Rams release their spring outlook for the 2011 football program

CSU will return their starting quarterback for the first time in four years

March 24, 2011

By: Kiley Long

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – After struggling through another disappointing football season, the CSU football program has released what they expect to be a beneficial and program enhancing spring practice schedule, to lead into a successful 2011 season. The department released the Fall 2011 game schedule, but also a depth chart, personal player breakdown, and the spring practice schedule.
For the first time in four years the Rams will have the pleasure of returning their starting quarterback. While the Ram’s suffered with a disappointing season, Pete Thomas still enjoyed a stellar statistical season as a true freshman quarterback in his first season of college eligibility. In fact his season ranked among the best in history for a true freshman quarterback in Division I football.
The program is looking to hone in on not only Thomas’s skills but the talented results of an excellent recruiting class next season, in order to change the issues that haunted them for the past two seasons. The overarching goal is to once again play in and win a bowl game as the Ram’s did in 2008.
“Our fans should expect tangible results this year”, stated Head Coach Steve Fairchild. “I knew when I accepted this job that 2010 might be a difficult year, but I am accountable and I expect us to be in bowl game this year. I will not allow anyone in the program to expect anything less.”
The Rams have lost several graduating seniors, as well as players Nico Ranieri and Chris Gipson, who have pursued more playing opportunities at other schools. Their positions have been filled and it does not seem to present an issue for the Rams.
Defensively the Rams will call upon Mychal Sisson, Michael Kawulok, and Mike Orakpo primarily to keep the opponents out of the end zone. As for the offensive end, Lou Greenwood, Ben Tedford, and Tony Drake are all expected to rake in the points and make the plays come fall. The coaching staff has remained the same with a few minor additions and adjustments including two- time national champion Bernard Clark, who will join the coaching staff as a linebacker’s coach.
While the program has a lot to live up to, there seems to be an overall positive energy that all the coaches and players share. They are hungry for not only a good season, but truly a spectacular one.
It is time to restore the name of the CSU football program back to its former glory and they seem to be ready to rise to that challenge.



True freshman Quarterback, Pete Thomas, throws a pass during his history breaking 2010 season.