Colorado State Football 2012 Spring Results

The 2012 Spring Results for Colorado State Football were somewhat deceptive.  Coach McElwain’s objectives were to install the base offensive and defensive schemes, and to assess the depth and talent on the team.  He also placed a focus on team chemistry and establishing a rapport between the staff and players.  By these standards you’d have to say his first spring was a success.

All the players were given an opportunity to showcase their talent and readiness to contribute.  The players and coaches have spent enough time together to become comfortable with expectations, and the comments coming from the players are clearly favorable for the new regime.  With everyone sharing precious little time, it was unrealistic to expect a battle ready team to emerge at the spring game.  When you take into account the experienced veterans returning in the fall there is reason to be encouraged.

In three scrimmages over the course of the spring, the defense appeared to hold a clear advantage over the offense.  This was due in part to the severe handicap for the offense of “touch” football on the quarterbacks.   The defense simply needed to be in the same zip code as the QB to have the play blown dead.  To be fair the defense has adapted well to the new 3-4 scheme.  With depth and experience up front, returning players like CJ James and Shaquil Barrett seemed poised for a big year.

The new approach in the secondary seems to allow for slightly more aggressive play on the outside.  The secondary has recorded a handful of interceptions returning two for touchdowns and another inside the ten.  The safeties did a nice job of staying behind the receivers, forcing the vulnerable throws to the outside.  Hopefully this trend continues for the defense into the Fall.

Ram Fans can remember the outburst Chris Nwoke had last season.  Nwoke ran wild for several games during the conference season before being slowed by an injury in the final game.  Nwoke worked hard during the spring and there is no reason to believe he cannot replicate last seasons effort running behind a healthy offensive line in the Fall.  Some nice depth has emerged at the running back position as well, keeping Nwoke’s legs fresh in the 4th quarter will be a huge advantage.

Garrett Grayson appeared to solidify his hold on the starting QB position during the spring game.  Garrett was poised and confident and did a

WR Marquis Law #9 forced out after a long gain

nice job of managing the team while taking care of the football.  Grayson also established a nice chemistry with receiver Marquis Law.  Law is entering his senior season and has been a mystery at the receiver position.  Possessing great speed and size the previous staff failed to develop and utilize him.  He has been embraced by this staff and is being looked to for leadership and production in the Fall.

The X factor that will determine the success for next season’s team is Grayson’s ability to create plays with his feet.  Even with this dynamic removed from the equation in the spring, Grayson still made something out of nothing on occasion with a short run before being “touched” down.  One play in the spring game blown dead early likely would have ended with Grayson running the ball in for a touchdown.  If you think next season’s opponents will be able to “touch” Grayson down, then you’re probably not optimistic about the Rams chances after a lack luster spring.

If you remember some of the plays Grayson created last season, he simply needs to be smarter about when he chooses to fight for additional yardage versus sliding down to avoid an injury.  With Coach McElwain’s stated goals of leveraging the talent of the players, I see great potential for this offense behind a healthy experienced veteran line back together next Fall, led by center Weston Richburg.

When you examine next season’s schedule, there is no reason to believe the Rams cannot stake themselves to an extremely successful campaign that ends with a bowl appearance.  All that is needed is good leadership and a little luck. Coach Mac has established the leadership part this Spring, now the Rams just need a little long overdue luck this Fall.

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