Colorado State wrapped up Day 4 of preseason camp with another day in shells (helmet and shoulder pads) before donning full pads on Tuesday. Here are a few notes and observations from the day:
Bigger bodies
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CSU is noticeably bigger, especially on the front lines with the addition of Richard King and Darnell Thompson. King is a freshman from Rangeview High School, who may end up redshirting to give him time to adjust to the college game. Thompson, who comes from Highland Junior College in Kansas, will likely be in the rotation at defensive tackle and strong-side defensive end. Returning players have also bulked up quite a bit during the team’s offseason training program, with players like Xavier Williams, Jake Schlager and even Rashard Higgins adding some weight since the spring.
Boys will be boys
For the first time this preseason, two scuffles broke out at camp, with tight end Steven Walker and safety Kevin Pierre-Louis tangling minutes before wideout Cole Anderson and cornerback Kevin Nutt Jr. got into it. Neither were too serious, though Nutt’s helmet did pop off in the middle of the scuffle. Head coach Mike Bobo said after practice that he doesn’t like to see the “extra-curricular activities,” though he does like the intensity and aggressiveness brought by both sides.
Higgins living up to the hype
During 1-on-1 drills, which are usually designed for the offense, Rashard Higgins showed why he’s considered one of, if the not the best receiver in the country. Higgins beat Dre Elliott, Preston Hodges and Tyree Simmons on a number of routes, including a terrific 10-yard dig route in which he separated himself from Elliott by a good five yards on his cut. Higgins has showed no ill effects from the hamstring injury he suffered in the spring, and should again be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Cartwright, Bennett still limited
Senior tight end Kivon Cartwright was again a full participant in individual drills, but was held out of all 1-on-1 and contact drills, including the team 11-on-11 session. Cartwright said during the media day press conference that he hopes to be ready for the Sept. 5 opener against Savannah State, but is taking things “day-by-day.” When asked about how he feels compared to this time last season, Cartwright said he only worries about he feels today versus how he did yesterday. Projected starting center Jake Bennett was held out of all drills and was working on the sideline with offensive assistants in non-contact drills. Mike Bobo still expects him to be ready for the beginning of the season.
Collegian Senior Sports Reporter Keegan Pope can be reached at kpope@collegian.com and on Twitter @ByKeeganPope.
