So 6-3 265 Cian Quiroga Fr 6-2 260 Aidan Cullen Fr 6-5 255 Mike Ciaffoni So 6-3 280 Grant Stewartson Fr 6-2 285 Cameron Bariteau Fr 6-1 310 James Mitchell Fr 6-3 300 Mukendi Wa-Kalonji Fr 6-5 220 Devin Phillips Jr 6-2 310 Ellison Hubbard Sr 6-2 285 Grady Kelly Fr 6-4 265 Clay Nanke Fr 6-6 215 Tyler Quinn Fr 6-1 310

Position Breakdown: Linebackers

By EDDIE HERZ

Dequan Jackson

Colorado State’s front five stole the defensive spotlight last season while garnering praise as one of the Mountain West’s premier units in the trenches. However, it wasn’t as if CSU’s linebacker’s corps failed to attain a dominant level.

Quite the contrary.

With Dequan Jackson and Cam’ron Carter adding another notch of consistency to their dependable belts, the Rams held down the middle of the field with ease.

Photo Courtesy of CSU Athletic Communications

“Those guys up front are already leading the pack,” Jackson said. “With their help, the linebackers can set the tone. We’ve got some talent at linebacker, and we put up good numbers last year. But I’m looking forward to being the reason we win games.”

At least in terms of Jackson and his junior counterpart’s production, many would classify what the veteran modestly categorized as “good” as pretty darn close to great. While chipping into a Rams’ rushing defense which ranked second in the conference, Jackson totaled a team-most 40 tackles and 5.5 takedowns for loss in 2020.

Simultaneously, Carter finished second on the squad in tackles (32) upon matching his teammate’s admirable TFL total (5.5).

Still, there’s always room for improvement. And given the coronavirus-complicated shuffle of a campaign, the Rams’ linebackers see plenty. Actually, in light of enjoying an uninterrupted spring camp this time around, they fully expect enhancements.

“A year ago, even the veterans were still learning the new defense,” Jackson said. “With the COVID stuff, we didn’t have enough time to get confident in it. So, we couldn’t really teach and advance the younger guys because we were getting to know everything. But now we’re super comfortable. I’m confident in the playbook. I can teach it to just about anybody.”

Speaking of the younger assets, the extent of underclassman progression the Rams produce off the bench could prove differential for the linebacker unit as a whole. Sure, a further breakout from Mohamed Kamara opposite Carter on the outside would pay dividends. Regardless, though the third-year sophomore appears poised to do so, CSU’s starting trio wasn’t the issue in 2020.

If anything, the Rams could have used increased backup competency and a few more reserve options. Luckily for CSU, its entire core of youthful, twodeep rotational backers return after gaining crucial experience last season— headlined by Bam Amina (11 tackles in three games) and Aaron Moore (seven tackles in four games).

It’s also worth noting how Chase Wilson’s spring emergence should result in the freshman competing for reps. Plus, upping the group’s collective experience, the Rams obtained Murray State graduate Anthony Koclanakis during the offseason—who could immediately find his way into the mix after leading MSU with 124 takedowns (9.5 for loss) in 2019.

As an every-down backer, Jackson would stay on the field for eight consecutive quarters if a coach didn’t yank his arm. Still, the team captain knows refining the back-end of his position group serves the corps well, even if that means he has to sit on the bench for a few extra snaps.

“I don’t want to ever come out of,” Jackson said. “It’s being a little selfish and a leader of the defense. But now, if I need a quick blow, we’ve got plenty of guys behind me that can get on the field. We’ve got real depth in the room now. We didn’t have that last year.”

LINEBACKER ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Dequan Jackson Jr 6-2 235 Cam’ron Carter Jr 6-2 225 Chase Wilson Fr 6-2 225 Aaron Moore Fr 6-1 215 Payton Polson Fr 6-0 205 Sanjay Strickland Fr 6-2 235 Mohamed Kamara So 6-2 240 Troy Golden So 6-2 235 Bam Amina Fr 5-11 210 Devon Edwards Fr 6-1 220 Anthony Koclanakis Grad 6-1 230 Cade Plath Fr 6-0 225 Tavian Brown Fr 6-1 230 Will Drewes Fr 6-0 200 Malaki Grant Fr 6-0 210

Position Breakdown:

Rashad Ajayi

Despite a forgettable 2020 campaign for Colorado State’s discombobulated secondary, in no way, shape, or form did Rashad Ajayi envision the ensuing off-season’s efflux of departing defensive backs.

Witnessing two, maybe three DB’s exit through the transfer portal seemed realistic, considering the temptation to test outside waters with a pandemicinduced extra year of eligibility on the table.

But seven back-end defenders out the door in five months?

“People make choices that are best for them. You just have to live by the next manup-mentality,” the three-year starting cornerback said. “But honestly, I didn’t see it coming at all.”

Yes, you read that correctly. Following the Rams’ final 2020 contest, seven members of their secondary packed their bags and hit the road by mid-April.

The group of former Rams includes cornerback Keevan Bailey, who abruptly became a non-factor in 2020

Defensive BACKS

By EDDIE HeRZ

after a solid freshman stint. Additionally, two of CSU’s go-to reserves, senior Dajon Owens and junior Quinn Brinnon, have left the mix.

Nonetheless, Ajayi’s positivity exemplifies the consensus of the Rams’ entire secondary. The junior—who expanded his game by learning the nickel position during spring ball—believes CSU’s secondary has enjoyed a nightand-day transformation since surrendering the third-most passing yards per contest in the Mountain West (250).

“I’ve got a whole new understanding of the defense,” Ajayi said. “Like why we call certain things, why people are supposed to be in certain positions. And I feel like overall, all the older guys know the checks and new terminology now. So as far as being comfortable with everything, we’ll be way better next year.”

As Ajayi hopes to rekindle the flame from an individually superb freshman season, starting safety Logan Stewart and starting cornerback Marshaun Cameron are set to lead the defensive backfield charge—each of which has contributed vitally since arriving as transfers in 2019.

Over the last two seasons, Stewart’s 102 tackles and Cameron’s 66 takedowns rank within the top three of all current roster members. The two have also combined to total five takeaways and 13 pass-breakups.

“Even if we don’t bring in any new people, we’ll be ok, especially with having Logan and Marshaun back,” Ajayi said. “They’ll do us justice. Both are experienced playmakers who know how to create turnovers.”

The secondary’s cardinal focuses from a progressive spring will remain the same once fall camp arrives. Eliminate substantial gains through the air and find a way to produce takeaways after corralling merely one interception in 2020.

Given CSU’s established prowess elsewhere, the Rams’ secondary could very well represent the determining factor toward all-around defensive prosperity.

The pressure is on. But with a better comprehension of how to operate within coordinator Chuck Heater’s scheme, all indicators suggest refinements.

CSU never saw seven departures coming, nor would it wish such a fate upon itself. Nevertheless, the Rams do anticipate one thing regarding their 2021 secondary—revitalized functionality in all facets.

“We made the most progress in the back-end,” Steve Addazio explained. “You knew we had a good defensive front, but the back-end wasn’t where it needed to be last year. Now I feel really good about it. Tywan (Francis) and Henry (Blackburn) stepped up and had great springs. I just really like all those guys. Our secondary came a long way.”

DEFENSIVE BACK ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Rashad Ajayi Jr 5-11 190 Linwood Crump Grad 6-0 175 Logan Stewart Sr 6-1 215 Tywan Francis Jr 6-0 200 Henry Blackburn Fr 6-0 200 Brandon Guzman Fr 6-0 190 Jack Howell Fr 5-11 190 Branden Coleman Fr 6-1 180 Mikell Harvey So 5-8 170 Marshaun Cameron Sr 5-9 190 Titus Jones Fr 6-1 190 Griffin Vanderwaerdt Fr 6-0 180 Lathan Adams Fr 5-11 170 Langston Williams Fr 5-10 155

Position Breakdown: SPECIALISTS

By EDDIE HeRZ

Ryan Stonehouse

When Colorado State’s special teams coverage brutally malfunctioned down the stretch, Steve Addazio accepted full responsibility.

To save face for assistants, plenty of head coaches would handle the discouraging circumstance similarly, at least while addressing media in the public eye. However, in CSU’s case, Addazio didn’t do so to avoid throwing a fellow staffer under the bus.

Rather than assigning someone else to the unit, the coach elected to handle the Rams’ third phase in 2020 and beyond. Hence, the detrimental special teams’ miscues traced back to him more than any assistant.

“Completely preposterous,” Addazio exclaimed following CSU’s Nov. 12 defeat at Boise State. “I’ve got to do a better job preparing these guys. I’ve never seen anything like that before. It’s totally unacceptable and I’ve got to make sure that gets fixed.”

After handling identical duties throughout his Boston College tenure, embracing special teams obligations wasn’t anything new for Addazio amid his 10th campaign as a collegiate sideline orchestrator.

On the contrary, 2020’s contact-tracing-induced shuffle constituted an entirely foreign obstacle, forcing Addazio to swap players in and out of return teams at a practically unheard-of rate—which he views as the leading culprit to the late-season coverage incompetence.

Specifically, two blocked punts and one swatted field goal resulted in 21 points for the hosts during the Rams’ 52-21 demise at BSU. Marking the beginning of the end, San Diego State then took a pair of 90-plusyard returns to the house in CSU’s only game after the blue-turf embarrassment.

Regardless, the Mountain West’s 11th-ranked coverage (37 yards surrendered per kick) transpires as easily fixable to Addazio. Naturally, since commencing organized activities in 2021, Addazio has noticed legitimate strides upon penciling consistent rotations into his special teams groups.

“Special teams is a derivative of our team culture,” Addazio described. “I thought last fall we had some real issues, both from players being out from contact tracing and just guys that were overwhelmed with all the new stuff. But we had a great spring overall in special teams.”

Back for his fifth and final go-around, Ryan Stonehouse returns to Fort Collins as the program’s all-time leading punter (46.8 yards per boot). The California native also rolls into 2021 seeking first-team all-league distinction for the fourth consecutive season.

Kicking-wise, though less established, the green and gold remain content with their options. Robert Liss will likely serve as the firststring place-kicker after posting passable numbers in 2020, considering his true-freshman status.

Including a victoryclinching boot from 48 against Wyoming, Liss converted 4-of-7 field-goals and 11-of-11 extra points last year. Below Liss, sophomore Cayden Camper (7-of-13 career-FGs) grants the Rams an insurance policy.

“(Stonehouse) is and obviously has been one of the very best in the country,” Addazio said. “But then I think our field goal kicking is elite too, with Liss and Camper. They were excellent during spring. Obviously, we have to stay healthy. But I feel great about where we’re headed. We have a full stable on special teams.”

SPECIAL TEAMS ROSTER

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT

Joe DeLine Sr 6-0 225

Jonathan Terry

So 6-0 190 Robert Liss Fr 5-10 175 Ryan Stonehouse Sr 5-11 180 Ross Reiter Jr 6-0 230 Cayden Camper So 6-4 205 Jack Gabbe Fr 6-1 200