Colorado State Rams

Head Coach

Steve Fairchild	1st year
07-08	3-9
Mt West	2-6
FCR	100

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - The Colorado State program had been capably led by Sonny Lubbick for the past 15 years, but the Lubbick era is over and new man is former star quarterback Steve Fairchild. For the past four years Fairchild has been an NFL offensive coordinator, so you can expect the offense to improve but the talent level has declined and the rebuilding process has begun.

Quarterback - The starter will likely be senior Billy Farris, he’s a strong runner but has yet to show consistency in the passing game. Look for junior Grant Stucker and freshman Alex Kelly to compete for time before the season begins.

Running Backs - > The strength of the offense appears to be at running back heading into the season with seniors Kyle Bell and Gartrell Johnson. Bell was a 1,200 rusher two seasons ago but was less than 100% last season due to an ACL injury, Johnson rushed for 957 yards last season. Sophomore Zac Pauga will get the call at fullback, he’s a capable blocker.

Receivers - Junior Dion Morton appears to be the best of the returnees at wideout, look for JUCO Ryan Gardner to contribute from the start. Also in the mix will be freshman Marquis Law, junior Rashaun Greer and sophomore Brett Willis. Senior Kory Sperry is a big time tight end who will be recovering from a torn ACL.

Offensive Line - The line returns four starters led by junior’s Adrian Martinez at right guard and Cole Pemberton right tackle. Junior Tim Walter returns at center along with junior Shelley Smith left guard, the onle new starter will be sophomore Mark Starr at the left tackle spot.

Defensive Line - Only one starter returns upfront to a unit that ranked 17th against the run, so new faces are needed. Senior Tommie Hill returns at one end and he’ll be joined on the outside by senior Wade Landers, inside will be senior Matt Rupp at tackle and junior James Morehead on the nose. Hill had 5 ½ sacks last season but it’s obvious that this unit must show much improvement in all areas.

Linebackers - The Rams are a solid veteran unit at linebacker with three returning starters led by senior Jeff Horinek in the idle and on the outside senior Curtis Cornelson and sophomore Ricky Brewer. Horinek led the team in tackles last season with 94, look for Brewer to develop into an a future ALL-MWC player.

Defensive Backs - Colorado St will be OK at the safety spots with junior Klint Kubiak at free safety and senior Mike Pagnotta at free safety, as long as they can stay healthy. The corners are a major concern and it appears it will be sink or swim for a pair of redshirt freshman, Ivory Herd and Brandon Owens.

Special Teams - Senior Jason Smith who was 16-20 on field goals, will handle the kicking duties, but could receive a challenge from sophomore Jacob Stern at punter. In the return game junior Dion Morton is an ALL-MWC caliber performer.

Schedule - They open with an improving Colorado and then get a win versus Sacramento St, it they can win at home against Houston and UNLV the atmosphere could change quickly. Unfortunately the schedule gets tough after that and it could be a long baptism for Fairchild in Fort Collins. The team will improve soon but not this year, expect but 3 wins for the Rams in 08’.