Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO cole anderson Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Valparaiso) WR RS-SR | 6-4 | 205 | VR 87 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Junior): Appeared in three games as a backup wide receiver, making his first Division I appearance in the Rams’ home-opening victory over UC Davis (Sept. 13).
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted after transferring to Colorado State.
Valparaiso (2011-12): • Played two seasons for Valparaiso University. • As a freshman made six starts and saw action in 10 games, in 2011. • Pulled in 16 catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • As a sophomore in 2012, started eight games and played in 11. • Hauled in a career-best 22 receptions for 189 yards and scored one touchdown.
High School: • Attended Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., where he earned three football letters. • As a senior, earned first-team All-Jeffco honors for his play as a wide receiver. • As a team captain, led the Eagles to back-to-back league and state championships, including a perfect 14-0 season as a junior. • Named first-team Academic All-Colorado as a senior. • Head football coach was Brent Vieselmeyer. • Also earned four varsity baseball letters. ANDERSON’S CAREER STATISTICS
offensive line PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Personal: Given name is Cole Anderson...born Oct. 30, 1992, in Denver, Colo. ...son of Rob and YEAR GP GS Kim Anderson...has a younger brother, Ryne, and a younger sister, Marissa...majoring in finance 2014 3 0 at Colorado State...Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.
jack bares 2014 SEASON REVIEW Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (Tesoro) LB RS-FR | 5-10 | 170 | RS 27
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • Earned three varsity letters in football at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
• Named South Coast League Defensive MVP his senior season. RECORD BOOK • Named team’s MVP his senior year. • Team finished 9-3 his senior season. • Head football coach was Matt Poston.
Personal: Given name is Jack Louis Bares…born on Feb. 3, 1996, in Scottsdale, Ariz. …parents are Bruce and Elizabeth Bares…has one sister, Abigail…majoring in health and exercise science and minoring in business at Colorado State…Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. HISTORY jake bennett Lakewood, Colo. (Bear Creek) OL RS-SO | 6-3 | 295 | 1L 77 mISCELLANEOUS 2014 (Freshman): Started the first three games at center before injuring his knee during a bye-week practice the week of Sept. 15. Made first collegiate start in season-opening win over Colorado (Aug. 29).. made way for 266 yards of rushing offense Helped the Rams rack up 676 yards of total offense against UC Davis (Sept. 13), third-most total yards in a single game in CSU history. The Rams allowed only three sacks in his three starts at center.
2015 Colorado State Football 45 Returner biographies
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. bennett’S CAREER STATISTICS offensive line High School: YEAR GP GS • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. 2014 3 3 • Four-year letterman at Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colo. • Served as team captain in 2012. • Helped protect two young quarterbacks and a young backfield that produced 11 rushing TDs on the year. • 2012 all-state honorable mention by the Denver Post. • In the Bears’ 7-4 season of 2011, he helped block for a 2,000-yard passer and a rushing attack that galloped for nearly 2,000 yards and 22 TDs. • For the second consecutive season, advanced to the second round of the Colorado state playoffs before falling 21-14 to Mullen. • Earned All-Colorado first-team honors as a junior. • Head football coaches were Tom Thennel and Zach Morris.
Personal: Given name Jake Bennett...born April 4, 1995, in Denver, Colo. ...parents are Bryan and Cathy Bennett...has one older brother, Austin, who plays football at Colorado Mesa University...majoring in communication studies and minoring in business admin- istration at Colorado State...Hometown: Morrison, Colo.
jordan benson Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs) OL RS-FR | 6-3 | 280 | RS 70
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. Earned varsity letters in football and track & field for Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Mo. • As a senior in 2013, earned first-team All-Missouri, first-team All-Suburban-Gold and first-team All-Metro while serving as captain of the Wildcats’ football team. • Blocked for a 2,000-yard running back and passer in 2013 and a ground attack that averaged 208.8 rushing yards per game. • Class 6 state champion as a senior (14-0) after defeating Rock Bridge, 35-14, in the Missouri state championship. • Also won the Suburban-Gold Conference in 2013, outscoring opponents by 29.2 points in those five games. • Leader on an offensive line that helped rack up an average of 40.5 points per game. • 18th-ranked team in the nation by MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings in 2013. • Coaching staff and teammates named him Offensive Lineman of the Year, and he was awarded the Wayne Dean “Wildcat Pride” Award. • In 2012, led Blue Springs to a 13-1 record on its way to the first of two state championships, defeating Howell, 42-3. • As a junior, the Wildcats outscored their opponents on average by 44.7 points and rushed for 62 touchdowns. • Chose Colorado State over offers from Illinois State, Kentucky, Toledo, South Dakota and Southern Illinois. • Head football coach was Kelly Donohoe • Played against 2014 CSU commit Josh Watson (Blue Springs South).
Personal: Given name Jordan DaMon Benson...born Jan. 23, 1996, in Kansas City, Mo. ...parents are Consuela Benson and Kevin McAlester, Sr. ...has one brother, Kevin McAlester, Jr., and a sister, Kionna Dickerson...cousin, Jason Young, currently plays football at Washburn...cousin, Isaac Miles, played basketball for Murray State...plans on majoring in mechanical engineering at Colorado State... Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
josh bowman Abilene, Texas (Cooper) DB RS-JR | 6-0 | 195 | VR 9
2014 (Sophomore): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2013 (Freshman): Was used sparingly toward the end of the season on special teams, appearing in four contests. Made his collegiate debut vs. Boise State (Nov. 2).
2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Patrolled the secondary as a three-year starter at Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas...Racked up seven career inter- ceptions and helped the Cougars to three-straight berths in the regional round of the Texas postseason...As a senior, garnered first- team All-Big Country (Abilene Reporter-News), first-team All-District 4 and honorable-mention all-state accolades as the top DB on a team that went 9-4 and lost in the regional round of the Region I Texas playoffs...Posted 103 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2011,
46 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies and picked off two passes, one of which he returned 38 bowman’S CAREER STATISTICS STATETHIS IS COLORADO yards for a TD...Also as a senior, returned a kickoff 100 yards DEFENSE for another score...As a junior, with CSU teammate Davon YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR Riddick in the CHS offensive backfield, helped the 11-2 Cou- 2013 4-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 gars to a tie for the district crown, intercepting four passes 2014 1-0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 with 81 tackles...As a first-year starter in 2009, helped CHS TOTAL 5-0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 to a district championship and 10-4 record, registering one interception...Also lettered four years in track, specializing in the sprint and 4x200 relays...head football coaches were Todd Moebs and Mike Spradlin...top prep speed in the 40-yard dash was 4.5 seconds.
Personal: Given name is Joshua Ramill Bowman...Last name is pronounced BOH-man...Born Nov. 28, 1992, in Abilene, Texas...son of Yvette Bowman...Has an older brother and a younger sister...Undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Abilene, Texas. COACHES & STAFF
wyatt bryan Larkspur, Colo. (Douglas County) SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER K RS-FR | 6-0 | 175 | RS 96
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Earned three varsity football letters and one in lacrosse at Douglas County High School. • Was the kicker and played wide receiver for the Huskies. • In his three-year varsity career at DCHS, scored 140 points and connected on an impressive 77-of-82 (.939) point-after at- tempts. • Twice named outstanding student-athlete at Douglas County (2012 and 2013). PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • As a senior in 2013, caught 21 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns while helping the Huskies to a 7-4 record. • Named second-team All-Continental League as a wide receiver and first-team All-Continental for his performance as a kicker. • As a junior in 2012, earned all-conference honorable mention • Head football coach was Jeff Ketron. • Played with 2014 CSU signee Trey Smith and current Rams offensive lineman Blake Nowland, and played against CSU wide receiver Joe Hansley. • Also skied in high school.
Personal: Given name is Wyatt James Bryan...born July, 6, 1995, in Colorado Springs, Colo. ...parents are Scott and Theresa Bryan... has one brother, Eric...both parents graduated from Colorado State...plans to major in mechanical engineering at Colorado State... 2014 SEASON REVIEW Hometown: Larkspur, Colo.
jakob buys Arvada, Colo. (Ralston Valley) RECORD BOOK DL RS-SO | 6-4 | 265 | 1L 91
2014 (Freshman): Played in 10 games, appearing mainly on several special teams units... Blocked a punt vs. Nevada (Oct. 11) after beating two blockers, which set up a CSU field goal.
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • At Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colo., earned eight varsity letters, three coming in football.
• Two-time All-North Metro honoree for his performance on the Mustangs defensive line. HISTORY • As a senior in 2012, named team captain by Ralston Valley coaching staff. • In 2012, helped lead the Mustangs to the semis of the Colorado 5A championships before losing to Cherokee Trail. • Finished the 2012 season with an 11-2 record and in the process won the North Metro Conference championship. • Head football coach was Matt Loyd. • Also was a member of Ralston Valley’s baseball, wrestling and track & field teams.
Personal: Given name is Jakob Henry Buys...born July 22, 1994, in Arvada, Colo. ...parents are Dwight and Nancy Buys...has a twin brother, Justin, and an older sister Jordyn...majoring in business finance and minoring in business management at Colorado State...
Hometown: Arvada, Colo. mISCELLANEOUS
buys’ CAREER STATISTICS Punt Returning DEFENSE YEAR G-GS NO. YDS TD lONG AVG/R AVG/G UT AT TT TFL PD ff fR blK 2014 10-0 1 9 0 0 9.0 0.9 0 0 0 0-0-0 0.0-0 0 0 1
2015 Colorado State Football 47 Returner biographies
nick callender Hayward, Calif. (St. Mary's College HS) OL RS-JR | 6-5 | 315 | 1L 76
2014 (Sophomore): • Appeared in 12 of 13 games, starting two (at Boise State (9/6) and vs. UC Davis (9/13)) at left tackle for the injured Ty Sambrailo... Also played on the Rams’ field goal unit. • Saw his first action of the season against Colorado (Aug. 29) when Ty Sambrailo left the game with a knee injury...helped the Rams rush for 266 yards on the ground, tied for the most by CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. • Helped the Rams rack up 676 yards of total offense in first career start, against UC Davis (Sept. 13), third-most in a single-game by the Rams offense. • Filled in at left guard in a win against defending MW Mountain Division champion Utah State (Oct. 18) after Mason Myers left the game with a knee injury.
2013 (Freshman): Played in one game (Air Force) as a backup offensive lineman.
2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A formidable pillar in the trenches at St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley, Calif., he did not miss a start during his three years as the Panthers’ left tackle, ending his career with a 33-game streak...a three-sport athlete, also started as a defensive tackle during his junior and senior campaigns...selected to the Bay Area News Group’s Cream of the Crop as one of the region’s top 20 overall players in 2011...the 2011 Bay Shore Athletic League Offensive Lineman of the Year, garnered first-team all-conference honors on both sides of the ball...earned All-East Bay (Bay Area News Group) and All-metro (San Francisco Chronicle) accolades, after the Panthers produced a 1,000-yard rusher for the third straight season....During his three years, the program averaged better than 7 yards per carry and advanced to the Division 4 playoffs every season...picked up honorable-mention all-conference recognition as a junior and sophomore, when 9-2 St. Mary’s earned the No. 1 seed in the Division 4 playoffs, but lost in the first round, 43-42... also contributed four seasons to his track & field team, specializing in the throws and excelling in the shot put…was a NorCal finalist in that shot put as a freshman and junior…won the Bay Shore callender’S CAREER STATISTICS Athletic League individual title in 2011...a starting varsity center as a junior and senior, played offensive line basketball at St. Mary’s, lettering two years...head football coach was Keith Minor. YEAR GP GS 2013 1 0 Personal: Given name is Nicholas Jordan Callender...born June 16, 1994, in Berkeley, Calif. ...par- 2014 12 3 ents are Meredith and Henry Callender...has one younger sister...cousin, Evan Williams, was a TOTAL 13 3 running back at Western Carolina...plans to major in business at Colorado State...hometown: Hayward, Calif.
sam carlson Wellington, Colo. (Poudre) OL RS-SR | 6-4 | 295 | 1L 71
2014 (Junior): • Started all 13 games at right tackle as a first-year starter...helped lead the Rams to their best record (10-3) since 2000...blocked for a 4,000-yard passer (Grayson - 4,006) and 1,200-yard rusher (Hart - 1,275)...the Rams topped the 500-yard mark five times, including twice surpassing the 670-yard mark... the CSU offense broke several single-season school records, including: total yards/game (480.9), passing yards (4,181), passing yards/attempt (9.4) and passing touchdowns (33). • Registered his first career start against Colorado (Aug. 29), helping the Rams rush for 266 yards on the ground, the most by CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. • Helped the Rams rack up 676 yards of total offense against UC Davis (Sept. 13), the third-most in a single-game by a CSU offense. • Helped the line not allow a sack against Hawai’i (Nov. 8). • Against New Mexico (Nov. 22), the Rams offense racked up a school-record 698 yards of total offense. • Blocked for an offense that averaged 480.9 yards of total offense per game, which shattered the previous school record.
2013 (Sophomore): Played in two games (Wyoming and Nevada) as a backup offensive lineman.
2012 (Freshman): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Did not miss a start in three years as an anchor on the offensive line at Poudre High School, less than three miles northwest of the CSU campus...a first-team All-Front Range League lineman as a senior, served as a team captain for the Impalas... in consecutive seasons as a junior and senior, voted Most Valuable Offensive Lineman by his coaches and teammates...picked up
48 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies second-team all-conference accolades as a junior in 2009...in his first year as a starter (2008) helped PHS to the state semifinals, THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO where the team lost to finish 10-3...with a 3.6 GPA, was honorable-mention academic all-state in 2010...head football coaches were Steve Bradley and Rich Yonker...also lettered in basketball...earned December Student Athlete of the Month awards from CHAMP and Farmers Insurance as a senior...chose CSU over offers from Wyoming and San Diego State, and recruiting interest from Utah, New Mexico and Colorado.
Personal: Given name is Samuel Charles Kauffman Carlson...born carlson’S CAREER STATISTICS April 30, 1993, in Longmont, Colo. ...son of Rick and Julie Carlson... DEFENSE has three older sisters...volunteers once a week at the youth cen- YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL PD ff fR bK ter of his church, River of Life Fellowship, in Wellington, Colo. … 2013 2-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 also has periodically assisted his father in coaching the 8th grade 2014 13-13 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 football team at Wellington Middle School...majoring in health and TOTAL 15-13 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 exercise science at Colorado State...Hometown: Wellington, Colo. COACHES & STAFF
kivon cartwright
Pueblo, Colo. (Pueblo South) SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER TE RS-SR | 6-4 | 245 | 3L 86
2014 (Redshirt): After the 2014 season, was granted an extension of eligibility waiver to compete in a sixth season…started the sea- son-opening win over Colorado (Aug. 29) in his only game of the season, registering one catch for 26 yards...missed the next three games because of an injury that originally occurred during spring practice and required surgery at that time...it was determined the week of the Tulsa game (Oct. 4) that he would need another procedure on the injury and would miss the remainder of the season... named to the preseason 2014 John Mackey Award watch list, which is awarded to the best tight end in college football. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES 2013 (Junior): • Earned honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition...played in all 14 games and started 11, catching 27 passes for 462 yards (17.1) and tied for the team high with six touchdown receptions (most by MW tight end, third FBS)...third among MW tight ends in receiving yards...named to Mackey Award Midseason watch list (Most Outstanding Tight End) and mid-season first- team All-Mountain West by Phil Steele. • Earned John Mackey Tight End of the Week honors (Sept. 28) after catching two passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns vs. UTEP. • College Football Performance Awards Tight End Performer of the Week honorable mention (Oct. 12) after hauling in three receptions for a career-high 91 yards and two touchdowns against San Jose State. • Had at least three receptions in four games. • Last CSU pass-catcher with at least six receiving touchdowns was Dion Morton (10) in 2008. 2014 SEASON REVIEW • First Rams player to record multiple receiving touchdowns in back-to-back- games since Paul Turner in 1995. • Team-leading sixth touchdown reception of the season came in a 52-22 win at Wyoming (Oct. 19). • Named team captain prior to contests vs. Colorado (Sept. 1) and at Hawai’i (Oct. 26). • Hauled in two receptions for 51 yards in the Rams’ 48-45 New Mexico Bowl victory over Washington State (Dec. 21).
2012 (Sophomore): • For the second-consecutive year, the Rams had a sophomore tight end who was a menace to opposing teams’ secondaries, following the breakout 2011 performance of Crockett Gillmore...started 11 of 12 games, and had 26 catches for 310 yards and three touchdowns. • In a win over Colorado (Sept. 1), hauled in three passes for 30 yards.
• Tied a career high with four catches in the home opener against North Dakota State (Sept. 8)...all four catches came in the RECORD BOOK fourth quarter as the Rams were in their no-huddle offense. • Prior to the San Jose State contest (Sept. 15), was named a weekly team captain, one of four to receive the honor for that week...against the Spartans, tied his career high with four receptions and recorded his first touchdown, a 28-yard strike that brought the Rams within one point early in the second quarter…he finished the game with 57 yards receiving. • Against Utah State (Sept. 22) registered a rushing attempt for eight yards...it was the first time he ran the ball from scrimmage since his sophomore year at Pueblo South, and the most-recent CSU tight end to record a rush since Kory Sperry on Oct. 4, 2008. • Registered his second career touchdown and 42 yards receiving against the Aztecs of San Diego State (Oct. 13)...he was wide open in the end zone and hauled in a first quarter touchdown from M.J. McPeek to tie the game at 7-7. • Prior to the Border War against Wyoming (Nov. 3), was voted a team captain...he set a career high with 67 yards and a receiving touchdown. HISTORY
2011 (Freshman): A fast and athletic hybrid back, similar to former Ram Kory Sperry, played in six games...caught three passes for 63 yards (21.0 avg.)...made his college debut in loss at UTEP (Oct. 22), entering as an edge blocker on a first-quarter field-goal attempt... in loss at UNLV (Oct. 29), made the first catch of his career, a 45-yard grab down the middle to set up a go-ahead touchdown early in the second half...earned academic all-conference honors following the season.
2010: Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of eligibility.
High School: A three-sport athlete, played football and basketball, and also ran track at Pueblo (Colo.) South High School, a program mISCELLANEOUS that also produced CSU All-American and NFL Draft selection Anthony Cesario...follows in the footsteps of another CSU TE from Pueblo, Kory Sperry, who played in the NFL; Pueblo also produced Earl (Dutch) Clark, a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame...limited by a knee injury and an offense that rarely used its tight end strategically, did not play most of his senior season...an all-city and first-team all-conference selection, combined with his brother to help PSHS to consecutive undefeated regular seasons (2007-08) and back-to-back Foothills Conference championships, before the Colts bowed out in the early rounds of the Class 4A
2015 Colorado State Football 49 Returner biographies playoffs each season...as a linebacker in 2008, topped 100 tackles and earned honorable mention all-state recognition...also lettered three years in basketball.
Personal: Given name Kivon DeAnte Cartwright...nicknamed Kiki...first name is pronounced KEE-vonn...born March 3, 1992, in Oahu, Hawaii...son of Pam Cartwright...has two older brothers and two younger sisters...both brothers, John and DaQuan, played football at CSU-Pueblo...helped orchestrate Math Night in February 2011 at Fort Collins’ Bauder Elementary, working with youth to help them learn math…prior to the 2011 season, helped with Fort Collins kids’ summer programs at Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) Camp...majoring in business administration at CSU...Hometown: Pueblo, Colo.
cartwrighT’S CAREER STATISTICS rushing receiving YEAR G-GS ATT YDS TD lG AVG AVG/G REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G 2011 6-0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 3 63 0 45 21.0 10.5 2012 12-11 1 8 1 8 8.0 0.7 26 310 3 31 11.9 25.8 2013 14-11 4 18 0 6 4.5 1.3 27 462 6 51 17.1 33.0 2014 1-1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 1 22 0 22 22.0 22.0 TOTAL 33-23 5 26 1 8 5.2 0.8 57 857 9 51 15.0 26.0
john cassell Evergreen, Colo. (Evergreen) WR SO | 6-4 | 200 | VR 13
2014 (Freshman): Did not play; spent the year as a varsity reserve.
High School: • Earned three varsity letters in football and two in track at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colo. • Earned second-team all-conference honors in 2011 and first-team all-conference honors in 2012. • Named a team captain by coaches and teammates in 2012. • Racked up 68 tackles as a defensive back his senior season.
Personal: Given name is John Cassell…born Nov. 22, 1994 in Dallas, Texas…parents are Dennis and Kelly Cassell…has one older brother, Kevin…majoring in business administration at Colorado State…Hometown: Evergreen, Colo.
jose cerriteno Las Vegas, Nev. (Feather River College) DL SR | 6-2 | 230 | VR 97
2014: Did not play; spent the year as a varsity reserve.
2012-13: Attended Feather River College, where he earned first-team All-Mid-Empire Conference honors as a sophomore in 2014.
High School: • Earned two varsity letters from Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, Nev. • Named first-team All-Northeast defensive end. • Recorded 30 career tackles and four career sacks. • Head football coach was Chris Faircloth.
Personal: Given name is Josè Manuel Cerriteño…born Nov. 30, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nev. …son of Maribel Perez…has three younger brothers – Miguel, Angel and Raul…majoring in sociology at CSU...hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
50 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO deonte clyburn Louisville, Ky. (Saint Xavier) LB JR | 6-1 | 230 | 2L 12 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Sophomore): • Played in all 13 games, recording 20 tackles (10 solo), while mainly playing on special teams. • Had four tackles (one solo) vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13). • Chosen to serve as a game captain for the home opener against UC Davis (Sept. 13). • In the Rams’ regular-season finale stops in the Royal at Air Force (Nov. 28), recorded a career-high five tackles, including half a tackle for loss, his first career tackle in the opponent’s backfield. • Registered two solo Purple Las Vegas Bowl vs. Utah (Dec. 20).
2013 (Freshman): SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • Compiled 13 tackles (five solo) in 13 games for the Rams, making his first start vs. UTEP (Sept. 28) before injuring his knee, causing him to miss the next game vs. San Jose State. • Made his CSU debut against in-state rival Colorado (Sept. 1), recording two tackles. • Made his first start at middle linebacker in a win against UTEP (Sept. 28), registering a season-high three tackles. • Tied his season-best performance with three tackles in the Rams’ blowout victory against Air Force (Nov. 30).
High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Two-year letterwinner at St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Ky., where he played for former CSU assistant strength coach Rashad Harris.
• Football captain in 2012. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • Registered 105 total tackles as a senior while helping the Tigers to an 8-5 record and a trip to the third round of the Kentucky state 6A playoffs. • Lost in the playoffs to eventual state champion Trinity, 15-14, in a rematch of an early-season matchup and the previous year’s third-round playoff meeting. • Named first-team all-district and 2012 Associated Press first-team All-Kentucky after his 2012 campaign. • Named Defensive Most Valuable Player by the coaching staff at St. Xavier. • As a junior, racked up 88 tackles in an 8-5 campaign, which ended in the third round of the Kentucky state 6A playoffs. • Earned his first postseason honors, being named first-team all-district and all-state honorable mention. clyburn’s CAREER STATISTICS
• Head football coach was Mike Glaser. DEFENSE 2014 SEASON REVIEW YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR Personal: Given name is Deonte Clyburn...born Oct. 19, 2013 12-1 5 8 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 1994, in Louisville, Ky. ...parents are Katrina Clyburn and Per- 2014 13-0 10 10 20 0.5-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 ry Mitchell...has seven brothers and sisters...studying com- TOTAL 25-1 15 18 33 0.5-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 munication studies at CSU...hometown: Louisville, Ky.
evan colorito RECORD BOOK Beaverton, Ore. (Beaverton) LB RS-SO | 6-4 | 240 | 1L 43
2014 (Freshman): • Played in 12 games, recording two tackles (one solo). • Registered two tackles in CSU’s home opener vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13), including his first career stop late in the first quarter. • Used primarily on several special teams units. colorito’S CAREER STATISTICS HISTORY 2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of DEFENSE college eligibility. YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL PD ff fR bK 2014 12-0 1 1 2 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 High School: • Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Earned three varsity football letters at Beaverton (Ore.) High School. • Holds the Beaverton school record for career sacks with 34. • In his final season as a Beaver, rushed 68 times for 504 yards (7.4) and scored eight touchdowns. • On the defensive side of the line of scrimmage, recorded a single-season school record 29 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. mISCELLANEOUS • Metro League Defensive Player of the Year. • In 2012, named first-team all-city and first-team All-Oregon for his play at the linebacker position...also earned third-team All-Beaverton honors for his exploits on the ground. • Earned third-team honors for his play at defensive end as both a sophomore and junior. • Compiled 48 total tackles (22 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a junior. 2015 Colorado State Football 51 Returner biographies
• Registered 38 tackles (16 solo), including four tackles for loss, as a sophomore. • Head football coach was Bob Boyer. • Also competed in track and field for the Beavers.
Personal: Given name is Evan Roger Colorito...born Oct. 20, 1994 in Portland, Ore. ...parents are Anthony Colorito and Karen Har- man...his father, Anthony, was an All-American at USC and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1986 draft by the Denver Broncos... that season the elder Colorito played in 15 games for Denver and made 18 tackles (11 solo) along with two fumble recoveries...has two siblings, one older brother and one younger sister...majoring in communication studies at CSU...Hometown: Beaverton, Ore.
pierre copeland II Colorado Springs, Colo. (Vista Ridge) LB RS-SO | 6-2 | 205 | 1L 51
2014 (Freshman): Played in six games, recording four tackles (one solo).
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • Attended Vista Ridge High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he earned three varsity football letters. • In three seasons at the varsity level, compiled a 29-7 record with the Wolves. • As a senior in 2012, named second-team All-Pikes Peak linebacker and all-area honorable mention. • Registered 80 tackles and four interceptions in 2012. • Led the Wolves to a 10-2 record before losing to eventual state champions Monarch in the quarterfinals of the Colorado 4A Championships. • As a junior earned second-team all-conference honors. • Two-time Southern League conference champion in 2010 and 2011. • Head football coach was Les Johnson. • Graduated high school with a cumulative grade point average above 3.75 and received Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholarship and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship. • Also earned letters in track and field and basketball. • Part of relay teams that hold the Vista Ridge record for the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 meter relays.
Personal: Given name is Pierre LaValle Copeland II...born May copeland’S CAREER STATISTICS 8, 1995 in Kleve, Germany...parents are Pierre and Johna Cope- DEFENSE land...interested in majoring in computer engineering at Colorado YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL PD ff fR bK State...Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo. 2014 6-0 1 3 4 0.0-0 0 0 0 0
kevin davis Fountain, Colo. (Fountain-Fort Carson) LB JR | 6-3 | 240 | 2L 33
2014 (Sophomore): • Appeared in 11 games, registering one start…recorded 22 tackles (14 solo), including 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack...missed the Boise State (Sept. 6) and UC Davis (Sept. 13) games because of injury. • Recorded first career start vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25). • Tallied first career sack vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4), a 10-yard loss midway through the fourth quarter forcing a punt. • Recorded a then-season-best three tackles vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4) and at Air Force (Nov. 28). • Named a team captain for the regular-season finale at Air Force (Nov. 28). • Racked up a season-best five tackles in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl vs. Utah (Dec. 20), including one tackle for loss. • CSU’s defense allowed just 25.1 points per game, the fewest points per contest by the Rams defense since 2006 (21.9).
2013 (Redshirt): Appeared in four games for the Rams (Colorado, Tulsa, Cal Poly and Alabama), compiling one tackle...was granted a medical hardship waiver.
2012 (Freshman): • Was used heavily on special teams while seeing the field on occasion on defense...his season finished early due to an injury, but still recorded 23 tackles and one pass breakup. • Made his collegiate debut against Colorado (Sept. 1) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, just an hour and a half from his hometown in Fountain, Colo. ...against the Buffaloes, received credit for a quarterback hurry when he flushed Jordan Webb out of the pocket before firing the ball over his receiver’s outstretched arms on third down. • Recorded two tackles in the Rams’ home-opener against North Dakota State (Sept. 8), and had another two on the road at San Jose State (Sept. 15). • Registered three solo stops in a loss to Utah State (Sept. 22), and had another five on the road against Air Force (Sept. 29).
52 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
• Had a career-high eight tackles at home against Fresno State (Oct. 6) and had his first career pass breakup. THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Was injured on the opening kickoff in CSU’s home victory over Hawai’i (Oct. 27).
High School: Lettered three years at Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Fountain, Colo., south of Colorado Springs...garnered first- team all-state honors in Colorado’s largest classification, 5A, and first-team Denver Post All-Colorado honors, an annual list of the state’s best players across all classifications...one of only 53 seniors on Parade’s All-America list, the first All-American produced by his school…also attended a Denver camp hosted by Football University and received Linebacker MVP honors by vote of more than 20 former NFL coaches and players...rated the No. 9 overall player in Colorado by Rivals.com...as a three-time first-team all-confer- ence selection, finished his career with 381 tackles (three-consecutive 100-tackle campaigns), 15 sacks, six fumble recoveries, three interceptions and a blocked punt…led the Trojans to consecutive conference titles, three appearances in the state 5A playoffs and a 23-9 combined record over his three years as a starter...named the Gazette’s Colorado Springs Class 5A/4A Player of the Year as a senior team captain in 2011…as a senior, led the Trojans to a C.S. Metro crown and the second round of the state playoffs with a school-record 165 tackles…also had six sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and one touchdown on an interception...a COACHES & STAFF four-year honor-roll student with a 3.86 GPA, earned first-team academic all-state accolades for a second-straight season in 2011... after his junior season, in which he had 103 tackles and seven sacks as a second-team all-state selection, attended the U.S. Army National Football Combine as one of the nation’s top 500 football underclassmen...started as a sophomore in 2009, in addition to handling field-goal duties (his 10 extra points established a single-game school record)…was a first-team all-conference performer, posting 113 tackles with a pair of sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries...head football coach was Mitch Johnson...also lettered two years as a hockey player, as a sophomore and junior… voted team MVP both seasons on the ice. daviS’ CAREER STATISTICS DEFENSE Personal: Given name is Kevin Maurice Davis...born Nov. 21, YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER 1993, in Columbia, S.C. ...parents are Keith and Marion Da- 2012 8-0 11 12 23 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2013 4-0 1 0 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 vis...has one younger sister...member of the National Honor 2014 11-1 14 8 22 2.5-14 1.0-1 0 0 0 0 Society in high school...majoring in communication studies at TOTAL 23-1 26 20 46 2.5-14 1.0-1 0 0 0 0 Colorado State...hometown: Fountain, Colo.
dalyn dawkins PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Louisville, Ky. (Purdue) RB RS-SO | 5-9 | 175 | TR 15
2014 (Redshirt): Transferred to Colorado State where he redshirted in his second collegiate season…has three years of eligibility remaining.
2013 (Purdue): 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Played in all 12 games as a freshman at Purdue in 2013. • Rushed the ball 32 times for 115 yards, the third-most rushing yards on the team. • Caught nine passes for 84 yards.
2012 (Freshman): • Played in all 12 games as a freshman at Purdue in 2013. • Rushed the ball 32 times for 115 yards, the third-most rushing yards on the team. • Caught nine passes for 84 yards.
High School:
• Four-star recruit by Scout.com and earned three stars from Rivals.com. RECORD BOOK • No. 36 running back nationally by Scout.com, and No. 9 player out of Kentucky by Rivals.com. • Earned 2012 Louisville Courier-Journal second-team All-Kentucky honors as a senior. • In his final high school season, rushed for 1,479 yards and scored 18 touchdowns...also hauled in 38 receptions for 367 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Personal: Given name is Dalyn Daeel Dawkins...born Dec. 12, 1994, in Louisville, Ky. ...parents are Ralph and Michelle Dawkins...father played football at Louisville while his uncle, Brian Dawkins, played at Clemson and was a nine-time NFL Pro Bowl selection...has two brothers, Ryan and Kaiden...majoring in criminal justice at Colorado state...hometown: Louisville, Ky. HISTORY deandre elliott Dallas, Texas (Carter) DB RS-SR | 6-1 | 185 | 3L 13 mISCELLANEOUS
2014 (Junior): • Played in 12 games, starting in six contests…recorded 30 tackles (23 solo), including two tackles for loss, plus six pass break- ups and two interceptions...missed game at San Jose State (Nov. 1) due to injury. • In his own end zone, picked off a Cody Fajardo pass to secure a road victory at Nevada (Oct. 11).
2015 Colorado State Football 53 Returner biographies • Chosen to be a weekly team captain vs. Wyoming (Oct. 24). • Registered a tackle for loss in back-to-back games vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4) and at Nevada (Oct. 11). • Posted a season-high six tackles in a road win at Boston College (Sept. 27). • CSU’s defense allowed just 25.1 points per game, the fewest points per contest by the Rams defense since 2006 (21.9). • During the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl game (Dec. 20), intercepted Travis Wilson (Utah) for a key stop in the second quarter of the game...also notched four tackles (three solo).
2013 (Sophomore): • Played 13 of 14 games for CSU, including 10 starts…had 29 tackles (24 solo), 10 pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery. • In a 55-22 win at Wyoming (Oct. 19), recovered a fumble and returned it 53 yards to the Cowboys’ 15-yard line, setting up a Kapri Bibbs touchdown that put the Rams up by 37 points. • On the road at Hawai’i (Oct. 26), registered his third career interception, each of which came off of UH quarterback Sean Schroeder. • Registered a season-high six tackles at New Mexico (Nov. 16). • Led the team with 10 pass breakups, tied for the fifth-most by a CSU defender in a single season dating back to 2000.
2012 (Freshman): • Played in 11 games for CSU, registering 33 tackles (24 solo) and intercepting two passes, including a 76-yard interception return for a touchdown at home against Hawai’i. • Spent all of spring and the beginning of fall at the top of the depth chart, but an ankle injury kept him out of the season opener vs. Colorado (Sept. 1). • Recorded two solo stops in the home opener against North Dakota State (Sept. 8)...had a touchdown-saving tackle after Bison kick returner Marcus Williams brought a kick back 53 yards. • Registered five tackles (four solo) on the road at San Jose State (Sept. 15). • After setting a career high in tackles the week before, set a new high for himself with seven tackles (five solo) vs. Utah State (Sept. 22)...had back-to-back tackles for loss forcing the Aggies to punt early in the first quarter…also recorded two pass breakups. • Recorded a pass breakup against Air Force (Sept. 29) and Fresno State (Oct. 6), marking a four-game stretch that he recorded a pass breakup, a feat that hadn’t been done by a Ram since 2009 (Momo Thomas). • On the road at San Diego State (Oct. 13), dove on a loose ball to end the Aztecs’ drive inside CSU territory, the first fumble recovery of his career. • In CSU’s 42-27 home win over Hawai’i (Oct. 27), recorded four tackles and his first-career interception...in the fourth quarter, the Warriors had the ball on the Rams’ 28-yardline and he picked off a Sean Schroeder pass and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown...it was the fourth-longest interception return by a Mountain West player in 2012…on the Warriors’ final possession, Elliott intercepted a Schroeder pass in the end zone to end the game...his performance against Hawai’i earned him College Football Performance Awards, National DB of the Week and MAACO Bowl Las Vegas Mountain West Player of the Week honors.
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Played cornerback, wide receiver and running back as a three-year letterman at Carter High School in southern Dallas... had nine career interceptions, helping the Cowboys to consecutive appearances in the Texas 4A area playoffs...a first-team All-Dis- trict 11 cornerback as a senior in 2010, had 33 tackles and picked off five passes, one of which was returned for a 42-yard touchdown in a 48-8 win over Pinkston...out of the offensive backfield, also had three rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores...intercepted four passes as a second-team all-district corner in 2009, helping Carter to a 12-1 season and a district championship…also played wide receiver in 2009 and caught 13 passes for 326 yards (25.1 avg.) and six touchdowns...head football coach was Al- elliott’s CAREER STATISTICS len Wilson...a small forward, played basketball for three sea- DEFENSE sons, averaging 10 points and six rebounds per contest...also YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR graduated with four letters in track, contributing to Carter’s 2012 11-7 24 9 33 2.0-2 0.0-0 2-76 7 0 1 relay teams in addition to the high jump and long jump...had 2013 13-10 24 5 29 0.0-0 0.0-0 1-0 10 0 1 2014 12-6 23 7 30 2.0-3 0.0-0 2-0 6 0 0 4.43-second speed in the 40-yard dash...also recruited by TOTAL 36-23 71 21 92 4.0-5 0.0-0 5-76 23 0 2 Utah, Louisiana Tech and North Texas.
Personal: Given name is DeAndre Christopher Elliott...born Nov. 21, 1992, in Oak Cliff, Texas...son of Elizabeth Elliott...has one older brother, one younger brother and two younger sisters...majoring in communication studies at Colorado State...hometown: Dallas, Texas.
patrick elsenbast Littleton, Colo. (Chatfield) LB RS-SO | 6-1 | 210 | VR 49
2014 (Freshman): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted in his first season of college eligibility.
2012 (Freshman): • Played in all 12 games as a freshman at Purdue in 2013. • Rushed the ball 32 times for 115 yards, the third-most rushing yards on the team. • Caught nine passes for 84 yards.
54 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
High School: THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Earned letters in basketball, football and track at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colo. • Named to Super 6 all-conference teams for three-consecutive seasons (2010-12). • As a senior in 2012, named Defensive MVP for the Chargers. • Also in 2012, earned all-state honors in Colorado’s highest classification (5A). • Head football coach was Bret McGatlin. • In the classroom, was an honor roll student for all four years.
Personal: Given name is Patrick Elsenbast...born Aug. 26, 1994, in Littleton, Colo. ...parents are Mike and Susan Elsenbast...has one younger brother, Thomas...undecided on a major at Colorado State...hometown: Littleton, Colo. COACHES & STAFF nu’uvali fa’apito La Quinta, Calif. (La Quinta)
FB RS-SR | 6-0 | 230 | 3L 45 SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
2014 (Junior): • Played in 11 games, posting 18 tackles (eight solo), including half a sack and registering one pass breakup…toward the end of the season, was primarily used on special teams. • Recorded two tackles and half a sack at Boise State (Sept.6). • Totaled a career-high eight tackles in CSU’s home-opener vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13). • Chosen to serve as a weekly captain at Boston College (Sept. 27) and at San Jose State (Nov. 1).
2013 (Redshirt): • Compiled 21 tackles (nine solo) and a half tackle for loss for the Rams in 10 games. • Registered a career-high seven tackles (three solo) in a home loss to San Jose State (Oct. 12). PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • Saw an increase in playing time in the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30) because of an injury to Cory James… finished the game with four tackles and his first career forced fumble. • Served as a team captain vs. San Jose State (Oct. 12).
2012 (Freshman): • Completed his redshirt freshman season with 34 total tackles and one fumble recovery in a defense that was always rotating in fresh legs...played in all 12 games for the Rams. • Recorded his first-career tackle vs. in-state rival Colorado (Sept. 1). • Had six tackles in CSU’s home-opener against North Dakota State (Sept. 8)…assisted on a tackle with Lanston Tanyi to force
the Bison into a fourth-and-one. 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Played in his third-career game as a Ram when CSU traveled to his home-state of California to play San Jose State. • Followed up a four-tackle performance against Utah State (Sept. 22) with a six-tackle game at Air Force (Sept. 29). • Registered two solo stops on the road at San Diego State (Oct. 13).
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: An All-CIF Southern Section and All-Desert Sun linebacker as a senior at La Quinta High School, about 40 fa’apito’s CAREER STATISTICS DEFENSE miles southeast of Palm Springs, Calif. …lettered three years YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR for the Blackhawks...played fullback and linebacker as a se- 2012 12-0 13 21 34 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 nior captain in 2010, finishing with 116 tackles, nearly 20 stops
2013 10-0 9 12 21 0.5-1 0.0-0 0 0 1 0 RECORD BOOK behind the line of scrimmage, and six sacks...also forced two 2014 11-0 8 10 18 0.5-3 0.5-3 0 1 0 0 fumbles and recovered another, playing in every game for TOTAL 33-0 30 43 73 1.0-4 0.5-3 0 1 1 0 a 10-3 team that advanced to the CIF state semifinals...as a fullback, had four carries for 36 yards and one touchdown, and caught five passes for 68 yards and another score...voted Most Valuable Linebacker by his coaches and teammates...as a junior in 2009, helped the Blackhawks to an 8-4 record and a berth in the second round of the playoffs, playing defensive end and fullback... also earned recognition on the prestigious National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Team of Riverside County for his athletic, academic and community-service achievements...head football coach was Dan Armstrong...also played rugby at LQHS, as a club athlete in 2009-10, before helping to inaugurate the program as a varsity sport in 2010-11...owned a 3.0 GPA...had 4.71-second speed in the 40-yard dash and bench pressed 300 pounds...also recruited by San Diego State, Boise State, Nevada and San Jose State.
Personal: Given name is Nu’uvali Daniel Fa’apito, Jr. ...name is pronounced new-OO-vall-ee fah-ah-PEE-toh...born Dec. 26, 1992, in HISTORY Long Beach, Calif. ...son of Nu’uvali Fa’apito, Sr. and Christy Vandever...has two younger brothers and one younger sister...first name translates to ‘Painted Village’ in Samoan...both his dad, Nu’uvali, and two uncles, Pete and Fafi, played football at Cerritos J.C. … majoring in communications at Colorado State...hometown: La Quinta, Calif. mISCELLANEOUS
2015 Colorado State Football 55 Returner biographies
jordan finley Roseville, Calif. (Sierra College) OL SR | 6-3 | 290 | VR 78
2014 (Junior): Played in one game for the Rams as a backup offensive lineman...signed with Colorado State in December 2013 and enrolled in classes in January 2014...participated in offseason strength and conditioning program and spring drills with the Rams in 2014.
Junior College: • Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com. • Attended Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif., where he was named to the Dean’s List as a freshman. • Earned first-team All-Valley honors as a sophomore while leading Sierra College to a 6-5 record, before losing in the San Francisco Community College Bowl against City College of San Francisco. • Head football coach was Ben Noonan.
High School: • Attended River Valley High School in Yuba City, Calif., where he lettered in football. finley’S CAREER STATISTICS • As a senior defensive lineman, registered 15 tackles and two sacks. offensive line • In his first season of varsity football, recorded six tackles for the Falcons. YEAR GP GS 2014 1 0 • Also played basketball and wrestled at River Valley. • Head football coach was Brandon Asher. • Also attended Roseville (Calif.) High School in 2007-08.
Personal: Given name is Jordan Finley...born Sept. 10, 1993, in Honolulu, Hawaii...parents are Sharon and Leo Finley...has four broth- ers – Dixon, Joshua, Gabriel and Kevin – and two sisters – Shonnell and Maryjane...brother Gabriel played basketball at Northern Montana...majoring in liberal arts at Colorado State...hometown: Roseville, Calif.
colton foster Bakersfield, Calif. (Frontier DL RS-FR | 6-3 | 285 | RS 99
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Ranked as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned letters in football and track & field for the Titans. • Captain of the Frontier football program as a junior and senior. • Earned first-team All-Southwest Yosemite League honors in 2011, 2012 and 2013. • Two-time Bakersfield Jockey Club Outstanding Athlete Award winner (2012 and 2013). • First-team B-Varsity all-area in 2012 and 2013, and second-team B-Varsity all-area as a sophomore. • In 2013 as a senior, recorded 48 tackles, including 4.5 sacks and two tackles for loss, while forcing one fumble and blocking one field goal. • Named Frontier High School Titans Varsity Outstanding Defensive Lineman as a senior. • Selected to play in the U.S. Army Bakersfield Arena Bowl, an annual all-star game for seniors in the Bakersfield area. • In 2012, registered 36 tackles, including a single-season career-high seven tackles for loss and one sack as he helped the Titans become Southwest Yosemite League champions. • Had 45 tackles as a sophomore, including six tackles for loss and five sacks, a single-season career best. • Saw significant playing time as a freshman, recording 32 tackles, including two tackles for loss, on his way to earning All-South- west Yosemite honorable mention. • As a junior placed in the top four in the shot put in the 2012 CIF State Championships with a school-record distance of 60-7.6. • Holds the discuss school record set in the 2012 CIF State Championships, a throw of 172-1. • Selected CSU over offers from Cal Poly, Portland State, UC Davis and UTEP. • Head football coach was Richard Cornford.
Personal: Given name is Colton Edward Foster...born Nov. 23, 1995, in Bakersfield, Calif. ...parents are Blake and Robin Foster...has an older brother, Jacob and one younger sister, Madison...undecided on a major at Colorado State...hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
56 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO martavius foster Starkville, Miss. (East Mississippi C.C.) DL SR | 6-4 | 270 | 2L 9 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Junior): • Played in 12 games, recording eight tackles (four solo), one pass breakup and one interception. • Tallied a career-high three tackles on the road at Boise State (Sept. 6). • Recorded his first collegiate interception vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8), stopping the Rainbow Warriors’ drive in CSU territory.
2013 (Sophomore): • Played in four games for the Rams, making his collegiate debut at Tulsa (Sept. 7)...prior to CSU’s trip to Hawai’i (Oct. 26), switched from tight end to defensive end, where he played in three games. • Made an appearance for the Rams at defensive end in CSU’s win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER (Dec. 21). • Signed a National Letter of Intent on Dec. 19, 2012 to enroll at CSU after one year of football at East Mississippi Community College....he initially enrolled at Tennessee State in 2011 before transferring to East Mississippi for the 2012 season...enrolled in classes at CSU in January 2013 and began workouts with the team in the offseason strength and conditioning program.
Junior College: • Played one season as a defensive end at East Mississippi Community College and tallied 22 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. • Compiled a 7-2 record with the Lions, which began foster’s CAREER STATISTICS the season with a No. 1 national ranking…team won DEFENSE YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR its first seven games of the season but lost its last PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES two games and was knocked out of the champion- 2013 4-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 ship game…the Lions were invited to a bowl game but 2014 12-0 4 4 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 0 head coach Buddy Stephens declined the invitation. TOTAL 16-0 4 4 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 1 0 0 0
High School: • Attended Starkville (Miss.) High School where he was a three-time letterwinner in football and earned one letter in track & field. • Played on both ends of the ball for the Yellowjackets his junior and senior years. • Two-time all-city team and first-team All-Mississippi selection for his play at tight end. • In a 38-16 victory over DeSoto Central, caught an 87-yard touchdown pass, a school record for longest catch by a tight end. • Head football coaches were Bill Lee and Jamie Mitchell. 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Also competed in track & field at Starkville, earning one letter.
Personal: Given name is Martavius Foster...born Aug. 23, 1992, in Athens, Ga. ...parents are Teresa and Russell Foster...has three siblings – an older brother and sister and one younger brother...earned his bachelor's degree in sociology in May 2015...hometown: Starkville, Miss.
john freismuth RECORD BOOK Loveland, Colo. (Loveland) WR RS-FR | 6-4 | 220 | RS 35
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned seven varsity letters for the Indians – three in football and four with the track & field team. HISTORY • Played wide receiver, cornerback and safety for the Indians. • Named all-area for the Indians football team in 2011, as a sophomore, and again in 2013, as a senior. • An All-Colorado selection by the Denver Post after his senior campaign. • Named team Most Valuable Player as a senior in 2013 and served as team captain for the Indians. • As a senior, hauled in 26 receptions for 675 yards and 11 touchdowns while recording 85 tackles, two tackles for loss and one interception. • The Indians advanced to the second round of the Colorado 4A state championships before falling to Monarch, and finished the year with a 9-2 record. • As a junior in 2012, caught 22 passes for 425 yards and scored four touchdowns. Defensively, recorded 46 tackles and one mISCELLANEOUS interception. • Earned Academic All-Colorado honorable mention in 2012 and 2013. • Head football coach was Wayne McGinn. • Played with current CSU defensive lineman Callen Hecker.
2015 Colorado State Football 57 Returner biographies Personal: Given name is John Patrick Freismuth...born Nov. 16, 1995, in Loveland, Colo. ...parents are Patrick and Jean Freismuth... has one brother, Dan...cousin, Justin Frick, played football at North Dakota State...plans to major in business administration at CSU... hometown: Loveland, Colo.
deionte gaines Orlando, Fla. (Dr. Phillips) WR SO | 5-8 | 180 | 1L 2
2014 (Freshman): • Played in 12 games as kick returner and receiver, hauling in nine catches for 69 yards, while also rushing two times for 15 yards...averaged 24.0 yards on 28 kickoff returns...his 672 return yards ranked first in the Mountain West and 20th in NCAA FBS. • Made his first career catch vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4), a four-yard reception. • Totaled a career-best 61-yard kickoff return against Wyoming (Oct. 25), the third-longest kick return by a Mountain West player in 2014. • Had a career-high two catches for 21 yards vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25). • Earned a spot as a first-team kick returner on Phil Steele’s mid-season All-Mountain West team.
High School: • Ranked as a four-star recruit by ESPN and three-star by Rivals.com. • Earned four varsity letters in both football and track & field. • Ranked as the No. 33 athlete in the nation and received third-team All-Florida honors by the Miami Herald as a senior. • As a senior led the Panthers to an undefeated regular season before falling, 24-23, to Plant High School in the regional semi- finals of the Florida state championships to finish 11-1. • Helped lead Dr. Phillips to the 2013 8A District 5 title, finishing with an undefeated 4-0 record while outscoring district oppo- nents, 52.3 to 13.0. • In his 12-game senior campaign, rushed for 462 yards and 11 touchdowns on 55 carries (8.4 avg.)…caught 28 passes for 564 yards (20.1 avg.) and five touchdowns and averaged an impressive 19 yards on 14 punt returns, with two returned for touch- downs…also led the Panthers in total yardage (1,292). • As a junior in 2012, racked up 1,048 total yardage and 11 touchdowns. • Holds the school record in the 4x100 relay, set in 2012 as a junior. • Selected CSU over 12 other offers, including Arizona, Cincinnati, Iowa State and Mountain West foe Utah State. • Head football coach at Dr. Phillips was Rodney Wells.
Personal: Given name is Deionte A. Gaines...born Oct. 9, 1995, in Orlando, Fla. ...parents are Caronda Adams and Sedrick Gaines... has one brother, Jamari, and two sisters Mia and Emani...plans to major in communication studies at CSU...hometown: Orlando, Fla. gaines’ CAREER STATISTICS special teams receiving rushing YEAR G-GS NO. YDS TD lONG AVG/R AVG/G REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G ATT NET AVG lONG 2014 12-0 27 672 0 61 24.9 56.0 9 69 0 26 7.7 5.8 2 15 7.5 11
derek giesner Forest Lake, Minn. (Forest Lake) WR RS-FR | 6-0 | 185 | RS 11
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted in his first year with Colorado State.
Junior College: • Earned two varsity letters in football and two in track at Forest Lake Area High School in Forest Lake, Minn. • Head football coach was Billy Kirch.
Personal: Given name is Derek Tyler Giesner…born on May 15, 1996 in Fridley, Minn. …parents are Patrick and Pamela Giesner… has three older sisters, Nicole, Jessica and Cassie…majoring in civil engineering at Colorado State…Hometown: Forest Lake, Minn.
58 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO zack golditch Aurora, Colo. (Gateway) OL RS-SO | 6-6 | 290 | VR 61 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Freshman): Played in four games as a backup offensive lineman. golditch’S CAREER STATISTICS 2013 (Redshirt): offensive line • Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. YEAR GP GS 2014 4 0 • Received the NFF Inspiration Award for his courage and resiliency in returning to the football field after being among those wounded during the July 20, 2012 Aurora theater shooting outside Denver, Colo...honored during the NFF Chapter Awards Luncheon, presented by Under Armour, on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
High School: • Earned three football varsity letters and another three in track and field at Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo. • Three-year starter for the Olympians who advanced to the Colorado state playoffs each season. • As a senior blocked for a Gateway squad that rushed for 43 TDs and broke off multiple runs of 50 yards-plus. • On the defensive line recorded 62 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in 10 games for an Olympian defense that allowed just eight points per game. • Racked up 20 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks in the month of October, giving him East Metro Athletic Conference Player of the Month honors. • One of the most decorated players in Colorado after his senior campaign, being named first-team All-EMAC and all-city on both sides of the ball. Earned first-team All-Colorado honors and ROOT Sports all-star first-team defensive line.
• His peers named him Gateway’s Most Valuable Player and the team’s defensive MVP. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • 2012 East Metro Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. • After advancing to the Colorado State 5A Playoffs for his third consecutive year, were upset 15-14 by Regis Jesuit. • Named 2011 first-team all-league for his play on his offensive line and second-team all-city offensive lineman. • Head football coach was Justin Hoffman. • Outside of football, was a state qualifier in discus in 2011 and state 5A champion in both 2012 and 2013. • Gateway honor roll for five semesters with a 3.71 grade-point average. • 2010-11 Academic Achievement in Physical Education. • Earned Touching Hearts Through Athletics Award in 2012. This award is given to a student-athlete who demonstrates being a team player, accepting academic responsibility, and sportsmanship on and off the field.
• Colorado Chapter of the National Football Foundation 2013 Scholar-athlete Award. 2014 SEASON REVIEW
Personal: Given name is Zack Golditch...born Feb. 22, 1995 in Denver, Colo. ...parents are Christine and Stewart Golditch...has three brothers, two older and one younger...was featured in a lengthy CBS Sports piece during the pregame show for Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3, 2012, which told the story of survivors of the July 20, 2012 theater shooting in Aurora, Colo. ...during the summer of 2014 volunteered with the coaching staff at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora... majoring in sociology and minoring in criminal justice... Hometown: Aurora, Colo.
jesse haas RECORD BOOK Wellington, Colo. (Poudre) RB SR | 6-2 | 215 | VR 29
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted his first year with Colorado State.
High School: • Two-sport athlete at Poudre High School in Fort Collins, Colo., competing in track and field and football. HISTORY • Earned second-team all-conference honors in football in 2010. • Named to first-team all-conference for track and field twice and to second-team all-conference once. • Head football coaches were Rich Yonker and Steve Bradley.
Personal: Given name is Jesse Haas…born on Jan. 14, 1993 in Fort Collins, Colo. …parents are A.J. and Kelly Haas…has four brothers and two sisters…sister, Lauren, played volleyball at Northwestern and his brother, Jacob, ran track at Colorado State...majoring in business marketing with a minor in criminal justice at Colorado State…Hometown: Wellington, Colo. mISCELLANEOUS
2015 Colorado State Football 59 Returner biographies
justin hansen Longmont, Colo. (Longmont) DL RS-SR | 6-5 | 305 | 2L 68
2014 (Junior): • Played in all 13 games, starting 11...recorded 28 tackles (13 solo), including one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hurry. • Career-high five tackles and first career tackle for loss vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8). • Four tackles in the Rams’ regular-season finale at Air Force (Nov. 28).
2013 (Sophomore): • Made appearances in six games for the Rams, regis- tering three tackles...used in a package in goal line hansen’s CAREER STATISTICS situations. DEFENSE • Made his first collegiate tackle vs. UTEP (Sept. 28), YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR when he combined with Joe Kawulok to stop Miners 2013 8-0 1 2 3 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2014 13-11 13 15 28 1.0-2 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 running back Aaron Jones at the line of scrimmage. TOTAL 21-11 14 17 31 1.0-2 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 • Registered his first career solo stop at Wyoming (Oct. 19) late in the fourth quarter with the Rams up 52-22.
2012 (Freshman): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A four-year letterman and three-year starter - including 2009 and `10 on both sides of the ball - helped control the line of scrimmage at Longmont High School, a notable factory for Division I and NFL offensive linemen just 45 minutes south of Fort Col- lins...Rated the state’s 11th-best overall prospect by Rivals.com...Received first-team Class 4A all-state honors as a senior, and nailed down a spot on the Denver Post’s All-Colorado team, the state’s best 31 players regardless of classification...A first-team all-North- ern Conference selection for three consecutive years (2008-10), also garnered first-team all-area recognition from the Longmont Times-Call (2009 and `10), and first-team all-region honors from the Boulder Daily Camera (2009 and `10)...Was his team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year as a team captain in 2010...Began his starting streak in 2007, drawing his initial career nod as a freshman in the first round of the state playoffs, the only year in which his team didn’t advance at least to the quarterfinals of the postseason...An honorable-mention all-state selection as a junior in 2009, helped the Trojans to a berth in the 4A state championship game...Had 55 tackles and five sacks as a defensive lineman in 2009 as the 11-3 Trojans rocketed through the playoffs before falling to Heritage at Invesco Field...The anchor of the LHS line, blocked for a 2009 offense that rushed for 3,031 yards with 40 TDs...In his first year as a starter, playing primarily on defense, helped the Trojans to a 10-2 record and an appearance in the 2008 state quarterfinals, picking up first-team all-Northern Conference accolades...Head football coach was Doug Johnson...Also appeared on the rosters of the Trojans’ basketball, track and wrestling teams...Threw the shot and discus as an all-conference track athlete, earning sixth at state in 2010...Battled at the state wrestling championship after signing his CSU letter of intent...Had a 3.2 GPA and remarkable speed (4.88 seconds) for a lineman...Max bench press in high school was 345 pounds...Also recruited by San Diego State, Washington, Colorado, Kansas State, Utah, UCLA and Michigan.
Personal: Given name Justin Alexander Reedy Hansen...Born April 28, 1992, in Seattle, Wash. ...Parents are Tom and Kara Hansen... Has two younger brothers...Diagnosed in second grade with Asperger’s Syndrome, a hidden disability on the Autism spectrum that affects three in every 10,000 people; has overcome the symptoms, which include physical awkwardness, difficulty in social situations and ability to grasp some things mentally, to earn a major-college football scholarship...Majoring in communications at Colorado State...Hometown: Longmont, Colo.
joe hansley Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Highlands Ranch) WR SR | 5-10 | 180 | 3L 25
2014 (Junior): • Played in 12 games and started nine, missing the game at Boston College (Sept. 27)...had 35 receptions for 540 yards and two touchdowns... also returned six punts for an average of 9.7 yards per return. • Registered seven receptions for a career-high 149 yards at Boise State (Sept. 6), including a career-best 55-yard touchdown... in the game he surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for his career. • Hauled in four receptions for 57 yards and ran the ball twice for 14 yards in a win against Nevada (Oct. 11). • 97 receiving yards, including a 65-yard touchdown vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25), helping the Rams earn their second consecutive victory in the Border War... the 65-yard touchdown catch was the longest reception of his career. • Pulled in four passes for 68 yards, including a 38-yarder in a win at San Jose State (Nov. 1). • In the Rams’ regular-season finale at Air Force (Nov. 28), had 44 receiving yards.
60 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
2013 (Sophomore): THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Played in 13 games and started 12 (missed at Tulsa Sept. 7 because of ankle injury) and ranked second on the team with 52 receptions for 613 yards (11.8) and one touchdown...also threw for one touchdown on a fake field goal vs. UTEP (Sept. 28), connecting with TE Kivon Cartwright for a 34-yard score...returned 8 punts for 120 yards (15.0), including a 74-yard touchdown return vs. Colorado (Sept. 1). • Opened the season with his best statistical game of the year, catching 7 passes for 90 yards and returning a punt 74 yards for a touchdown, only one of 13 players to return a punt for a score vs. Colorado (Sept. 1). • Earned Punt Returner co-Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards for his 74-yard punt return for a score vs. Colorado (Sept. 1). • Hauled in six passes for 82 yards--his second-best of the year--at No. 1 Alabama (Sept. 21). • Caught 5 passes for 78 yards vs. UTEP (Sept. 28) and threw his first career touchdown pass of 34 yards to TE Kivon Cartwright on a fake field goal.
• In a win at New Mexico (Nov. 16) Hansley caught his first touchdown pass of the season. COACHES & STAFF • In the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30), pulled in five balls for 71 yards...also rushed the ball twice on sweep plays for 10 yards. • Chosen to serve as team captain for game at New Mexico (Nov. 16).
2012 (Freshman): • It took a true talent to play as a true freshman at one of CSU’s deepest positions...the freshman wideout finished the season with 21 catches for 274 yards and three TDs...also a threat in the rushing attack, ran for 122 yards on 22 carries (5.5)...returned 8 punts for 100 yards (12.5) with a long of 76. • Made an immediate impact in a game he grew up watching annually, the Rocky Mountain Showdown vs. Colorado (Sept. 1)...in SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER his first career game the 18-year-old had two receptions for 40 yards, including a 32-yard TD...his touchdown came on a quick screen pass where he made numerous Colorado defenders miss on his way into the end zone for the score...he became the first true freshman WR with a touchdown catch since Lou Greenwood in 2009... He also rushed the ball one time for four yards • A former high school running back, lined up in the backfield often...rushed the ball one time for 11 yards in home-opener against North Dakota State (Sept. 8) • Recorded rushing career highs at San Jose State (Sept. 15), as he ran the ball five times for 24 yards • Against Utah State (Sept. 22), hauled in a career high three passes for 35 yards, including a 21-yard reception, and rushed for 15 yards...prior to the match-up against the Aggies wide receiver coach Alvis Whitted said the coaches want to get the ball into his hands as much as possible and they did just that, opening the Utah State contest with three straight plays to Hansley... Hansley returned one punt for the injured Momo Thomas against the Aggies
• At Air Force (Sept. 29) recorded a long rush of 12 yards while also pulling in an 11-yard reception PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • Recorded two rushes for nine yards against Fresno State (Oct. 6) • Against San Diego State (Oct. 13) ran the ball for a career-long 13 yards while also hauling in three passes for 20 yards • Registered a 76-yard punt return at home vs. Hawai’i (Oct. 27). This was the longest punt return by a Ram since Dallas Davis’ 77-yard return at UNLV on Nov. 27, 1999. It is also the 11th longest punt return in program history • Recorded a rush in the first eight games of the season • In the final game of 2012, vs. New Mexico (Nov. 24), recorded career highs in receptions (5), receiving yards (102) and receiving touchdowns (2)...his second touchdown was the game-winner with 1:29 left in the contest.
High School: The 2011 Gatorade and Scout.com Player of the Year in the state of Colorado, authored a stellar career at Highlands
Ranch High School, where he earned all-conference honors in all three phases, as a running back, defensive back and return spe- 2014 SEASON REVIEW cialist....A two-time all-state selection, lettered three seasons for the Falcons, who went 24-9 combined over that stretch; a three-year starter and three-year team offensive MVP as a running back and slot back, compiled 6,077 all-purpose yards and a Falcons record 66 total touchdowns...On the ground, rushed for 3,894 career yards (a HRHS school record), averaging better than 8 yards per tote, with 1,119 receiving yards... Also returned kickoffs and punts for three years (earning all-conference accolades as a return specialist every season), and served as team captain his final two campaigns...As a senior in 2011, garnered Denver Post All-Colorado honors as one of the state’s best players across all classifications, but not for his school-record 1,845 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground, or for his 518 receiving yards and eight TD catches; instead, honored by the Post as a defensive back, where as a first-year starter in 2011, intercepted seven passes...A first-team all-state DB and first-team all-conference running back and return specialist, led the 9-3 Falcons to a 2011 Continental League title and the state quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual 5A champion Columbine...Averaged in 2011 nearly 20 yards per reception on 27 catches, and nearly 10 yards per carry on 193 attempts...A second-team all-state RB in 2010, racked up 1,209 rushing yards and averaged 9.1 yards on 133 carries...Burst on the scene as a sophomore in 2009, when he totaled 1,289 all-purpose yards and scored 15 combined touchdowns as HRHS’s all-around weapon, picking up all-conference rec- RECORD BOOK ognition as both a running back and return man...Head football coach was Darrel Gorham...A three-sport athlete, also lettered three years in lacrosse (a second-team all-state and two-time all-conference performer in that sport) and two years in track...Owned a 3.37 GPA at the time of his signing...Top time in the 40-yard dash is 4.50; also bench presses 265 pounds.
Personal: Given name Joseph Todd Hansley...Born Feb. 7, 1994, in Littleton, Colo. ...Son of Todd and Debbie Hansley, who both grad- uated from Indiana University...Has two older sisters...Dad, Todd, was a running back at Indiana in the early 1980s...Grandfather, Terry Hansley, was a running back at Ohio State in the 1950s and played briefly for the Cleveland Browns in the early 1960s...Majoring in communications at Colorado State...Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo.
hansley’s CAREER STATISTICS
receiving rushing punt returning HISTORY YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG AVG/G ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G RET YDS AVG TD lG 2012 12-4 21 274 3 32 13.0 22.8 22 122 0 30 5.5 10.2 8 100 12.5 0 76 2013 13-12 52 613 1 40 11.8 47.2 11 61 0 23 5.5 4.7 8 120 15.0 1 74 2014 12-10 35 540 2 65 15.4 45.0 7 13 0 13 1.9 1.1 6 58 9.7 0 58 TOTALS 37-26 108 1427 6 65 13.2 38.6 40 196 0 30 4.9 5.3 22 278 12.6 1 76 mISCELLANEOUS
2015 Colorado State Football 61 Returner biographies
rashard higgins Dallas, Texas (Mesquite) WR JR | 6-2 | 190 | 2L 82
• Enters 2015 as one of the most highly-decorated returning players in Division I FBS. • Only returning Biletnikoff Award finalist and one of just four returning consensus or unanimous All-America position players (Ohio State Jr. DE Joey Bosa, Baylor Sr. T Spencer Drango and Arizona Jr. LB Scooby Wright). • Named one of 17 Players to Watch in 2015 by the Touchdown Club of Columbus. • One of just five players returning from last year’s list of final candidates for the 2014 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Joined by Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett (RS-So.), TCU QB Trevone Boykin (Sr.), Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott (Sr.) and Arizona LB Scooby Wright (Jr.) among active players from that list. • Has amassed 164 receptions for 2,587 yards (15.8) and 23 touch- higgins’ CAREER STATISTICS downs with an average of 99.5 yards per game. receiving • Has 12 career games with 100 or more receiving yards, including ac- YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G tive streak of eight in a row (missed one game due to injury). 2013 14-14 68 837 6 56 12.3 59.8 • In just two seasons, already holds CSU record for receiving touch- 2014 12-12 96 1750 17 73 18.2 145.8 downs and ranks fifth for career receptions and receiving yards. TOTAL 26-26 164 2587 23 73 15.8 99.5 • Preseason first-team All-America by Phil Steele and Sporting News.
2014 (Sophomore): • First Rams football player since 1995, and only third in school history, to be named consensus first-team All-America (AP, FWAA, Walter Camp)... Finalist for Biletnikoff Award and attended College Football Awards Show in Orlando, Fla., with fellow finalists Amari Cooper (Alabama) and Kevin White (West Virginia)... Named one of 15 Players to Watch in November for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award... Voted first-team All-Mountain West by vote of coaches and media... Selected Male College Athlete of the Year by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame... Started 12 games and led the team with 96 receptions (10th FBS) while leading the nation with 1,750 yards (18.2) and 17 touchdowns, setting CSU single-season records in those two categories... Ranked first in the nation in yards-per-catch among players with 65+ receptions... His 17 touchdowns averaged an astonishing 34.9 yards in length, and include two touchdowns of 73 yards, both tying for the longest receptions of his career... Has 12 career 100-yard receiving games, including 10 in 2014, and an active streak of eight in a row, which is the longest active streak nationally... The 10 100-yard receiving games in 2014 ranked second all-time among Mountain West players. • Registered a then-career-high 11 receptions for 143 yards at Boise State (Sept. 6). • Had seven receptions for 147 yards against UC Davis (Sept. 13), putting him over the 1,000-yard receiving mark for his career in just 17 games. • His 21-yard touchdown catch against Boston College (Sept. 27) helped the Rams win their third consecutive game against teams from a Power 5 conference. • Had 178 receiving yards against Tulsa (Oct. 4) on six receptions, the 10th-highest single-game receiving yardage total by a CSU pass-catcher, and logged four touchdowns on the day... The four receiving touchdowns, which included a career-best 73-yard scoring grab, set a CSU single-game record and tied the Mountain West record, which was previously set seven times... In the game Higgins made the 100th reception of his career, achieving the mark faster than any player in CSU history (19 games)... The previous record was held by Rashaun Greer (24). • His 190 yards at Nevada (Oct. 11) set a career high, and his two touchdowns tied him for first in NCAA FBS. • His 187 yards against Utah State (Oct. 18) marked his third consecutive game with more than 175 receiving yards, making him the nation's first player since 2007 to do so (Michael Crabtree). • His 174 yards and two touchdowns against Wyoming (Oct. 25) pushed him into first place in the FBS for receiving yards and touchdowns... His two scores were for 43 yards in the second quarter and 73 yards in the third quarter. • Caught eight passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in win at San Jose State (Nov. 1), including a long of 55 yards. • In a 58-20 win over New Mexico (Nov. 22), returned from having missed the previous game vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8) because of a shoulder injury and re-emerged in a big way with a game-high 10 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns for his sixth consecutive game with 100 or more yards. • Recorded a career-high 12 receptions at Air Force (Nov. 28)... Totaled 193 yards and two touchdowns. • Caught seven passes for 110 yards, including a long of 59, in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl against Utah (Dec. 20).
2013 (Freshman): • Started all 14 games as a true freshman and led the Rams with 68 receptions for 837 yards (12.3) and six touchdowns... His six receiving touchdowns ranked fourth among all NCAA FBS freshmen (three players had seven)... Also ranked third for receptions and fourth for receiving yards nationally among freshmen... Earned honorable mention on Campus Insiders’ FBS All-Freshman team. • Broke the CSU freshman record for receptions in a season with 68, a number that ranked sixth in CSU single-season history. • His 68 receptions were the most by a Rams pass-catcher since David Anderson’s 86 in 2005. • His 837 receiving yards were the most by a CSU player since Rashaun Greer in 2008 (1,114). • At Alabama (Sept. 21), caught seven passes for 71 yards. • Set a CSU freshman record by registering 156 receiving yards vs. UTEP (Sept. 28), the most by a freshman in the Mountain West in 2013... Also hauled in a career-high two touchdowns... Named College Football Performance Awards honorable men- tion Wide Receiver of the Week and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose honorable mention. • Caught 10 passes vs. Boise State (Nov. 2) to tie the CSU freshman record and set a new career high... It was the most recep- tions by a Rams pass-catcher since Tyson Liggett’s 11 receptions on Sept. 26, 2009 at BYU. • Earned player of the game honors from coaching staff vs. Nevada (Nov. 9) for his downfield blocking to help running back Kapri Bibbs set the school rushing record with 312 yards. • In the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30), caught seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns, tying a career high. • In the Rams’ win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21) caught four passes for 42 yards.
62 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
High School: THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Earned nine letters, including three in football, at Mesquite (Texas) High School. • Hauled in 69 receptions for 1,136 yards (16.5) and 10 touchdowns as a senior for the Skeeters. • In 49-35 win over Plano West, had a career-best eight receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown... On the first play of the second quarter, caught a pass and took it 70 yards to give Mesquite a 14-7 lead. • Mequite's offense outscored opponents on average 43-21 while compiling an 11-1 record and becoming District 12-5A and Bi-District champions. • One of only six undefeated teams to make the Texas state playoffs... Advanced to the second round but lost to eventual state champion Allen High School, 50-28. • Finished his senior year earning first-team District 12-5A, All-Texas first-team and honorable mention by the Associated Press in the 5A classification. • Earned the Mesquite High School Outstanding Receiver Award.
• As a junior, named first-team All-District 11-5A, helping Mesquite to a 7-6 record and its first winning season in three years. COACHES & STAFF • Advanced to the third round of the Texas state 5A playoffs with upset wins over 8-3 Belton and 9-3 Garland before losing, 24-6, to The Woodlands. • 2011 campaign ended with the Skeeters becoming Bi-District and area champions after making it to the regional semifinals. • Head football coach was Robbie Robinson. • Also played basketball, averaging 17 points per game, and ran track at Mesquite.
Personal: Given name is Rashard Malick Higgins… Born Oct. 7, 1994 in Dallas, Texas... Mother’s name is Jeanette Jackson... Has two older siblings - one sister and one brother... Majoring in pre-construction management at CSU... Hometown: Mequite, Texas. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
preston hodges Bakersfield, Calif. (Bakersfield C.C.)
DB JR | 5-11 | 200 | 1L 24 PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES
2014 (Sophomore): • Played in all 13 games (12 starts), recording 69 tackles (42 solo), including three tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one quarterback hurry and one interception. • Has started 12 games at the nickel position • Started first collegiate game vs. Colorado (Aug. 29) registering three solo stops • Eight tackles (six solo) at Boise State (Sept. 6) • Registered first career interception after catching a tipped pass vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4) • Career-best ten tackles (seven solo), including one tackle for a loss, at San Jose State (Nov. 1) 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Recorded six tackles (five solo), two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • Registered nine tackles (five solo), one pass breakup and a fumble recovery vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22) • In the Rams’ regular-season finale at Air Force (Nov. 28), recorded eight tackles
Junior College (2013): • Ranked as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com • Played one season at Bakersfield Community College, rushing for 888 yards and eight touchdowns. • Earned first-team All-National Northern Conference honors. • Head football coach was Jeff Chudy.
High School: RECORD BOOK • Attended Independence High School in Bakersfield, Calif., where he lettered in football and track and field. • Quarterback for the Falcons, passing for 1,187 yards and rushing for 1,154 as a senior in 2012. • As a senior earned first-team all-area, was named Offensive Player of the Year by teammates and coaches and earned the Bakersfield Jockey Club Award. • As a junior, played in 10 games, passing for 955 yards and rushing for 644 and three touchdowns. • Demonstrated his versatility, registering 19 tackles and two interceptions in 2011 • Also excelled in the classroom by earning a place on the honor roll as a junior and senior. • Head football coach was Sean McKeown. • Also played basketball for the Falcons.
Personal: Given name is Preston Hodges...born Dec. 16, 1994 in Bakersfield, Calif. ...parents are Marlo and Eddie Jones...has four HISTORY older brothers, Jason, Brandon, Bryson and Emmett...plans on majoring in child development and minoring in sociology...Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
hodges’ CAREER STATISTICS defense kick returning YEAR G-GS UT UA TT TFL INT ff fR NO. YDS TD lG AVG/R AVG/G 2014 13-12 42 27 69 3.0-3 1-12 2 1 3 39 0 25 13.0 3.0 mISCELLANEOUS
2015 Colorado State Football 63 Returner biographies
hayden hunt Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach Poly) P RS-JR | 5-11 | 220 | 2L 49
2014 (Sophomore): Punted 51 times for an average of 43.8 yards per punt, which ranked 18th nationally...placed 14 punts inside the 20-yard line, and registered only four touchbacks... 13 punts traveled longer than 50 yards including a long of 63…earned All-Moun- tain West honorable mention.
2013 (Freshman): • Punted the ball 68 times with an average of 41.9 in 2013...boomed 13 punts 50-plus yards and dropped 14 inside opponents’ 20-yard line, with a long of 69 yards, and had just four touchbacks. • In his first collegiate game, punted a career-long 69-yarder late in the third quarter, vs. Colorado (Sept. 1) • In a home victory over Nevada (Nov. 9), recorded his career high with a punt average of 53 yards per kick on two attempts... earned College Football Performance Awards Punter of the Week honorable mention • During a road win at Hawai’i (Oct. 26) punted the ball 10 times, four of which landed inside the Rainbow Warriors’ 20-yard line • Was added to the midseason Ray Guy Award watch list
2012 (Redshirt): Punted 51 times for an average of 43.8 yards per punt which ranked 18th nationally... placed 14 punts inside the 20- yard line, and registered only four touchbacks... 13 punts traveled longer than 50 yards including a long of 63…earned All-Mountain West honorable mention.
High School: Earned four letters in football and baseball at Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High School... Four-time all-conference selection in baseball and football... As captain and leadoff hitter for the baseball team, led school to its first uncontested league cham- hunt’s CAREER STATISTICS pionship in 1968... 2011 ESPN L.A. South All Region Football Se- punting lection...named his teams’ special teams’ MVP…holds the school YEAR GP NO YDS AVG lG Tb fC I20 50+ BLKD record for longest field goal. National Football Foundation and 2013 14 68 2851 41.9 69 4 12 14 13 2 College Hall of Fame, Los Angeles Chapter Scholar Athlete 2014 13 51 2235 43.8 63 4 8 14 13 0 Award... head coach was Raul Lara... played against eventual TOTAL 27 119 5086 42.7 69 8 20 28 26 2 CSU teammates Tomas Rivera and Eli Edwards.
Personal: Given name Hayden Ellett Hunt...born June 9, 1993, in Long Beach, Calif. ...parents are Andrew and Renee Hunt...has one younger sister, Clara...majoring in political science with a minor in history at CSU.
terry jackson Tulsa, Okla. (Coffeyville C.C.) DL SR | 6-2 | 295 | 2L 93
2014 (Junior): • Played in all 13 games, starting 11...recorded 44 tack- jackson’s CAREER STATISTICS les (19 solo), the most by a CSU defensive lineman, DEFENSE including five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2013 12-0 10 19 29 5.5-15 1.0-8 0 0 0 0 • Registered six tackles vs. Colorado (Aug. 29), vs. Tul- 2014 13-11 19 25 44 4.0-10 1.5-5 0 0 0 0 sa (Oct. 4) and at San Jose State (Nov. 1) TOTAL 25-11 29 44 73 9.5-25 2.5-13 0 0 0 0 • Recorded half a sack vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4) • In a road victory at San Jose State (Nov. 1), sacked Spartans QB Joe Gray for a loss of three yards • Chosen to serve as a game captain at Boston College (Sept. 27) • Notched a career-high eight tackles at Air Force (Nov. 28), and had a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss
2013 (Sophomore): • In his first year with the Rams Jackson appeared in 12 games, registering 29 total tackles (10 solo), including 5.5 tackles for loss and one sack • Registered a then career-high six tackles in his Colorado State debut vs. Colorado (Sept. 1) • In his first career start, had three solo stops, a career-best, in the Rams’ dominating victory at Wyoming (Oct. 19) • Rattled off three consecutive games with at least three tackles...4 vs. Nevada (Nov. 9), 3 at New Mexico (Nov. 16) and 5 at Utah State (Nov. 23) • At Utah State (Nov. 23), recorded a career-high two tackles for loss...also brought down opponents in the backfield vs. Colo- rado (Sept. 1) and at Wyoming (Oct. 19) • In the Rams’ win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21) Jackson recorded his first career sack • Jackson enrolled at Colorado State after one year of football at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College
64 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
Junior College (2012): • Played one year at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College, leading the Red Ravens to a 6-4 record STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Anchored the defensive line, registering 41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and four sacks • Earned all-conference honors and received the Reb Russell Memorial Football Scholarship Award for being the outstanding out-of-state athlete at Coffeyville • Head football coach was Aaron Flores • As a freshman, was in a rollover car accident, causing him to missing his first year due to a fracture on his vertebrae.
High School: • Attended Owasso (Okla.) High School where he earned three letters in football • A three-year starter on the defensive line compiled 231 career tackles, which puts him in the top-10 at Owasso • Named team captain his senior year
• In 2011, recorded 92 tackles and 15 tackles for loss in 14 games for the Rams COACHES & STAFF • Named first-team All-Oklahoma by the Tulsa World and all-district Defensive Lineman of the Year • Helped the Rams to a 9-5 record and a trip to the Oklahoma state playoffs before losing 30-17 to Broken Arrow in the first round • In 2010, after recording a 6-4 record in the regular season, helped the Rams get hot and make a run to the Oklahoma state semifinals before losing to the eventual runner-up • In the opening round of the 2010 playoffs, recorded a career-high 17 tackles in a 51-44 victory over Norman • Head football coach was Bill Patterson.
Personal: Given name is Terry Malone Jackson, Jr. ...born Sept. 17, 1992 in Tulsa, Okla. ...parents are Kim and Terry Jackson...has four siblings: an older brother and sister and two younger brothers...earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts in May 2015...Hometown: SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER Tulsa, Okla.
cory james Del Rio, Texas (Del Rio) PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES LB RS-SR | 6-1 | 245 | 3L 31
2014 (Junior): • Played in all 13 games, starting 12, recording 51 tackles (29 solo), including a team-high 8.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks... also has three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble... has 22 career sacks, the fifth-most by a CSU defender. • Registered his first sack of the season, a loss of seven yards, in CSU’s first road game at Boise State (Sept. 6) • Recorded two tackles for loss, including a seven-yard sack in the Rams’ win at Boston College (Sept. 27)...the sack came in the final minute to help thwart the Eagles’ last gasp after CSU had gone ahead with just under a minute to play. • Chosen as a team captain vs. Wyoming (Oct. 24) 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Notched his first forced fumble of the season at San Jose State (Nov. 1), which led to the Rams first score of the game... also registered a sack • In the Rams’ regular-season finale at Air Force (Nov. 28), racked up a career-high 10 tackles (8 solo), including one sack
2013 (Sophomore): • In 13 starts for the Rams, finished the season ranked eighth on the team in tackles with 60 tackles (29 solo) and second among all Rams with 8.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss...added one pass breakup, two forced fumbles and five quarterback hurries. • Posted a career-high nine tackles in the season opener vs. Colorado (9/1) • During a road victory at Hawai’i (10/26) registered six solo stops, a career-best, and two sacks • Had at least two sacks in three separate games (vs. SJSU, at UH and WSU)
• Recorded at least five stops in six of the Rams’ 13 games RECORD BOOK • Thirdon the team with two forced fumbles • Chosen to serve as team captain vs. San Jose State (10/12) and at Utah State (11/23) • In the Rams’ win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21), registered five total tackles and two sacks
2012 (Freshman): • Set a CSU freshman record with 7.5 sacks and earned Freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America and College Football News (second team), as well as second-team national All-Freshman and second-team All-Moun- tain West by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview...earned first-team midseason honors from Phil Steele...finished his first season with 54 tackles (26 solo), including 10.5 for lost yardage, tied for sixth in the Mountain West. • Against Colorado (Sept. 1) recorded his first collegiate start while compiling seven tackles, six solo, and a forced fumble... finished the game with three sacks and four tackles for loss, becoming the first Ram to record three or more sacks in his first HISTORY career game...his effort earned him Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors • Strung together two more games with seven-plus tackles, against North Dakota State (Sept. 8) and San Jose State (Sept. 15)...against the Spartans he posted his fourth sack of the season, forcing SJSU into a punt...on the ensuing possession CSU scored to pull within a TD • Versus Utah State (Sept. 22) registered three tackles and his fifth sack of the year to tie the CSU freshman sack record • Recorded three tackles against Air Force (Sept. 29) and two tackles against Fresno State (Oct. 6) • Against San Diego State (Oct. 13) had four total tackles, including 1.5 sacks to lay claim outright to the CSU freshman sack record with 6.5...it was previously held by DeVaughn Hawkins (5.0; 1994) • Added his final sack of the season, among six total tackles, vs. Hawaii (Oct. 27), to extend his CSU freshman record to 7.5 mISCELLANEOUS • Posted five tackles at Wyoming (Nov. 3)
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
2015 Colorado State Football 65 Returner biographies High School: Lettered two years in football for the Rams of Del Rio, Texas, a city of 37,000 on the U.S.-Mexico border about three hours due west of San Antonio...Started 21 consecutive games at linebacker until sustaining a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, ending his prep career in the eighth game of his senior season...Before the injury, combined as a junior and senior for 116 tackles (67 solo), 26 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery... Despite the injury, still voted by fellow coaches the District 29-5A Co-Linebacker of the Year after his senior campaign, when he also garnered first-team all-district honors for the second straight year...Also received the Hit Stick Award... Helped DRHS to bi-district and area cham- james’ CAREER STATISTICS pionships on a team that finished 8-3 in 2010 and 10-3 DEFENSE in 2009, when the Rams advanced to the third round of YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR the Texas Class 5A state playoffs...Started all 13 games 2012 12-9 26 28 54 10.5-51 7.5-45 0 1 1 1 as a junior in 2009...Top prep speed in the 40-yard dash 2013 14-13 29 31 60 12.0-68 8.0-58 0 1 2 0 was 4.8 seconds...Owned a 3.1 GPA...Head football coach 2014 13-12 29 22 51 8.5-49 6.5-43 0 1 1 0 TOTAL 39-34 84 81 165 31.0-168 22.0-146 0 3 4 1 was Steve Hoffman...Also played baseball for the Rams... Drew recruiting interest from TCU, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas State, Louisiana Tech and East Carolina.
Personal: Given name Cory Miguel James...Born May 22, 1993, in Del Rio, Texas...Son of Clarence and Sheila James...Has one older brother...Dad, Clarence, played football at Chowan Junior College...has volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County in his time at CSU...Majoring in liberal arts at Colorado State...Hometown: Del Rio, Texas.
nick januska Ventura, Calif. (Ventura) DB SR | 6-2 | 210 | 3L 22
2014 (Junior): Played in 10 games, recording 15 tackles (11 solo), and one QBH... most of his action came on several special teams units...recorded a season-high four tackles vs. Tulsa (Nov. 4).
2013 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games, mostly on special teams...recorded 13 tackles (9 solo) and one pass breakup...key player on several Colorado State special teams units and used as a safety. • Registered a career-high five tackles (3 solo) vs. UTEP (Sept. 28) and his lone pass breakup • 11 of his 13 tackles came on special teams
2012 (Freshman): Played in 10 games for Colorado State recording 10 tackles.
High School: A two-year starter as a key defend- januska’s CAREER STATISTICS er at Ventura High School north of Los Ange- DEFENSE les, intercepted 10 career passes, playing out- YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR side linebacker as a junior and free safety as 2012 10-0 1 3 4 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0a senior; also punted for two years...Put defensive points 2013 11-0 9 4 13 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 1 0 0o n the board on five occasions, touchdowns on two 2014 10-1 11 4 15 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0in- terceptions and one fumble, and a pair of safeties...Picked TOTAL 31-1 21 11 32 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 1 0 0off seven of those passes during that 2011 senior campaign, helping the 11-1 Cougars capture a Channel League championship and go undefeated through the regular season, before a loss in the second round of the CIF Southern Section/Western Division playoffs...Earned 2011 Channel League Defensive Player of the Year, all-CIF and first-team all-county recognition, with 120 tackles (68 solo), 14 passes broken up, three forced fumbles and one recovery, in addition to his county-leading seven INTs...A team captain, scored four times on defense in 2011, with interception touchdowns of 70 and 90 yards, and two safeties...Established the Cougars’ single-season record with 321 interception-return yards...Played closer to the line of scrimmage as a 2010 junior, recording 72 tackles, three interceptions, eight PBUs, one forced fumble and two recoveries, one of which he returned 17 yards for a TD...A three-year letterman, got his first significant varsity playing time as a sophomore, late in the season as the Cougars advanced to the CIF playoffs...Head football coach was Brad Steward...Also lettered two years in track, running the 100 and 4x100 meters...Top speed in the 40-yard dash was 4.45...Max bench press was 255...Owned a 3.5 GPA at the time of his signing...Following the season, invited to the prestigious 2012 Polynesian All-American Bowl in Los Angeles.
Personal: Given name Jeffrey Nicholas Januska...Last name is pronounced juh-NOOS-kah...Born Sept. 20, 1994, in Santa Barbara, Calif. ...Son of Jeff and Lily Januska...Family and friends have called him Nick since childhood, because he shares his dad’s first name...Has one older sister...In high school, through Youth Athletes for Christ, helped to feed homeless and distribute Christmas toys to less-fortunate families...Majoring in biochemistry at CSU...Hometown: Ventura, Calif.
CSU’s 15 Conference Championships Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (8) ...... 1915, 1916, 1919, 1920, 1925, 1927, 1933, 1934 *Mountain States (1)...... 1955 Western Athletic Conference (3)...... 1994, 1995, 1997 Mountain West (3)...... 1999, 2000, 2002 * — Also known as the Skyline Athletic Conference and Big 7 Conference
66 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO treyous jarrells Sanford, Fla. (Grossmont) RB SR | 5-7 | 185 | 1L 3 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Junior): Played in 10 games, carrying the ball 87 times for 450 yards and six touchdowns, while hauling in 11 receptions for 92 yards... scored a touchdown in his first career game with the Rams vs. Colorado (Aug. 29)... his six rushing touchdowns ranked 11th in the Mountain West. • Joined teammate Dee Hart rushing for 121 yards in the Rams’ season-opener vs. Colorado (Aug. 29)... became first CSU duo to rush for more than 100 yards in the same game since 2002. • His 84 rushing yards against UC Davis (Sept. 13) led all Rams rushers and was a part of a 676-yard offensive performance that ranks third-most in CSU history • His touchdown against Boston College (Sept. 27) helped the Rams win their third consecutive game against a team from the Power 5 conferences SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • His six-yard rushing touchdown against Wyoming (Oct. 26) helped the Rams win the Bronze Boot for the second consecutive year • His two rushing touchdowns against Hawai’i (Nov. 8) was the first multi-touchdown performance of his collegiate career • Recorded two tackles for loss, including a seven-yard sack in the Rams’ win at Boston College (Sept. 27)...the sack came in the final minute to help thwart the Eagles’ last gasp after CSU had gone ahead with just under a minute to play.
Junior College (2012-13): • Attended Grossmont College in El Cajon, Calif., where he earned his associates degree in behavioral and social sciences. • In 2013, rushed for 1,139 yards and 15 touchdowns, which led the National Southern Conference. • Earned all-conference and All-California honors in 2013.
• Excelled in the classroom earning a spot on the President’s List in 2012 and being named a Grossmont Academic Scholar in PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES 2013.
High School: • Earned football letters at Lake Mary (Fla.) High School (2010 & 11). • Football team captain as a junior and senior. • In 2011, led the Rams to an 8-3 record while rushing for a single-season school record 1,080 yards and 14 touchdowns. • Also as a senior, hauled in 7 receptions for 137 yards. • Head football coach was Scott Perry. • Also participated in competitive weight lifting for the Rams, setting school records in squats (555 pounds), and power cleans
(245 pounds). 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Earned a spot on the Lake Mary honor roll during the 2011-12 academic year.
Personal: Given name Treyous Jarrells, but goes by Sosa...born Jan. 6, 1993 in Deland, Fla. ...parents are Marshall and Dicena Hollo- way...has two younger brothers, Marshall and Keiyon...majoring in communication studies at CSU...Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
jarrells’ CAREER STATISTICS rushing receiving YEAR G-GS ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G REC YDS TD lG AVG AVG/G 2014 10-0 87 450 6 27 5.2 45.0 11 92 0 13 8.4 9.2 RECORD BOOK shun johnson Denver, Colo. (Denver South) DB SO | 5-11 | 170 | RS 17 HISTORY 2014 (Junior): Played in 10 games at defensive back and on special teams, recording 14 tackles (five solo), including one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. • Registered career-best seven tackles (one solo), including one tackle for a loss, and added a pass breakup vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13) • Earned his first career start in a win at Boston College (Sept. 27) • Totaled three fourth quarter tackles vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8)
High School: johnson’s CAREER STATISTICS
• Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com. DEFENSE mISCELLANEOUS • Earned multiple varsity letters in basketball, foot- YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR ball and track and field. 2014 10-1 5 9 14 1.0-2 0.0-0 0 2 0 0 • All-Plains League defensive back as a junior and senior. • Won back-to-back Plains League championships in 2012 and 2013, compiling a 10-0 record in league play.
2015 Colorado State Football 67 Returner biographies • Team captain of the Gargoyles football team as a senior in 2013. • As a senior ran the ball 49 times for 403 yards and scored four touchdowns, while hauling in seven receptions for 105 yards and a score...defensively, registered 33 tackles, 10 pass breakups and two interceptions. • Led the Gargoyles to a 9-3 record in 2013, and was a leader of a defensive unit that allowed just under 10 points per game in league play. • As a junior in 2012, registered 41 tackles and two interceptions while leading the Gargoyles to a 12-2 record before eventually losing in the 4A Colorado state championship to Monarch. • In 2012, Denver South’s defense limited opponents to only 15.4 points per game. • Also exceled in the classroom, earning Denver South academic honor athlete as a junior and senior. • Chose Colorado State over New Mexico State. • Head football coach was Tony Lindsay.
Personal: Given name is Shun Cordell Johnson...first name is pronounced “SHAWN”...born March 21, 1996 in Denver, Colo. ...parents are Desha Banks and Shun Johnson...has an older brother, Leshun Veasley, two older sisters, Courtney and Tawatha and a younger brother Michael Jones...plans on majoring in construction management at Colorado State...Hometown: Denver, Colo.
devin jones Woodland, Calif. (Woodland) CB RS-FR | 5-10 | 170 | RS 28
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Ranked a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned three varsity football letters and two varsity track and field letter for the Wolves. • Earned three-consecutive All-Tri-County honors beginning in 2011, as a sophomore. • Named second-team All-Metro by the Sacramento Bee in 2013. • Captain of Woodland’s football and track teams as a senior in 2013. • As a senior carried the ball 16 times for 96 yards while scoring two touchdowns...also caught 21 passes for 286 yards and one touchdown. • Defensively, in 2013, registered 49 tackles (32 solo) and two interceptions. • In 2012 recorded 32 tackles and two interceptions and in his first varsity season in 2011, had a single-season career-best 57 tackles and one pick. • Chose Colorado State over an offer from North Dakota. • Head football coach was Umberto Salinas.
Personal: Given name is Devin Maurice Jones...born May 22, 1996 in Vallejo, Calif. ...parents are David and Rosalyn Jones...has two brothers Dalen and Ryan...brother, Dalen, is a defensive back at Fresno State...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.
brett jordan Houston, Texas (Bellaire) DE RS-SO | 6-5 | 275 | VR 88
2014 (Freshman): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility...enrolled at Colorado State in January 2013 and began taking classes and working out with the team in the offseason program.
High School: • Two-year letterwinner at Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas. • Did not play football of any kind, not even Pop Warner, until his junior year of high school. Previously, spent all his time working to achieve a basketball scholarship to follow in footsteps of older brother DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers. After one year of football, received much more attention from colleges in that sport than he had as a hoops player. • Despite not catching a pass, garnered second-team all-district honors in his first year as a tight end, 2010, primarily due to his physical and sound blocking ability on an offense that averaged 153.5 rushing yards per game. • During his junior campaign, helped the 7-4 Cardinals to a playoff berth and just their third season of six-or-more wins since 1972. • Similar to former Rams tight end Crockett Gillmore, began his football career as a defensive end, but after one game, perma- nently moved across the line of scrimmage. • After attending football camps at Baylor, SMU, Texas A&M and TCU, returned as a senior to garner first-team all-district honors, catching five passes for 39 yards, with one TD and a reception on a two-point conversion. • Helped BHS to a 6-5 mark and another berth in the first round of the Texas 5A playoffs.
68 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
• On the hardwood, was a four-year letterman and two-year starter as a forward on the Bellaire basketball team. Averaged 11 THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO points and eight rebounds per game as a senior. • Owns a 6-foot-11 wingspan measured from fingertip to fingertip. • Head football coach was Trey Herrmann.
Personal: Given name Brett Anthony Jordan...son of Kimberly Jordan and stepfather Frederick Williams...third child in a family of four boys, has two older brothers and one younger brother...older brother DeAndre Jordan is a 6-foot-11, starting center for the Los Angeles Clippers, selected in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft after one season at Texas A&M...after making a recruiting trip to Fort Collins, attended DeAndre’s Jan. 29, 2012, game against the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, where Chris Paul and Blake Griffin tweeted to millions of followers news of his CSU commitment... another older brother, Cory, played baseball at San Jacinto College... younger brother Avery, played basketball with Brett at BHS...interested in majoring in business...Hometown: Houston, Texas. COACHES & STAFF joe kawulok Boulder, Colo. (Monarch) SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER DL RS-SR | 6-6 | 250 | 3L 90
2014 (Junior): Started in all 13 games registering 33 tackles (16 solo), including 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, as well as four quarterback hurries. On special teams, blocked a PAT at Boise State (Sept. 6). • Recorded three tackles and blocked a PAT during CSU’s first road game at Boise State (Sept. 6) • Chosen to serve as a game captain for the home opener vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13), at Nevada (Oct. 11) and the regular-season finale at Air Force (Nov. 28) • Five tackles at Boston College (Sept. 27), helping the Rams secure its best road victory over the season • Registered a career-best 10 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4)... the 3.5 sacks tie for the fourth-most in a single
game by a CSU defender PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • Leader on the defensive line that has helped limit opponents to 23.4 points per game, the fewest points per game surrendered by a CSU defense since 2006
2013 (Sophomore): Played in 13 of 14 games for Colorado State, with one start, and registered 17 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry. • Recorded sacks at Tulsa (Sept. 7), vs. Nevada (Nov. 9), at Utah State (Nov. 23) and against Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21) • Registered his first collegiate start on the road at Utah State (Nov. 23) • Had a career-high four tackles, all solo, on the road at Tulsa (Sept. 7) • CSU’s defensive line played a large role in limiting opponents rushing attack to 140.6 yards per game, compared to 202.4 in 2012, a 31 percent difference 2014 SEASON REVIEW • Helped hold No. 1 Alabama (Sept. 21) to only 66 yards rushing, the lowest total by the Crimson Tide since Oct. 9, 2010
2012 (Freshman): Appeared in seven games making his collegiate debut at home against Utah State (Sept. 22). Did not register a tackle.
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A four-year letterman, played defensive line and tight end for Monarch High School, near Boulder, Colo. ...Rated the No. 64 overall prospect in the Midlands region by SuperPrep and the 10th-best player, regardless of position, in Colorado by the Denver Post...Guided his team to consecutive conference championships to close a stellar prep career...Earned first-team All-North Metro
Conference honors on both sides of the ball as both a senior in 2010 and a junior in 2009, in addition to first-team all-state accolades RECORD BOOK as a senior defensive lineman...Also garnered first-team all-region honors as a senior defensive end...A team captain, also received the Coyotes’ Iron Man award for making the most plays on defense...Helped MHS to a 9-2 record in 2010, before an upset in the first- round of the state playoffs...Posted 11 sacks as a senior, in addition to three touchdown receptions on offense...As a junior in 2009, was a first-team all region and first-team all-conference tight end as his team advanced to the Colorado Class 4A state semifinals, where they lost their season’s only game (12-1)...As a junior, totaled 46 tackles, 16 stops for loss and seven sacks, and in a run-oriented offense, caught only four passes in 2009, but all four were touchdowns...Monarch finished 8-3 in 2008...Owned 4.74-second speed in the 40-yard dash...Head football coach was Phil Bravo...Also competed in track (throws) and played basketball for the Coyotes...Drew six scholarship offers before his senior season, from San Diego State, Utah, New Mexico, CSU, UNLV and SMU; also drew significant recruiting interest from Notre Dame, Kansas State, Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Arizona and Arizona State.
Personal: Given name Joseph Christian Kawulok...Last name is pronounced kuh-WALL-ik...Born Aug. 25, 1992, in Boulder, Colo. ...Son HISTORY of Ted and Kim Kawulok...Has three older brothers and one younger sister...Father, Ted, played football at Northern Arizona in the late 1970s and serves as an assistant coach at Monarch High School...Is the fourth of four brothers to play Division I football, the third to do so at Colorado State...Older brothers Chris (tight end, 2004-08) and Michael (linebacker, 2007-11) preceded him kawulok's CAREER STATISTICS in the CSU program, while another brother, Matt, played DEFENSE YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT ff fR BLK tight end at San Diego State...Is taller than all three of his 2012 7-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 older brothers...Younger sister, Lia, is a cheerleader at 2013 13-1 9 8 17 3.5-25 3.5-25 0 1 1 0 the University of Hawai’i at Manoa...Cousin, Ryan Kawu- 2014 13-13 16 17 33 5.5-21 3.5-14 0 0 0 1
lok, played soccer for the Portland Timbers...Majoring TOTAL 33-14 25 25 50 9.0-46 7.0-39 0 1 1 1 i n mISCELLANEOUS sociology...Hometown: Boulder, Colo.
2015 Colorado State Football 69 Returner biographies
coleman key Broken Arrow, Okla. (Broken Arrow) QB RS-FR | 6-4 | 220 | RS 12
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Scout.com ranks him as the 15th best player in Oklahoma. • Earned nine varsity letters at Broken Arrow, in baseball (4), football (3) and basketball (2). • Finished career at Broken Arrow holding school records for career completions (357) and passing yards (3,535). • Captain in 2013 of the Tigers football and baseball teams. • Had a record-setting season as a senior in 2013, completing 336 passes for 2,628 yards and 29 touchdowns, all single-season records. • In a 70-21 victory over Edison High School on Oct. 25, threw for a single-game Broken Arrow record 333 yards and 7 touch- downs on 12-of-15 passing. • On Oct. 11, in a losing effort against Jenks High School, completed a school-record 26 passes. • In 2013 the Tigers went 10-3 to reach the semifinals of the 6A Oklahoma state championships. • Finished the season by earning Oklahoma Coaches first-team All-Oklahoma, All-Vype first-team, first-team all-district and Tulsa World first-team all-metro. • Invited to the 2013 Blue-Grey All-Star Classic held in Dallas in January. • Also excelled in the classroom earning Academic all-district honors as a senior. • Chose Colorado State over offers from Arkansas State, Houston, Illinois, North Texas, Toledo and Western Michigan. • Head football coach was Steve Spavital. • Played against current Rams defensive lineman Terry Jackson, when Jackson was at Owasso High School.
Personal: Given name is Coleman Allen Key...born Feb. 9, 1995 in Tulsa, Okla. ...parents are Scott and Julie Key...has one older brother, Kason, and a younger brother Carder...father, Scott, played football at the University of Central Oklahoma and his brother, Kason, played quarterback at Missouri University of Science and Technology...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Broken Arrow, Okla.
craig leonard Fort Collins, Colo. (Jireh Prep) QB RS-JR | 6-4 | 225 | VR 8
2014 (Sophomore): Entered in the fourth quarter against Hawai’i (Nov. 8), picking up nine yards on a designed run... also played vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22).
2013 (Freshman): Came in at the end of the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30) and handed the ball off to run out the clock in CSU’s 58-13 victory.
2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School/Prep School: A 2011 graduate of Fossil Ridge High School, eight miles from CSU’s McGraw Athletic Center, signed a financial-aid agreement Dec. 6, 2011, and enrolled in time for January 2012 classes, practiced with the Rams that spring...Kept his skills sharp during the fall of 2011 at Jireh Prep School in Monroe, N.C.; started seven games against stiff competition from Georgia, Virginia and Carolina prep schools, including prominent Hargrave Military Academy, and Division III JV teams...Started seven games on an 8-3 team, throwing for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns...Still entered CSU with five available years to play four, per NCAA rules...Played just one varsity season at FRHS, his 2010 senior campaign, and led Colorado’s largest classification, 5A, in both passing yards (2,558) and passing TD (26)...A first-team All-Front Range League and honorable-mention all-state selection, was the team MVP and captain on a 4-6 team in its first season of 5A competition...Hit 198-of-374 passes (.529), including an 88-yard play, with 12 interceptions, in addition to 252 yards on 84 carries...Also caught a TD pass against Thomas Jefferson...Did not play during his sophomore or junior seasons due to a knee injury...Started for the freshman team as a ninth grader...Owned 4.7 speed in the 40- yard dash as a high-school QB...Also bench pressed 265 pounds and carried a 3.0 GPA...Head FRHS football coaches were Steve Vecchio and Clint Fick
Personal: Given name Craig Connett Leonard Jr. ...Born Sept. 8, 1992, in Everett, Wash. ...Parents are Craig Leonard and Nanette Cohen...The youngest of four children, has two brothers and one sister...Moved to Fort Collins at age 8, but grew up in Snohomish, Wash. ...spends time each summer coaching at camps hosted by his former high school, Fossil Ridge...has also volunteered with a fundraiser to combat multiple sclerosis...major at CSU is sociology...Hometown: Fort Collins, Colo.
70 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO johnathan lewis La Porte, Texas (La Porte) RB RS-FR | 5-11 | 190 | RS 23 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned three varsity football letters and four track and field varsity letters for the Bulldogs. • Three-time football captain at La Porte High School. • As a senior ranked second on the team with 918 rushing yards and led the team with 12 rushing touchdowns. • 2013 senior performance earned him All-District 21-5A honors for the third-consecutive season. • Had his best season as a junior in 2012, earning District 21-5A honors and leading the conference in scoring and all-purpose SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER yards. • In 2012 the Bulldogs finished the season 11-2 and were 5A Region III District 21 champions for the second consecutive year. • Saw his first varsity action as a sophomore and helped lead the Bulldogs (12-2) to the quarterfinals of the 5A Texas state championship where they ultimately fell to Port Arthur Memorial. • Earned All-District 21-5A honors in 2011 when he helped La Porte to an undefeated run through 5A Region III District 21 scoring an average of nearly 30 points per contest. • Member of the National Honor Society in his sophomore year. • In track and field was a three-time regional high jump qualifier and set the school freshman record with a high jump of 6-foot-2. • Chose Colorado State over an offer from Georgia Tech. • Head football coach was Jeff Lareau. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Personal: Given name is Johnathan Lewis...born Feb. 5, 1996 in Pasadena, Texas...parents are William and Gianni Lewis...cousin Rocky Bernard played football at Texas A&M before behind drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...cousin Michael Thomas played football at Stanford and signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2012 before ultimately ending up with the Miami Dolphins...cousin Al Woods played football at LSU and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft...cousin Paul George played basketball at Fresno State and was the 10th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers...cousin Kendrick Perkins plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder...uncle Tommy Marks was on the track and field team at McNeese State...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: La Porte, Texas. 2014 SEASON REVIEW sammie long IV Lakewood, Wash. (Lakes) WR RS-SO | 6-3 | 195 | 1L 19
2014 (Freshman): Appeared in nine games, primarily on several CSU special teams units, but has also lined up at wide receiver, RECORD BOOK catching one pass for six yards vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22). LONG’s CAREER STATISTICS 2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college receiving eligibility. YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G 2014 9-0 1 6 0 6 6.0 0.7 High School: • Rated a three-star prospect by Scout.com and ESPN.com, and two-star by Rivals.com. • Earned nine letters at Lakes High School, including three in football and was a two-time all-league selection. • Won back-to-back South Puget Sound League Championships as a sophomore and junior. • In 2012, pulled in 34 receptions for a team-leading 436 yards, scored 11 TDs and caught a two-point conversion. • Defensively, recorded 27 tackles (23 solo) for the 5-5 Lancers. • In a 42-38 victory over Bellarmine Prep caught 10 balls for 90 yards and caught his lone touchdown of the season. On the HISTORY defensive side of the ball tied a season-high with five tackles (4 solo). • Earned honorable mention All-South Puget Sound League and first-team all-city as a senior. • Named second-team All-Washington in 2012. • Selected to play in the Washington East/West All-Star Game. • Voted 2012 Most Inspirational by his teammates. • As a junior, registered 20 catches for 266 yards and five TDs. • In a blowout victory over Capital had three catches, two of which went for touchdowns. • Lakes High School finished the year 11-1 and advanced to the second round of the Washington state playoffs before bowing mISCELLANEOUS out in a 35-14 loss to eventual state champion Bellevue. • Earned first-team all-city honors and first-team All-SPSL honorable mention after his junior campaign. • In 2010, saw his first varsity action as a sophomore and recorded 12 receptions for 163 yards and a TD. On the other side of the ball, had 13 stops (11 solo). • First varsity reception came against Evergreen in a 54-15 win, hauled in one reception for 18 yards.
2015 Colorado State Football 71 Returner biographies • Defeated in the semifinals by eventual champion Bellevue, 35-7. • Head football coach was Dave Miller. • Also competed in track and basketball at Lakes High School. • Holds the school record in the 400 meters (50.2) and the 4x100 relay.
Personal: Given name is Sammie Lee Long IV...mother is Adriane Wilson...has three sisters, Quenessa, Zayda and Asanti...interested in majoring in sociology...Hometown: Lakewood, Wash.
josh lovingood Fresno, Calif. (Clovis North) DL SO | 6-4 | 290 | 1L 92
2014 (Freshman): Played in 12 games, making one start... lovingood’s CAREER STATISTICS recorded 26 tackles (11 solo), including half a tackle for DEFENSE loss, one fumble recovery and one pass break-up. YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR • Registered a career-high six tackles at Nevada 2013 3-1 3 5 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 (Oct. 11) 2014 12-1 11 15 26 0.5-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 1 • Recorded three tackles and recovered a fumble, TOTAL 15-2 14 20 34 0.5-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 1 forced by Cory James, in the first half at San Jose State (Nov. 1) • Combined with senior linebacker Aaron Davis to tackle Hawai’i (Nov. 8) running back Joey Iosefa for his first career tackle for loss
2013 (Redshirt): Compiled eight total tackles (3 solo) before suffering a season-ending foot injury...was granted a medical hardship waiver. • Made his collegiate debut against No. 1 Alabama on Sept. 21, 2013, recording three tackles. • First career start came against San José State (Oct. 12)...made one tackle.
High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Attended Clovis North High School in Fresno, Calif. • Earned five letters as a Bronco; two in football and three in volleyball. • Co-captain of the Broncos as a senior. • Offensively, had 12 catches for 98 yards and four TDs but his presence was felt on the offensive line where he recorded 127 pancake blocks. • Recorded 67 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks for a Broncos defense that gave up just over 19 points per game. • Runner-up in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division I state championship game, losing 28-7 to Long Beach Poly and finishing the year 12-2. • Named Lineman of the Year as a senior at Clovis North. • Named to the Fresno Bee All-Valley defensive team, and first-team all-league in 2012. • In 2011, had a career-best 14 catches for 170 yards and four TDs. Was problematic foropposing defensive linemen as he reg- istered 85 pancake blocks. • Defensively had 43 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and six sacks. • Used his 6-foot-5 frame to bat down six passes in his career. • Junior year, led the Broncos to a 10-3 record and a CIF Division II Valley Championship by defeating Garces 21-19. Garces scored with four minutes left in the game but a failed two-point conversion gave Clovis North the victory. • Earned an honorable mention for his performance as a tight end in 2011. • Head football coach was Cory Hall.Head football coach was Jeff Lareau.
Personal: Given name is Joshua Kenneth Lovingood...born Dec. 28, 1994 in Prescott, Ariz. ...Parents are Steven and Kimberly Lov- ingood...cousin, Justin Phinisee, played football at Oregon before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...has one older sister and two younger sisters...majoring in anthropology...Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
nathan lucas Colorado Springs, Colo. (Pine Creek) LS RS-FR | 6-2 | 195 | RS 59
2014 (Redshirt): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
High School: • Earned three varsity football letters with the Eagles. • As a senior in 2013 blocked for a rushing attack that ran for more than 3,500 yards and a 1,700-yard passer, while also handling long-snapping duties for the Eagles.
72 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
• Pikes Peak League champions in 2013, going 7-0 and defeating opponents on average 45.0-11.1. THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Won 11 consecutive games, capped by a 49-14 defeat of Montrose to capture the 2013 4A Colorado state championship, overcoming a 1-2 start to the season. • As a sophomore, in his first varsity high school season, helped the Eagles become Pikes Peak League champions. • Pine Creek finished 2011 as 4A Colorado state runner up, falling in the championship game to powerhouse Valor Christian. • Excelled in the classroom, earning All-Pikes Peak Academic honors as a senior. • Head football coach was Todd Miller. • Also wrestled at Pine Creek.
Personal: Given name is Nathan James Lucas...born April 11, 1996 in Hays, Kan. ...parents are Jim and Jennifer Lucas...has one younger sister, Camille...evacuated from home for three days during Black Forest Fire in Colorado Springs, Colo. ...majoring in animal science at Colorado State...Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo. COACHES & STAFF
elroy masters, jr. Peoria, Ariz. (Sunrise Mountain) SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER WR RS-SO | 6-2 | 210 | 1L 88
2014 (Freshman): Played in 12 games, catching 10 passes for 156 yards (15.6) and one touchdown. • Saw his first career action in season-opening win against Colorado (Aug. 29) • Made first career reception against UC Davis (Sept. 13) en route to a career-high five receptions for 112 yards (22.4), including a career-long 69-yard reception, which set up a Treyous Jarrells touchdown • Made his first career start against Hawai’i (Nov. 8), scoring his first career touchdown, an eight-yard catch to put the Rams up 7-0 in the first quarter • 21 receiving yards on two receptions vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22)
masters’ CAREER STATISTICS PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • 2013: Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eli- receiving gibility. YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G 2014 12-1 10 156 1 69 15.6 13.0 High School: • Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and two-star prospect by Scout.com. • Attended Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria, Ariz., where he earned eight letters (3- football, 3- basketball, 2 - track and field). • Team captain for the Mustangs’ basketball and football teams. • Averaged an astounding 25.4 yards per reception in 2012 (44 passes for 1,118 yards) with 14 TDs. • Had five receptions for 254 yards (50.8) and scored five touchdowns--a Division III record--in a 76-13 win over Copper Canyon. • The 9-3 Mustangs advanced to the Arizona state playoffs for the second consecutive year before losing in the second round 2014 SEASON REVIEW to Nogales 22-8. • Earned first-team all-region and first-team All-Arizona recognition after his senior season. • Combined for 18 catches for 393 yards (21.8) and scored four TDs in his first two seasons of varsity action at Sunrise Mountain. • In 2011, helped lead the Mustangs to the playoffs for the first time in at least six years. • Head football coach was James Carter. • On the hardwood, earned first-team all-region as a senior and was honorable mention All-Arizona as a junior. • In the classroom had a 4.0 grade-point average and was a three-time scholar-athlete.overcoming a 1-2 start to the season.
Personal: Given name is Elroy Masters, Jr. ...born Nov. 3, 1994 in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. ....parents are Elroy and Joelle Masters...has one brother and one sister...majoring in business administration...Hometown: Peoria, Ariz. RECORD BOOK
trent matthews Converse, Texas (Judson) S RS-SR | 6-3 | 210 | 3L 16 HISTORY
2014 (Junior): Started all 13 games, recording 54 matthews’ CAREER STATISTICS tackles (29 solo)...tied for team-lead in interceptions DEFENSE with three, eight pass break-ups and has blocked YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR BLKD two field goals, which ties for the 7th-most by an FBS 2012 12-12 36 35 71 3.0-4 0.0-0 1-0 10 1 1 0 player... named season captain along with Aaron Da- 2013 14-14 30 39 69 2.5-7 1.0-4 4-25 3 0 1 0 vis, Garrett Grayson, Max Morgan and Ty Sambrailo... 2014 13-13 29 25 54 1.0-2 0.0-0 3-25 8 0 0 2 earned All-Mountain West honorable mention nod TOTAL 39-39 95 99 194 6.5-13 1.0-4 8-50 21 1 2 2
• Chosen as a weekly team captain vs. Utah mISCELLANEOUS State (Oct. 18) and vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • Registered CSU’s first interception of the season at Boise State (Sept. 6), stopping a Broncos drive in the Rams’ end zone • Blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter against UC Davis (Sept. 13) • Recorded his second pick of the season, and sixth of his career, in the Rams’ Orange Out victory vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4) • Blocked his second field goal of the season vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25), 47-yard attempt in the second quarter, which allowed the
2015 Colorado State Football 73 Returner biographies Rams on the next drive to score and begin to pull away from the Cowboys • Recorded his third interception of the season, returning it 25 yards at San Jose State (Nov. 1) • CSU’s defense is only allowing 23.4 points per game, the fewest points per contest by the Rams defense since 2006 (21.9)
2013 (Sophomore): Started all 14 games for the Rams and ranked fifth on the team with 69 tackles, including two-and-a-half tackles for loss, and a sack...also recorded a team-high four interceptions, the most by a CSU defensive back since 2009. • Recorded his first collegiate sack vs. Nevada (Nov. 19) • His four interceptions in 2013 tie for the most since 2009 when Nick Oppenneer also picked off four passes. Matthews inter- ceptions have come at Tulsa (Sept. 7), vs. San Jose State (Oct. 12), at Wyoming (Oct. 19) and at New Mexico (Nov. 16). • Registered his first career sack in a win against Nevada on Nov. 9 • Had a season-best eight tackles at Tulsa (Sept. 7), one shy of tying his career high • Recovered his second career fumble in a 58-13 victory in the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30) • Played a crucial role in limiting Utah State (Nov. 23) to 43 passing yards, the fewest against the Rams since Oct. 31, 2003 vs. Air Force (29 yards) • Served as a team captain in the season opener vs. Colorado (Sept. 1) and at Hawai’i (Oct. 26)
2012 (Freshman): Highly-touted defensive back who earned a starting spot in camp and became one of the Rams’ top defensive players...Matthews started all 12 games and ranked fourth on the team with 71 tackles (36 solo) while adding one interception and a team-high 10 pass breakups...the freshman safety also forced one fumble and recovered one...after the season was voted by the team as the defensive captain of the season. • Demonstrated his versatility and knowledge of the playbook by registering starts at cornerback and strong safety...in his first collegiate game vs. Colorado (Sept. 1), had three tackles...recovered a muffed punt which allowed CSU to score just before the half, swinging momentum in the Rams’ favor • Recorded five tackles in home-opener against North Dakota State (Sept. 8) • In his first career start logged a career high seven tackles on the road in San Jose State (Sept. 15) • Made a diving interception on Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton to end a Utah State drive at midfield (Sept. 22) and on the ensuing possession the Rams put three points on the board • Registered a then-career-high eight tackles against Air Force (Sept. 29) and also broke up a pass • Had one of his better games against Fresno State (Oct. 6), registering five tackles and two PBUs...one of Matthews’ PBUs, the freshman put himself in position for what would have been a long interception return but couldn’t quite hold onto the ball • Versus San Diego State (Oct. 13) had six tackles, four of which were solo • Recorded career highs with nine tackles (four solo) and four pass breakups in CSU’s win over Hawaii (Oct. 27) that began a run of three wins in the team’s final five games, including all three at home. Prior to the contest against the Warriors was named a weekly captain • Added seven tackles (career-high six solo) at Boise State (Nov. 17).
2011 (Redshirt): Traveled with the team on a few road trips and was available if needed, but did not play; redshirted in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A three-sport star at Judson High School in Converse, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio, was a first-team all-district and second-team all-area selection...Voted team captain in each of his last two seasons, called one of San Antonio’s top football prospects by TexasHSFootball.com...A three-year letterman, helped the Rockets advance to the second round of the Texas 5A state playoffs each season...Racked up 108 tackles and two sacks as a senior, in addition to two forced fumbles...Sidelined most of the year by a broken leg in 2009, returned for the state playoffs, and wound up with 20 tackles and one interception in his season’s only two games, both in the postseason...As a first-time varsity starter in 2008, totaled 60 tackles, six sacks and three fumble recoveries... Head football coach was Jim Rackley...Also lettered three years in basketball and four in track...A shooting guard on Judson’s top-5 basketball team, averaged better than 10 points per game; earning tournament MVP honors as a senior after helping the Rockets win the South Padre Island Sweet 16 Invitational and knock off the state’s No. 1-ranked team...Specialized in the hurdles as a four-year letterman in track...Had a 3.4 GPA...Top speed as a prep in the 40-yard dash was 4.51 seconds...Chose CSU after being recruited by Arkansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor, BYU, Kansas State, Texas-San Antonio, Houston and Rice.
Personal: Given name is Trenton Leon Matthews...Born May 25, 1993, in San Antonio, Texas...Parents are Sheila Ruth and Vincent Matthews...Has an older brother and an older sister...Dad, Vincent, played basketball at Wisconsin-Stoudt...Was president of his local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter...Earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts in May 2015...Hometown: Converse, Texas.
george maumau Denver, Colo. (Valor Christian) TE RS-SR | 5-11 | 255 | VR 34
2014 (Sophomore): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2013 (Freshman): Did not play; spent season as a varsity reserve.
2012 (Redshirt): May have played as a true freshman, but injured his knee early in the year and wound up redshirting in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Served as a key component in helping Valor Christian, one of Colorado’s most dominant programs, to consecutive state championships in 2009 and `10...Played just one full season in south suburban Denver at VCHS, after overcoming a broken leg his senior year and state rules that forced him to sit out his sophomore campaign after transferring from Regis Jesuit High School, his home as a freshman...Was a first-team all-conference defensive lineman as a junior in 2009, before playing mostly on offense as a senior...A solid yet unsung lead blocker, helped pave the road for an offense that totaled 3,361 yards and 42 touchdowns on the
74 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies ground, and averaged 7.1 yards per carry in 2010, the program’s first in Class 4A...Sustained a broken fibula in Valor Christian’s 2010 THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO opener, and missed the ensuing four games, before returning for the balance of the regular season and run to the Colorado state title...Without him in their backfield, the Eagles (11-3) were just 3-3, losing three of their first four, then went 8-0 after his return...An excellent short-yardage ball-carrier, had 212 yards on 43 totes (4.9 avg.), with six TDs in 2010... Broke open a close Broomfield game to help propel VCHS into the state championship contest, scoring back-to-back touchdowns, a 3-yard run and an 8-yard reception, his only catch of the 2010 season...Also scored the first points of that state title game, against Wheat Ridge at Invesco Field in Den- ver, with a 4-yard run to snap a scoreless tie in the second quarter...As a junior in 2009, started on both sides of the line and scored nine touchdowns, seven on the ground, one on a reception and one on defense...In his first year at VCHS (14-0), the Class 3A state champion, started the entire year at fullback and defensive line, where he garnered first-team all-Metro Conference honors...Had five sacks - second on a defense that exasperated the state in 2009 -- and 45 tackles (20 solo)...Also flashed his speed as a junior, scoring on a 73-yard touchdown run, one of his 86 carries for 442 yards and seven scores...Caught two passes for 12 yards in 2009, with one TD...Head football coach was Brent Vieselmeyer...Also lettered in track for the Eagles, throwing the shot and discus...A competitive weightlifter with exceptional strength, received first-team All-America honors in the sport from the National Collegiate Scouting As- COACHES & STAFF sociation...Top bench press as a prep was 330 pounds...Did not receive recruiting interest from other schools, primarily because true fullbacks generally don’t see serious attention until late in their senior years, and also because of his broken leg.
Personal: Full name is George Talanoa Maumau...Born Aug. 7, 1993, in Honolulu, Hawaii...Has taken the surname of his uncle and aunt, the legal guardians that raised him, Vili and Michele Maumau...Has two younger brothers and one younger sister...Uncle and guardian, Vili Maumau, played defensive tackle at Colorado in the mid-1990s, was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 1998 NFL Draft, and spent two years in the NFL...Another uncle, Chris Maumalanga, played defensive tackle at Kansas, was drafted in the fourth round of the 1994 NFL Draft, and played for several teams...Cousin, Sam Tai, is a defensive end at UCLA...Another cousin, Mario Fatafehi, was the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and a first-team all-conference defensive tackle at Kansas State, SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER played in the NFL with the Cardinals, Panthers and Broncos, and finished his career in the CFL...Spent time at Children’s Hospital in high school during a celebration of World Down Syndrome Day...Majoring in liberal arts at Colorado State, with an eye on a career in law enforcement...Hometown: Denver, Colo.
saladin mccullough II Pasadena, Calif. (Moorpark College) PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES DB RS-JR | 5-10 | 175 | VR 14
2014 (Sophomore): Was a varsity reserve during the season.
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a sophomore in his second year of college eligibility.
Junior College (2012): Played one season at Moorpark (Calif.) College and in that short time earned a spot on the school’s honor roll. 2014 SEASON REVIEW
High School: • Attended Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, Calif., where he earned four varsity letters in football and track. • Named first-team All-Serra and first-team All-California Interscholastic Federation as a defensive back. Offensively, named All-Serra second team. • As a senior in 2011, led the Warriors to a 12-1 season and a Serra league championship. Bishop Alemany made a run through the state playoffs before falling in the semifinals 28-21 to eventual champions Servite. • After his senior season, was named the Warriors top defensive back by his teammates and coaching staff. • In 2010, was captain of the football team. • In his two seasons at the varsity level, compiled a 22-5 record.
• Head football coach was Dean Herrington. RECORD BOOK
Personal: Given name is Saladin R. McCullough II...pronounced Saul-uh-DEEN...born Nov. 9, 1993 in Pasadena, Calif. ...parents are Saladin McCullough and Sheldon Tillett...has five siblings, a younger brother Shaheed, and four younger sisters, Maindia, Danyelle, A’anali, and Sa’lina...his father, Saladin, was a standout running back at Oregon...majoring inliberal artsat Colorado State...Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
stevEo michel HISTORY Orlando, Fla. (Jones) LB RS-SR | 6-1 | 230 | 3L 4
2014 (Junior): Played in all 13 games (two starts), recording 30 tackles (13 solo), including 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, and one quarterback hurry. mISCELLANEOUS • Recorded a career-high seven tackles (four solo) vs. Colorado (Aug. 29), including a tackle for a loss • Chosen to serve as a team captain for the first road game of the season at Boise State (Sept. 6) • Recorded his first sack of the season in a win over Tulsa (Oct. 4) • Registered a sack vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25) and added three tackles (two solo) • CSU’s defense is only allowing 23.4 points per game, the fewest points per contest by the Rams defense since 2006 (21.9)
2015 Colorado State Football 75 Returner biographies 2013 (Sophomore): Registered 18 total tackles (8 solo), including one sack and one quarterback hurry. • Registered a then career-high three tackles in the Rams’ first true road game at Tulsa (Sept. 7) and later tied his career-best performance in the regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30) • In the Rams’ dominating performance at Wyoming (Oct. 19) in the 104th edition of the Border War, recorded his second career sack • Had a half tackle for loss in the season opener vs. Colorado (Sept. 1) • Served as team captain at Wyoming (Oct. 19) • In the Rams’ win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21) Michel forced a key fumble on a kickoff return in the final minute to put the Rams in position to kick the game-winning field goal
2012 (Freshman): Played in three games for the Rams, making an instant impact with five tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack. • First career tackle was a fourth-quarter sack in a 33-11 home victory over UNLV (Nov. 10) • Registered a career-high four tackles (three solo) on the road at nationally ranked Boise State (Nov. 17)
2011 (Redshirt): Did not play; redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Served as a key spark on a 10-2 team Michel’s CAREER STATISTICS that vaulted into the regional semifinals of the Flor- DEFENSE ida Class 2A state playoffs his senior year at Jones YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR BLKD High School in Orlando, Fla., in the shadow of the Cit- 2012 3-0 4 1 5 2.0-7 1.0-2 0 0 0 0 0 rus Bowl Stadium...After he started the Jones spring 2013 12-0 8 10 18 1.5-7 1.0-6 0 0 1 0 0 game at running back, coaches determined he was 2014 13-2 13 17 30 4.5-14 2.0-6 0 0 0 0 0 a better fit, with his 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard TOTAL 28-2 25 18 53 8.0-28 4.0-14 0 0 1 0 0 dash and a 300-pound bench press, as an outside LB in the Tigers’ defense, a 3-4...Started nearly every game in 2010, garnering all-metro recognition and a spot on the Orlando Sen- tinel’s Super 60 (No. 49)...Had 46 tackles, five sacks and one fumble recovery as a senior, in addition to 17 carries for 124 yards (7.3 avg.) and three touchdowns on offense...As a junior in 2009, started part-time at linebacker (two sacks, forced fumble) and started all but two games in the JHS backfield (250 yards, 7.1 avg., two TD)...Also had six catches for 38 yards and a TD as a junior...Played fullback as a sophomore...Head football coach, Kenard Lang, is a former University of Miami (Fla.) and Redskins, Browns and Broncos linebacker...Also played for head coach Boris Jackson at Jones...Named top running back at the National Underclassman Football Combine...Lettered in weightlifting for the Tigers, advancing to sectionals and missing a trip to state by just one point...Additionally stood out for the Jones track squad, finishing fourth in his district in the 110-meter hurdles, advancing to the regionals...Had a 3.2 GPA...Also recruited by Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Savannah State and Jacksonville.
Personal: Given name Steven Anthony Michel...Last name is pronounced MIKE-uhl...Born May 21, 1992, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ...Son of Elucia Michel...Is of Haitian descent...Also wore No. 4 in high school and at CSU, because his father passed away when Steven was 4...Has three brothers and four sisters...Has one daughter, Peyton Abannie Michel, born on June 20, 2013...earned his bachelor's degree in social work in May 2015...Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
christian montes Garden Grove, Calif. (Golden West College) OL RS-JR | 6-4 | 270 | RS 65
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a junior in his first season with Colorado State.
2013: Signed with CSU in December 2013 and enrolled in January 2014...Went through offseason strength and conditioning and spring practice in 2014.
Junior College (2011-12): • Rated a two-star recruit by Scout.com. • Spent two-and-a-half years at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif., earning an associates of arts degree. • Played offensive tackle and tight end for the Rustlers. • In his time at tight end caught 13 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown. • Led the Rustlers to a 9-2 record in 2013 before losing in the Southern California Bowl (semifinal game) to Riverside City College. • Committed to Colorado State over offers from Fresno State, Memphis, New Mexico and South Dakota. • Head football coach was Nick Mitchell.
High School: • Attended Santiago High School in Garden Grove, Calif., where he earned varsity letters in basketball, football and track and field. • As a senior for the Cavaliers named Athlete of the Year by coaching staff and teammates. • In 2010, as a senior, was captain of the Cavaliers’ football team. • In 2009, his first varsity season, registered 58 tackles, including two sacks, while leading Santiago to a 9-3 record and the second round of the state playoffs. • Head football coach was Aaron Shahrestani.
Personal: Given name is Christian Rene Montes...born Sept. 11, 1993 in Garden Grove, Calif. ...parents are Rene and Leticia Montes... has two younger brothers, Adrian and Aaron...majoring in communication studies at Colorado State...Hometown: Garden Grove, Calif.
76 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO trae moxley Carbondale, Colo. (Roaring Fork) OL RS-SO | 6-5 | 320 | 1L 60 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Freshman): Played in 12 games, primarily being used on special teams, but also appeared moxley’S CAREER STATISTICS as a backup offensive lineman. offensive line YEAR GP GS 2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility...Moved from 2014 12 0 tight end to offensive line in the spring of 2014.
High School: • Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Lettered all four years in football and basketball at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale, Colo. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • Captain for both football and basketball his senior year with the Rams. • Earned All-Western Slope League honors and named Lineman of the Year after his junior campaign. • Named honorable mention All-Western Slope League after his sophomore season. • Recorded 21 tackles (12 solo) as a 14-year old freshman in 2009. • Caught the eye of Colorado State coaches with his junior-year film, then built on that impression attending the Rams’ football camp in the summer of 2012...showed great athletic ability for a big tight end. • Head football coach was Tory Jensen.
Personal: Given name is Trae James Moxley...born on March 16, 1995 in Templeton, Calif. ...parents are Kacy DiMarco, Bill Rice, and Wade Moxley...Father, Wade, played football at Cuesta College...has three siblings, two older brothers and one older sister...Majoring
in communication studies at CSU...Hometown: Carbondale, Colo. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES
blake nowland Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County) 2014 SEASON REVIEW OL RS-SO | 6-6 | 315 | VR 52
2014 (Freshman): Played in three games as a backup offensive lineman. nowland’s CAREER STATISTICS 2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. offensive line YEAR GP GS High School: 2014 3 0 • Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Rivals.com and two-star by Scout.com. • Three-time letterwinner at Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colo. • In 2012, blocked for a 1,700-yard rusher in Trey Smith and helped the Huskies rush for over 2,500 rushing yards and score RECORD BOOK 23 TDs. • Denver Post, MaxPreps, and Mile High Sports named him first-team All-Colorado and he also earned first-team all-Continental League honors after his senior season. • Finished the season 5-5 after a loss in the first round of the Colorado state 5A playoffs 26-3 to Fountain-Fort Carson. • As a junior the Huskies finished the year 4-6 but had another successful season on the ground, rushing for 1,800 yards and 21 TDs. • His 76.5-inch wingspan helped him earn second-team All-Continental League honors. • Head football coach was Jeff Ketron. • Also lettered in wrestling. • Played against CSU wide receiver Joe Hansley during his prep career. • Excelled in the classroom as well with a 3.33 grade-point average. HISTORY Personal: Given name is Blake Nowland...born Nov. 26, 1994 in Boise, Idaho...parents are Keith and Susan Nowland...has one young- er sister, Mackenzie...majoring in pre-construction management at CSU...Hometown: Castle Rock, Colo. mISCELLANEOUS
2015 Colorado State Football 77 Returner biographies
kevin nutt, jr. Fresno, Calif. (Edison) DB SO | 5-10 | 190 | 1L 3
2014 (Freshman): Played in 12 games, recording 12 tackles (eight solo), and played a primary role on special teams • Played in first career NCAA game vs. Colorado (Aug. 29) • Recorded career-best three tackles (one solo) in the game vs. Boise State (Sept. 6)
High School: • Rated as a three-star recruit by Scout.com and a two-star by Rivals.com. • Earned three varsity football letters and four in track and field. • Captain of the Tigers football team as a senior in 2013. • In 2014, was a member of the 400-meter relay that won the California State Championship...in the same meet, placed third in the 200-meter dash, running 21.17 and placed fifth in the 100-meter dash (10.55). • In 2013, was a member of the 400-meter relay that placed fifth at the California state championships and in the same meet recorded a 21.93 in the 200. • On the football field, as a senior, helped the Tigers to a 9-2 record. • As a junior, led Edison to a 9-4 record and to the semifinals of the California football championships before losing to eventual champions Clovis North. • Named first-team All-County/Metro honors in 2012 as a standout running back. • Named Student-athlete of the Year at Edison for his performance in the classroom and on the field. • Selected Colorado State over offers from Boise State, Fresno State, Houston, Eastern Washington and San Jose State. • Head football coaches were Matt Johnson and Ricky Manning Jr. • Played against current Rams defensive end Josh Lovingood. • Also played baseball and basketball at Edison.
Personal: Given name is Kevin Nutt Jr. ...born on Sept. 1, 1996 in Fresno, Calif. ...parents are Katharyn and Kevin Nutt Sr. ... father Kevin, played football for Fresno State...has one older sister, Keonna...majoring in communication studies at Colorado State...Hometown: Fresno, Calif. nutt’s CAREER STATISTICS DEFENSE YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2014 12-0 8 4 12 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0
danny nwosu Washington, D.C. (Dunbar) FB RS-JR | 6-3 | 245 | 2L 38
2014 (Sophomore): Played in nine games at fullback.
2013 (Freshman): In 14 games, recorded 11 tackles (6 solo) and blocked one kick as a significant member of the Rams’ special teams units...also had two quaterback hurries. • In Colorado State’s first true road game at Tulsa (Sept. 7), rushed up the middle to block a kick before recovering it on the Golden Hurricane two-yard line, setting up a Rams touchdown • Had two chances to record his first career sack in the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30) but Falcons quarter- back Karson Roberts was able to throw the ball away both times...also registered a career-high four tackles • Eight of his 11 tackles came on special teams
2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A hybrid standout in the Beltway area, played at two high schools as a three-year starter on both nwosu’s CAREER STATISTICS DEFENSE sides of the ball...On defense, played with his hand on YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR and off the ground, compiling 31 sacks...Averaged 23.5 2013 14-0 6 5 11 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 yards per reception during his prep career, with 824 2014 9-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 yards on 35 catches and nine touchdowns...Prior to his TOTAL 23-0 6 5 11 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 senior season, opted to transfer to Dunbar High School, in Washington D.C., a program that would provide him more opportunities in the passing game...Starting for the Crimson Tide at both defensive end and on offense, where he flexed out as a WR and played on the line as a TE, was a first-team all-conference choice on both sides of the line for a team that won the DCIAA state championship, the Turkey Bowl...In 2011, caught 15 passes for 291 yards and five touchdowns, one of which went for 75 yards, Dunbar’s longest passing play of the season...On the other side of the line, posted 17 sacks and 77 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles...Played in the Chesapeake Bowl all-star game
78 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies after his senior campaign...As a junior in his final season at DuVal in Prince George’s County, averaged 28.0 yards per catch, with 10 THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO receptions for 280 yards and two touchdowns; also registered 10 sacks and 64 tackles, and recovered two fumbles, playing mostly as an outside linebacker...In his sophomore campaign with the Tigers, posted 10 catches for 253 yards and two TDs, with four sacks and 33 tackles on defense...DuVal fell one win shy of the playoffs in each of his two varsity seasons with the Tigers...Ran track as sophomore at DuVal, participating in the 300 and 4x100 relay...Head football coaches were Willie Bennett and Ben Eaton at Dunbar and Dameon Powell at DuVal...Top speed in the 40-yard dash was 4.65...A member of the National Honor Society, owned a 3.5 GPA.
Personal: Given name Daniel Ogochukwu Nwosu...Last name is pronounced WOH-soo...Born Aug. 26, 1994, in Jersey City, N.J. ...Son of Victoria and Emeka Nwosu...Has one older brother and one younger sister...Has mammoth hands and wears size 3XL gloves...Each of his parents and his older brother were born in Nigeria before moving to the United States...Majoring in health and exercise science and interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine...Hometown: Washington, D.C. COACHES & STAFF kevin o’brien Katy, Texas (University of the Incarnate Word) OL RS-SR | 6-3 | 295 | 1L 72 SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
2014 (Junior): Moved into starting lineup at center before the Sept. 27 game at Boston College o’brien’s CAREER STATISTICS after Jake Bennett was lost for the season (knee)...helped lead the Rams to their best regular offensive line season record (10-2) since 2000... helped block for a 3,500-yard passer (Grayson - 3,779 and YEAR GP GS 1,200-yard rusher (Hart - 1,254)... the Rams topped the 500-yard mark five times, including twice 2013 1 0 surpassing the 670-yard mark... the CSU offense broke several single-season school records: 2014 11 10 offensive yards (6,252), total yards/game (480.92), passing yards (4,181), passing yards/attempt TOTAL 12 10 (9.35) and passing touchdowns (34). • Made first career start at Boston College (Sept. 27) and helped the Rams offense rack up 441 yards of total offense on the way to a 24-21 victory PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES • The Rams did not allow a sack against Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • CSU offense is converted 51.2-percent of third-down attempts, the fifth-best among FBS teams and well ahead of previous school record of 46.3 (1985) • Ramsaveraged 497.8 yards of total offense per game, whichshattered single-season school record (470.8 in 2013)
2013 (Sophomore): Played in his first collegiate game,the Rams’ regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30), a 58-13 victory
2012 (Freshman): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
Incarnate Word (2011): Attended the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, for one semester. 2014 SEASON REVIEW
High School: Garnered two football letters at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Texas...was named to the All-Greater Houston first team as a center...as a captain he helped the Cougars become region champs...also participated in track and field and wrestling... head coach was Don Clayton...played against eventual CSU teammate Mason Hathaway.
Personal: Given name is Kevin O’Brien...born Dec. 5, 1992 in Houston, Texas. ...parents are Tim and Jean O’Brien...has two older sisters, Laura and Mary...majoring in economics...Hometown: Katy, Texas. RECORD BOOK jasen oden, jr. Buffalo, N.Y. (Buffalo East) RB SR | 5-11 | 220 | 3L 6
2014 (Junior): Played in 11 games, starting two, carrying the ball 46 times for 276 yards and two touchdowns... also caught three passes for 17 yards... picked up a crucial first down against Colorado (Aug. 29) on his first career offensive carry. HISTORY • His two rushing touchdowns against UC Davis (Sept. 13) were part of the Rams’ 49 total points, the most the Rams have scored against an FCS team since 1965 • Ran for a career-high 90 yards on 12 carries against Tulsa (Oct. 4), including a career-long 63-yard rush in the first quarter, which set up a Rashard Higgins touchdown • Forced two fumbles on special team vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22), with the first coming on the opening kickoff ...Both forced fumbles led to Rams touchdowns
2013 (Sophomore): Registered 39 total tackles, (25 solo) as well as one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery...played in all 14 games, making two starts (vs. Nevada, Nov 9 and at New Mexico, Nov. 16) mISCELLANEOUS • Recovered a fumble in the Rams’ victory over UTEP (Sept. 28), ending a Miners drive that would have resulted in points in the third quarter with the Rams leading by nine points...finished the contest with three tackles (2 solo) and a pass breakup • In a win against Wyoming (Oct. 19) had two decisive plays, a pass-breakup that led to a diving interception by Shaquil Barrett and a forced fumble in the fourth quarter • Made his first career start in a 38-17 home victory over Nevada (Nov. 9) and made his second career start the following week
2015 Colorado State Football 79 Returner biographies at New Mexico (Nov. 16) for the injured Kevin Pierre-Louis • Set a career high with seven tackles at Hawai’i (Oct. 26) and tied that total vs. Nevada (Nov. 9) • In the Rams’ win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21) Oden recovered a fumble forced by the Rams’ linebacker SteveO Michel in the final minute to put CSU in position to kick the game-winning field goal
2012 (Freshman): As a reserve saw action in 11 games for the Rams, recording 25 tackles (19 solo), three tackles for loss, and an interception. • Registered his first-career tackle at home against Utah State (Sept. 22)...finished the game with five total tackles, a career-high • Recorded four tackles (three solo) on the road at Air Force (Sept. 29) • Helped propel the Rams to a 42-27 home victory over Hawai’i (Oct. 27) when he picked off a pass and returned it 40 yards for a score, putting the game out-of-reach for the Warriors • In an effort to help the Rams secure back-to-back home victories, recorded four tackles against UNLV (Nov. 10)...prior to the contest, was named weekly defensive team captain
Prep School: Played one season at North Carolina Tech...picked off a school-record seven passes, returning four for touchdowns... head coach was Tim Newman.
High School: A three-time football varsity letterwinner at Buffalo East High School...earned first-team all-Class B West New York hon- ors as a senior...was the Panthers Most Valuable Player in 2011 while leading them to a 6-3 record...also played basketball at Buffalo East...head coach was Sterling Bryant.
Personal: Given name is Jasen Bryant Oden, Jr. ...born Sept. 25, 1993 in Buffalo, N.Y. ...parents are Brendonia Duplantis and Jasen Oden, Sr. ...has five siblings; three brothers, Antoine, Jaden and Marcus, and two sisters, Shakiara and Trinity... undeclared on a major at CSU...Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y.
oden’s CAREER STATISTICS kick returning receiving rushing YEAR G-GS NO. YDS TD lONG AVG/R AVG/G REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G ATT NET AVG lONG 2014 11-2 4 46 0 15 11.5 4.2 3 17 1 7 5.7 1.5 46 276 2 63 Defense YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2012 11-0 19 6 25 3.0-10 0.0-0 1-40 0 2 0 2013 14-2 25 14 39 1.0-2 0.0-0 0 2 1 1 TOTAL 25-2 44 20 64 4.0-12 0.0-0 1-40 2 3 1
bryan ohene-gyeni Arlington, Texas (Mansfield Summit) LB RS-JR | 6-1 | 225 | 2L 36
2014 (Junior): Played in 11 games, recording five tackles (three solo), including 1.5 sacks, two quaterback hurries and one pass breakup. • At Boise State (Sept. 6) recorded one tackle, including half a sack • In CSU’s home win over Utah State (Oct. 18), recorded his second quaterback hurry of the season • Registered a sack vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25)
2013 (Sophomore): Played in four games, recording three tackles (one solo).
2012 (Freshman): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A defensive end with 4.5-second speed, earned a pair of all-district honors at Mansfield Summit ohene-gyeni’s CAREER STATISTICS High School, 15 miles from Cowboys Stadium in Arling- DEFENSE YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR ton, Texas...A three-year starter and three-year letterman, 2013 4-0 1 2 3 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 missed only two games as a varsity player...Played exclu- 2014 11-0 3 2 5 1.5-9 1.5-9 0 1 0 0 sively as a defensive end, combining for seven sacks and TOTAL 15-0 4 4 8 1.5-9 1.5-9 0 1 0 0 five forced fumbles over his final two seasons...Helped the Jaguars to consecutive appearances in the area round of the Texas 4A playoffs, as a junior and senior...Garnered first-team all-District 7/4A honors as a team captain 2011, on a 10-2 squad that won its district championship; started every contest and had 56 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble...A second-team all-district selection as a junior for a district runner-up, had 47 stops, four sacks and four forced fumbles, despite missing playing time with injury, helping MSHS go 9-3 and again advance to the area round of the postseason... Also was in the lineup for every game of his sophomore season, his first year as a varsity player...Also lettered three years in track, throwing the discus...Head football coach was Travis Pride...In addition to his 4.5 speed in the 40, also bench pressed 315 pounds and carried a 3.2 GPA.
Personal: Given name Bryan Qwame Ohene-Gyeni...Last name is pronounced “oh-HEE-nee JEE-nee”...Formal name (Ohene-Gyeni) includes the surname and maiden names of his paternal grandparents...Son of Emmanuel and Mercy Ohene-Gyeni...Has one older brother and one younger sister...Is an Eagle Scout...Married in Ghana, his father moved from his native country to the United States in the 1980s and worked tirelessly for two years as a cab driver and factory worker to save enough to bring his wife to America, prior to the birth of their three children...Has visited Ghana and met his large extended family...majoring in communication studies at CSU... Hometown: Arlington, Texas.
80 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO nolan peralta Murrieta, Calif. (Elsinore) TE JR | 6-3 | 245 | 2L 32 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Sophomore): Appeared in all 13 games, starting seven contests, and caught four passes for 37 yards. • Registered his first career catch against Tulsa (Oct. 4), a five-yard gain in the third quarter... finished the game with two recep- tions for 14 yards • Hauled in a career-long 16-yard reception vs. Wyoming (Oct. 25), extending a drive in which CSU scored, extending its lead to 24-3
2013 (Freshman): Appeared in 10 games for Colorado State and registered four tackles • Recorded a career-high two tackles on the road against then-No. 1 Alabama (Sept. 21). SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
2012 (Redshirt): Received a medical hardship waiver as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility. Played in one game vs. North Dakota State (Sept. 8) before suffering a season-ending arm injury.
High School: A three-year starter on both sides of the ball at Elsinore High School in Wildomar, Calif., about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, led his team to a 28-9 record from 2009-11...Won two consecutive Defensive Player of the Year honors, in 2010 and `11, as the top defender in the entire CIF Southern Section/Eastern Division...The starting middle linebacker in the Tigers’ 4-3 and 3-3 defenses, finished with 381 career tackles, nine sacks and two interceptions...Earned consecutive team MVP awards from his coaches and teammates, in 2010 and `11...A three-year letterman and three-year team captain, also started at tight end every season, catching 28 career passes, seven for touchdowns...Also racked up three all-Sun Belt Conference certificates, and earned a pair of all-Riverside County and All-Murrieta Valley accolades...As a senior, led the 8-4 Tigers to the second round of the second round of the CIF Southern Section/Eastern Division playoffs...Garnered second-team all-state honors (CalHiSports.com) and his division’s PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Defensive Player of the Year award...The senior quarterback of the EHS defense, posted 145 stops, four sacks, an INT and a forced fumble, while as a tight end caught 11 passes for 185 yards and three TDs...As a junior in 2010, guided the 12-2 Tigers to their first championship in the program’s 83-year history, a CIF Southern Section/Eastern Division crown, and earned division Defensive Player of the Year honors in the process...Compiled 139 tackles, three sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery...The team’s second-leading receiver as a junior, hauled in 16 catches for 305 yards, with three TDs...A first-year starter as a sophomore in 2009, posted 97 tackles, a pair of sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, while his lone reception was a 15-yard TD...Played football for his father, longtime Elsinore head coach Tony Peralta...Also lettered two years in basketball, as a forward, and ran track as a freshman and sophomore...A valedictorian and three-time academic all-CIF student-athlete, had a 4.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale, thanks to advanced-placement classes, and turned down a football invitation from Harvard to play for the Rams...Also runs a 4.8 40-yard dash.
bench pressed 315 pounds and carried a 3.2 GPA. 2014 SEASON REVIEW
Personal: Given name Nolan Anthony Peralta...Last name is pronounced perr-AHL-tah...Born Aug. 18, 1993, in Los Alamitos, Calif. ...Son of Tony and Julia Peralta...Has one younger brother and an older sister, Kayla, who played volleyball at Cal Lutheran...Involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at EHS, and also served as a volunteer youth basketball coach...majoring in natural sciences... Hometown: Murrieta, Calif.
peralta’s CAREER STATISTICS receiving Defense YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG AVG/G UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2012 1-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2013 10-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2014 13-5 4 37 0 16 9.2 2.8 2 0 2 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 RECORD BOOK TOTALS 24-5 4 37 0 16 9.2 1.5 4 2 6 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0
bryce peters Houston, Texas (Cypress Falls) HISTORY RB RS-SO | 5-11 | 205 | VR 24
2014 (Freshman): Played in one game, registering two carries for 18 yards.
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and Rivals.com and two-star by Scout.com. mISCELLANEOUS • Four-year letterman at Cypress Falls High School in Houston, Texas. • As the senior captain in 2012, rushed for 1,653 yards and 19 TDs on 174 carries for a school-record 9.5 yards per carry. • Helped lead the Eagles to an 8-3 record. • Named Cypress Falls’ Offensive Most Valuable Player for 2012. • Helped Cypress Falls earn a berth in the Texas state 5A playoffs before falling in the first round 38-10 to Alief Elsik, in a rematch 2015 Colorado State Football 81 Returner biographies of 2011’s first-round matchup. • Set a Cypress Falls single-game record when he rushed for 340 yards and two TDs in a 60-33 victory over Jersey Village. • In 2012 was named a member of the Houston Select Football League Hall of Fame. • Named first-team all-district after both his junior and senior seasons. • In 2011, led the Eagles to a 10-2 year and a Bi-district championship, defeating Alief Elsik 48-22 for the title. • Rushed for 1,301 yards as a junior on 163 carries (8.0). • Excelled as a sophomore with 665 yards and eight touchdowns on 86 carries (7.7). • Head football coach was Kirk Eaton. • Also earned four letters in track and field, clocking a 48-second 400-meter dash time.
Personal: Given name is Bryce S. Peters...born May 16, 1994 in Houston, peters’ CAREER STATISTICS Texas...parents are Jennifer and Stanley Peters...majoring in pre-construc- rushing tion management at CSU...Hometown: Houston, Texas. YEAR G-GS ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G 2014 1-0 2 18 0 16 9.0 18.0
kevin pierre-louis Del Rio, Texas (Del Rio) DB RS-SR | 6-1 | 215 | 3R 26
2014 (Junior): Played in 12 games, recording 11 starts...ranked third on the team with 85 tackles (50 solo), including three tackles for loss and a sack, and a forced fumble. • Chosen to serve as a game captain at Boise State (Sept. 6) • Registered a season-best 10 tackles (four solo) and one pass breakup against Tulsa (Oct. 4) • Recorded a team-high nine tackles (six solo), including his first career sack, and a fumble recovery in a home victory over Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • Recorded at least nine tackles in six games in 2014 • CSU’s defense is only allowing 23.4 points per game, the fewest points per contest by the Rams defense since 2006 (21.9) • Recorded a team-high nine tackles in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl game (Dec. 20)
2013 (Sophomore): Played in 13 of the 14 contests and started 12, finishing fourth on the team with 77 tackles (33 solo)...also forced two fumbles, had one interception and one tackle for loss, while breaking up three passes. • In the season-opener against Colorado (Sept. 1), registered a career-high 15 tackles • Had two games with half tackles for loss, vs. Cal Poly (Sept. 14) and vs. San Jose State (Oct. 12) • On the road at Hawai’i (Oct. 26), picked off his first career pass, a diving interception late in the third quarter • Forced his first fumble of the season in a losing effort at Utah State (Nov. 23) and played a crucial role in limiting Utah State to 43 yards, the fewest passing yards against the Rams since Oct. 31, 2003 vs. Air Force (29 yards) • In CSU’s regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30), recorded three tackles and had his second forced fumble in as many games • Served as a team captain vs. UTEP (Sept. 28)
2012 (Freshman): Registered 34 tackles in 10 games for the Rams. Began the season as a reserve in the secondary but injuries gave him a chance to start the final two games. • Recorded first career tackle at the end of the first quarter against Colorado (Sept. 1)...finished the Rocky Mountain Showdown with two solo stops. • Had six total tackles on the road at Air Force (Sept. 29) and at No. 22 Boise State (Nov. 17). • Air Force, forced a fumble as the Falcons were driving deep in Colorado State territory...Pierre-Louis delivered a crushing blow on Connor Dietz jarring the ball loose forcing his first career fumble. • In the season-finale vs. New Mexico (Nov. 24), recorded a career-best 11 tackles (six solo) in a 24-20 victory over the Lobos... in the third quarter the Lobos had the ball inside the redzone but Pierre-Louis combined with Shaq Bell to stuff New Mexico running back Chase Clayton in the backfield.
2011 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A physical safety, quarterback, running pierre-louis' CAREER STATISTICS back and wide receiver for the Rams of Del Rio, Texas, DEFENSE a city of 37,000 on the U.S.-Mexico border about three YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR hours due west of San Antonio...Earned District 5A-29 2012 10-2 18 16 34 0.5-1 0.0-0 0 1 1 0 Outstanding Defensive Back honors after his senior cam- 2013 13-12 33 44 77 1.0-1 0.0-0 1-0 3 2 0 paign, and three consecutive first-team all-district selec- 2014 12-11 50 35 85 3.0-9 1.0-6 1-8 2 10 1 tions as a safety...Also garnered team MVP recognition TOTAL 35-25 101 95 196 4.5-11 1.0-6 2-8 6 13 1 twice...Helped DRHS to bi-district and area champion- ships on a team that finished 8-3 in 2010 and 10-3 in 2009, when the Rams advanced to the third round of the Texas Class 5A state playoffs...As a senior in 2010, posted 74 tackles and three interceptions, including a touchdown return, and compiled better than 600 yards and 12 touchdowns as a running back, with 10 catches for almost 200 yards as a pass-catcher...As a junior in 2009, had 75 stops and three picks the year before...Voted team captain each of his last three years...Head football coaches were Steven Hoffman and Ryan Trevino...Also lettered in track...Owned a 3.2 GPA...Had 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash...Also recruited by Florida, TCU, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Clemson, UTEP, Texas A&M and SMU...Chose CSU over offers from Colorado, New Mexico and UTEP... Patterns his play after the late Sean Taylor.
Personal: Given name Kevin Pierre-Louis ...Born Nov. 3, 1993, in Brooklyn, N.Y. ...Son of Maries Pierre-Louis...Mother and most of his family are natives of Haiti and survived the 2010 earthquake, although their home was destroyed...The youngest of four children, has
82 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies three older brothers ...Older brother Wondy Pierre-Louis won two national championships under former CSU assistant Urban Meyer THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO at Florida...Another brother, Jayden Richards, played football at the University at Buffalo...Earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in May 2015...Hometown: Del Rio, Texas.
ISAAC PRUDHOMME Centennial, Colo. (Arapahoe) COACHES & STAFF DL RS-FR | 6-3 | 235 | RS 57
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Competed in football and wrestling at Arapaho High School in Centennial, Colo., earning two varsity letters in each.
• Compiled 80 total tackles in his two seasons, including 12 solo. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • Registered 3.5 sacks and had two fumble recoveries. • As a junior, helped lead Arapahoe to a 10-2 record and ranked No. 12 in the state of Colorado. • Head football coach was Mike Campbell.
Personal: Given name is Isaac Matthew Prudhomme…born on April 10, 1995 in Littleton, Colo….parents are Mike and Linda Prudhom- me….Has two older brothers, Nick and Nate…majoring in landscape architecture at Colorado State…Hometown: Centennial, Colo.
davon riddick PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Abilene, Texas (Cooper) CB RS-SR | 6-0 | 210 | 1L 28
2014 (Junior): Played cornerback in one game during the season vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13) 2014 SEASON REVIEW 2013 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games, earning the majority of his reps with the kickoff return and kickoff units. • Logged his first career carry at Wyoming (Oct. 19) in the Rams’ 52-22 victory...carried the ball six times for 10 yards • Recorded three special teams tackles, all solo, in three separate games: at Tulsa (Sept. 7), at Hawai’i (Oct. 26) and vs. Boise State (Nov. 2)
2012 (Freshman): After a strong fall camp, where Riddick saw himself shoot up the depth chart, he suffered a broken wrist that required surgery and the injury forced him to sit out the 2012 season.
2011 (Redshirt): Did not play; redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Combined to rush for 2,446 yards and average 7.2 yards per carry in two seasons as a starter at Abilene (Texas) Cooper
High School...A first-team All-West Texas selection (TheOldCoach.com) in 2010, as well as honorable-mention all-state and all-district, RECORD BOOK led the 11-2 Cougars to the regional round of the state playoffs...Ran for 1,537 yards on 183 carries (8.4 avg.) and 21 touchdowns as a senior...Second-team all-district as a junior, had 909 yards to help the Cougars finish 9-4 after a berth in the regional playoffs...Voted team captain as a senior...Head football coach was Mike Spradlin...Lettered twice in football and twice in track, in which he ran the 200 meters, and the 4x100 and 4x200 relays...Has 4.41-second speed in the 40-yard dash and bench presses 315 pounds...Also recruited by Wyoming and Texas State.
Personal: Given name Davon Riddick...First name is pronounced DAY-VONN...Son of Satanya Riddick...Has an older sister...Volun- teered with his family at the Salvation Army...communication studies major at Colorado State...Hometown: Abilene, Texas.
Riddick’s CAREER STATISTICS
rushing Defense HISTORY YEAR G-GS ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2013 11-0 6 10 0 4 1.7 0.9 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2014 1-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 TOTALS 12-0 6 10 0 4 1.7 0.8 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 mISCELLANEOUS
2015 Colorado State Football 83 Returner biographies
tomas rivera Long Beach, Calif. (Long Beach Poly) OL RS-JR | 6-6 | 330 | 1L 73
2014 (Sophomore): Played in eight games as a backup offensive lineman. rivera’s CAREER STATISTICS offensive line 2013 (Freshman): Played in one game (Air Force) as a backup offensive lineman. YEAR GP GS 2013 1 0 2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility. 2014 9 0 TOTAL 10 0 High School: A two-year starter for one of the top programs in California, helped Long Beach Poly to consecutive league championships as a junior and senior...Made an enormous leap in his production from his junior to senior year, going from first-time starter in 2010 to the 2011 Moore League Offensive Lineman of the Year; also was rated No. 115 on PrepStar’s SoCal Top 200 list...A first-team all-Pac 5 and first-team All-Moore League offensive lineman, helped Poly (10-2) finish ranked No. 20 in the final 2011 state polls...The anchor of the Jackrabbits’ offensive front as a senior in 2011, did not allow a sack and paved the way for Poly’s 2,002 team rushing yards, helping the program advance to the second round of the CIF state playoffs...Served as a team captain as a senior, and picked up four tackles and a defensive lineman...As a junior in 2010, helped the Jackrabbits to a conference title and a berth in the CIF playoffs...Also lettered as a sophomore, his first season at the varsity level...Head football coach was Raul Lara...Also played basketball as a freshman...Has a 315-pound bench press and 3.0 GPA.
Personal: Given name Tomás David Rivera...Born Feb. 9, 1994, in Long Beach, Calif. ...Son of Tomás and Iliana Rivera...Has one younger brother and one younger sister...majoring in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and minoring in ethnic studies at Colorado State...Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.
adrian robinson Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian) DL RS-SO | 6-5 | 250 | VR 66
2014 (Freshman): Played in three games as a backup offensive lineman. robinson’s CAREER STATISTICS offensive line 2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. YEAR GP GS 2014 3 0 High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Attended Charlotte (N.C.) Christian School, earning three varsity letters while a member of the Knights football team. • In 2012, as a senior, racked up 70 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks and 11 QB hurries. • As a co-captain, led a dominant Knights defense that only allowed 13.5 points per game as they went undefeated in confer- ence to take home the NCISAA hardware. • Charlotte Christian won the 2012 North Carolina state championship with a 24-21 victory over the Providence Day Chargers. • Earned all-conference and All-North Carolina honors, as well as being named first-team All-Mecklenburg County, and sec- ond-team All-Observer. • Named to the 2012 NCISAA Shrine Bowl team, representing the state of North Carolina in the Oasis All-Star Shrine Classic Game. • Earned Drive Stopper of the Week honors by WSOC-TV and PowerAde Performance Player of the Week by his high school. • As a junior, recorded 49 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. • After a 5-5 season, named Defensive Lineman of the Year by the coaching staff. • Head football coach was Jason Estep. • Also played basketball and lacrosse in high school. • Excelled in the classroom with a 4.18 grade-point average and earned Advanced Functions Math Highest Grade Award as a sophomore, National Spanish Exam honorable mention as a senior and Distinguished Christian High School Student Award for Athletic Achievement, also as a senior. • Spent three semesters on Cum Laude honor roll and two semesters on Magna Cum Laude honor roll.
Personal: Given name is John Adrian Taylor Robinson...born on Oct. 17, 1994 in Charlotte, N.C. ...parents are Melissa and Alan Burrus and Jon Robinson...father, Jon, played basketball at the University of Maryland, and stepfather, Alan, played football at the University of North Carolina...has three siblings, two old sisters and one younger brother...undecided on a major at CSU...Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
84 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO kiel robinson San Marcos, Calif. (Mission Hills) LB RS-SO | 6-2 | 225 | 1L 15 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Freshman): Played in all 13 games, recording seven tackles (six solo).
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Lettered in football at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, Calif. • As a senior on the Grizzlies defense, led the team to a 10-3 record and an Avocado East League Championship. • Reached the California Interscholastic Federation Championship game before falling to Eastlake High School 21-14. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • Named first-team All-Avocado East, Avocado East Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-North County, and • second-team All-CIF after his senior season. • Head football coach was Chris Hauser. • Also played basketball and baseball, and competed in track and field for the Grizzlies. • In 2011, won the league 100-meter dash and anchored Mission Hills’ 400- and 1600-meter relay teams.
Personal: Given name is Kiel Adam Robinson...born March 13, 1995 in Los Angeles, Calif. ...parents are David robinson’s CAREER STATISTICS and Synthia Robinson...his mother played volleyball at DEFENSE Pepperdine and his father played football at USC...grand- YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR father is 25-time Grammy Award winner Ray Charles...has 2014 13 6 1 7 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES four siblings, two older brothers, one older sister, and one younger sister...interested in majoring in sports medicine at CSU...Hometown: San Marcos, Calif.
robert ruiz
El Cajon, Calif. (Valhalla) 2014 SEASON REVIEW WR RS-SR | 5-9 | 176 | 1L 89
2014 (Sophomore): Saw action in six games at wide receiver as well as ruiz’s CAREER STATISTICS special teams. receiving YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G 2013 (Freshman): Saw action in four games for the Rams and hauled in one 2013 6-0 1 11 0 11 11.0 1.8 catch for 11 yards...occasionally played on CSU’s punt return unit. 2014 4 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 • Setup to return a punt late in the Rams’ season opener vs. Colorado
TOTAL 10-0 1 11 0 11 11.0 1.1 RECORD BOOK (Sept. 1) • Lined up in the slot and made his first collegiate catch vs. Cal Poly (Sept. 14), an 11-yard gain, giving the Rams a first down
2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Earned varsity letters in football and track and field as a Norsemen at Valhalla High School in El Cajon, Calif. ...All-Gross- mont Hills League as a punt returner and wide receiver as a senior...also garnered all-conference honors as a pole vaulter...was named the Norsemen’s Most Valuable Player his senior year...led his team to a Grossmont Hills League championship in 2010 and 2011...was a four-year honor roll student...head football coach was Charles Bussey...played against former Ram Brett Etherton.
Personal: Given name is Robert Ruiz...born July 31, 1994 in Laguna Beach, Calif. ...parents are Denise and Robert Ruiz...has two uncles that played soccer at the collegiate level...is majoring in health and exercise science at Colorado State...Hometown: San Diego, Calif. HISTORY
All-time overtime games (1-2) Date Opponent Result Pds. Oct. 13, 2001 Fresno State L, 25-22 1 mISCELLANEOUS Sept. 1, 2007 vs. Colorado (Denver) L, 31-28 1 Sept. 24, 2011 at Utah State W, 35-34 2
2015 Colorado State Football 85 Returner biographies
nate ryken Berthoud, Colo. (Berthoud) FB RS-FR | 6-2 | 245 | RS 47
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Three-sport athlete at Berthoud High School in Berthoud, Colo., competing in football, wrestling and track and field. • Earned all-conference honors in football his senior season. • Three-time all-conference honoree in track and field. • Named a team captain his senior season by his coaches and teammates in football. • Head football coach was Dan McGinn.
Personal: Given name is Nathaniel Lewis Ryhen...born on May 17, 1995 in Walnut Creek, Calif....parents are Michael and Laurel Ry- hen...mother, Laurel, played lacrosse at UC Davis...has three brothers, Mike, Josh and Nick...Hometown: Berthoud, Colo.
jake schlager McCook, Neb. (McCook) S RS-SO | 6-0 | 205 | 1L 8
2014 (Sophomore): Only played in four games: at Boston College (Sept. 27), vs. Tulsa (Oct. 4), at Nevada (Oct. 11), and at the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl vs. Utah (Dec. 20).
2013 (Freshman): Played in all 14 of Colorado State’s games, playing on all four special teams units...recorded 22 tackles (14 solo), 17 of which came on punts or kickoffs...also recorded one forced fumble • Registered his first collegiate tackle vs. Colorado (Sept. 1) in the Rams’ season opener • Recorded four solo stops on the road at Tulsa (Sept. 7) and his first career forced fumble • Logged significant reps vs. Nevada (Nov. 9), when starting safety Kevin Pierre-Louis was out with an injury...had a career-high six tackles • Had at least one tackle in 10 of CSU’s 14 games
High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Earned three letters in football and four in track at McCook (Neb.) High School. • Set several school records as a member of the Bison football team. Holds the single-season record for blocked kicks (6) and tackles for loss (20). Set records for career numbers in blocked kicks (8) and tackles for loss (42). • Accumulated 239 career tackles from 2010-2012. • Team captain for the Bison as a senior, helped McCook to a 7-3 season and became B District 7 champions for the second consecutive year. • Averaged almost 19 tackles in the nine games he played in 2012 as he finished with career-best 169 tackles (66 solo), 20 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. • Sprained ankle kept him out of McCook’s first-round loss in the Nebraska state playoffs to Norris High School 26-21, the even- tual runners up in the state championship game. • Omaha World-Herald named him first-team All-Nebraska. • As a junior, registered just over 100 tackles while rushing for 800 yards and 16 TDs. • The Bison went 10-1 in 2011 and won B District 7 before being upset 28-24 by Adams Central in the second round of the state playoffs. • Head football coach was Jeff Gross. • Academic All-Nebraska as a junior and senior with a 3.73 grade-point average
Personal: Given name Jakob Lee Schlager...Born Feb. 10, 1995, in Denver, Colo. ...Son of Russell and Beverly SCHLAGER’s CAREER STATISTICS Schlager...His father played football at Fort Lewis College DEFENSE YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR in Durango, Colo. ...Cousin, Blake Weiman, plays baseball 2013 14-0 14 8 22 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 1 1 1 at Kansas University...has three brothers, one older and 2014 4-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 two younger...majoring in pre-construction management TOTAL 18-0 14 8 22 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 1 1 1 at CSU...Hometown: McCook, Neb.
86 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO johnny schupp Vacaville, Calif. (Vacaville) DL RS-JR | 6-5 | 275 | 2L 98 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Sophomore): Played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams...registered 10 tackles (four solo)...record- schupp’s CAREER STATISTICS DEFENSE ed a career-high three tackles in a home win vs. Tulsa YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR (Oct. 4). 2013 7-0 0 0 0 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2014 13-0 4 6 10 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2013 (Freshman): Saw action in seven games, playing on TOTAL 20-0 4 6 10 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 several special teams units...first collegiate game was at Wyoming (Oct. 19). SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Played offensive tackle and defensive end as a three-year letterman at Vacaville High School, halfway between Oak- land and Sacramento in Northern California...A mauling run blocker, literally led Vacaville and a devastating offense that produced four 1,000-yard rushers and 143 rushing TDs over his final two seasons, 2010 and `11; team combined for a 33-5 record during his three seasons at the varsity level...A two-year starter, did not touch the ball on offense as a high-school player...A first-team all-state lineman and the Offensive Lineman of the Year in both his region (Fairfield Daily Republic) and league (Monticello Empire) as a 2011 senior captain, played a key role in the Bulldogs’ Division II state championship...A first-team all-Sac-Joaquin Section lineman and the team’s overall MVP, blocked for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers as the team produced 79 TDs on the ground en route to the section and state crowns...As a first-year starter on the defensive side of the ball in 2011, racked up 13 sacks and 69 tackles, as well as five fumble recoveries, one of which clinched a VHS win on its opponent’s final drive)...Also forced two fumbles, and in the Bulldogs’ 27- PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES 19 win over St. Mary’s in the second round of the playoffs, deflected a pass to his defensive tackle to end a fourth-quarter threat... As a junior in 2010, started at offensive tackle and helped the Bulldogs to a 10-2 mark and a berth in the second round of the state bracket, paving the path for two 1,000-yard rushers and an offense that ran for 64 touchdowns...Did not start on defense as a junior until the playoffs, and finished with 21 tackles, one sack, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble...In 2009, saw plenty of playing time as a sophomore reserve lineman...Head football coach was Mike Papadopoulos, the California Division II Coach of the Year in 2011...An All-American in wrestling, also lettered four years in that sport, placing fifth at state as a junior...Swept five opponents from all over the country at the Minnesota Clash tournament...Ranked at the time of his signing as the nation’s No. 8 wrestler and No. 2 in California, had just pinned his adversary in 31 seconds to win the heavyweight championship of the prestigious 2012 Puma Classic... Owns larger-than-average hands (10 inches)...Improved his time in the 40-yard dash from 5.2 to 4.6 during his high school years...Top
bench press in high school was 350...Also carried a 3.0 GPA. 2014 SEASON REVIEW
Personal: Given name Jonathan Alexander Schupp...Last name is pronounced SHOOP...Born Dec. 24, 1993, in Fairfield, Calif. ...Moth- er’s name is Tami, father’s name is Jurgen and stepmother is Sherry...Has one older sister...Late grandfather Rafael Garcia continues to serve as his inspiration in athletics; a champion Golden Gloves boxer who had multiple offers to play college football, Garcia instead opted to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the Korean war...Wears an “RIP Rafael” tattoo on his left arm, and prior to every competition says a prayer in honor of his grandfather...Majoring in communication studies at Colorado State... Hometown: Vacaville, Calif.
trent sieg RECORD BOOK Eaton, Colo. (Eaton) LS RS-SO | 6-4 | 230 | 1L 58
2014 (Freshman): Played in all 13 games as long snap- per, replacing the four-year snapper Tanner Hedstrom... sieg’s CAREER STATISTICS DEFENSE HISTORY recorded two tackles...first career stop came on the road YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR at Boise State (Sept. 6) 2014 12-0 1 1 2 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • Attended Eaton (Colo.) High School where he earned three varsity football letters. • As a senior in 2012, helped the Reds to a 10-1 record and a Patriot League championship. • As a tight end, hauled in 29 receptions for 510 yards and four touchdowns. mISCELLANEOUS • In a 55-14 thrashing of Valley High School, had a career-high six receptions for 168 yards and scored two touchdowns. • Also played linebacker for Eaton racking up 67 tackles and 10 sacks in 2012. • Earned All-Colorado and all-conference honors for his play on the defensive side of the ball in 2012. • Captain of the football team as a senior. • Head football coach was Bill Mondt. 2015 Colorado State Football 87 Returner biographies • In the classroom, earned academic All-Colorado honors in 2011 and 2012. • Also lettered in baseball and basketball at Eaton.
Personal: Given name is Trent Alexander Sieg...born May 19, 1995 in Greeley, Colo. ...parents are Tim and Terie Sieg...has an older brother, Tyler, who played baseball at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., and one younger sister, Tarynn...majoring in mechanical engineering at Colorado State...Hometown: Eaton, Colo.
tyree simmons Gardena, Calif. (Gardena) DB JR | 5-11 | 185 | 2L 5
2014 (Sophomore): Played in 12 games (eight starts), recording 42 tackles (27 solo), including two tackles for loss, five pass breakups and three interceptions... tied for the team lead with the three interceptions. • Recorded career-best six tackles (three solo), and also had a solo tackle for a loss at Boise State (Sept. 6)...added two pass breakups • Registered his first interception of the season vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8) and returned it eight yards... added three tackles, and three pass breakups • Picked off two passes late in the game vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22)... on his second interception of the day, had a 68-yard return as he flew down the sideline before he was pushed out-of-bounds inside the ten-yard line... first CSU defender with two picks in a single game since DeAndre Elliott vs. Hawai’i in 2012. • Has registered at least three tackles in eight games in 2014 • CSU’s defense is only allowing 23.4 points per game, the fewest points per contest by the Rams defense since 2006 (21.9).
2013 (Freshman): Registered 28 tackles (24 solo) in 14 games for the Rams, with three starts...also a threat in the return game aver- aging 9.6 yards per punt return and 24.0 yards per kick return. • Registered his first collegiate start in a 55-22 victory at Wyoming (Oct. 19), recording four solo stops and a PBU • At Hawai’i (Oct. 26), recorded his first career sack early in the fourth quarter when he brought down UH quarterback Taylor Graham for a loss of four yards • Had his second tackle for loss on the road at New Mexico (Nov. 16). In the route of the Lobos, Simmons finished with a ca- reer-best five tackles, all solo stops • Played a crucial role in limiting Utah State to 43 yards, the fewest passing yards against the Rams since Oct. 31, 2003 vs. Air Force (29 yards) • Made his third career start in CSU’s regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30)
High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Earned three varsity letters at Gardena (Calif.) High School. • A three-year captain for the Panthers football squad. • As a senior was a threat on the ground and through the air...rushed for 1,488 yards and 20 TDs, and hauled in 26 receptions for 475 yards and 4 TDs. • In a 55-14 thrashing of Hawthorne, tied a school record scoring six touchdowns on just 11 carries. Finished the night with 137 yards rushing and 26 yards receiving. • Defensively, racked up 61 tackles (41 solo), 18 pass breakups, six tackles for loss, three interceptions and a sack. • His senior season statistics earned him first-team All-Marine League honors on both offense and defense. • Earned Panthers Most Valuable Player award after the season. • An honor roll student who received the Make a Difference Award from Gardena principal Dr. Russell Thompson. • Head football coach was Deon Toliver. • Also participated in basketball and track and field at Gardena High School.
Personal: Given name is Tyree Simmons...born May 18, 1995 in Lynwood, Calif. ...mother is Jubula Sanford...has five siblings, three younger brothers and two younger sisters...cousin, Aaron Hester, played football at UCLA and was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game...majoring in communication studies...Hometown: Gardena, Calif.
simmons’ CAREER STATISTICS Punt Returning Defense YEAR G-GS NO. YDS TD lONG AVG/R AVG/G UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2013 14-3 11 105 0 26 9.6 7.6 24 4 28 2.0-5 1.0-4 0 4 0 0 2014 12-8 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 27 15 42 2.0-10 0.0-0 3-76 5 0 0 TOTAL 26-11 11 105 0 26 9.6 4.0 51 19 70 4.0-15 1.0-4 3-76 9 0 0
88 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
THIS IS COLORADO STATETHIS IS COLORADO trey smith Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County) WR RS-FR | 6-0 | 190 | RS 27 COACHES & STAFF 2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Ranked as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned three varsity football letters with the Huskies and one each in baseball and track and field. • Three-time first-team All-Continental League selection (2011, 2012 and 2013). • Captain of the Huskies’ football team in 2013. • In his final high school season rushed for 1,381 yards and 18 touchdowns while hauling in 21 receptions for 377 yards and 4 touchdowns. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • Named Athlete of the Season by his teammates and coaching staff at Douglas County. • As a junior in 2012 was the second-leading rusher in Colorado Class 5A, scampering for 1,732 yards and 17 rushing touch- downs. • Named All-Colorado honorable mention in 2012 and an All-Colorado offensive selection by 60 Strength and Fitness. • Holds the Douglas County single-game record, rushing for 448 yards on 26 carries (17.2 avg.) and scoring four touchdowns in a 38-14 victory over Highlands Ranch on Oct. 18, 2012. • As a sophomore in 2011 rushed for 389 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 228 yards. • Chose to attend Colorado State over offers from New Mexico and Wyoming. • Head football coach was Jeff Ketron. • Played against current CSU offensive lineman Blake Nowland and wide receiver Joe Hansley. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Personal: Given name is Trey Carter Smith...born Aug. 23, 1995 in Laguna Hills, Calif. ...parents are Jeff and Amy Smith...has one younger brother, Caid...father, Jeff, played baseball at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Calif. ...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Castle Rock, Colo.
zach stefo 2014 SEASON REVIEW Arvada, Colo. (Pomona) OL RS-FR | 6-5 | 295 | RS 75
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com.
• Earned two varsity football letters and three more in track and field for the Panthers. RECORD BOOK • As a senior in 2013 led Pomona to a 9-3 record and to the quarterfinals of the 5A state championships. • Played tackle for an offensive line that blocked for a 2,400-yard rusher in 2013. • Named to the Go Cleanse All-Colorado State team and earned first-team All-North Metro honors in 2013. • Voted by teammates and coaches as 2013 Hog of the Year, given to Pomona’s top offensive lineman. • Chose Colorado State over an offer from New Mexico State. • Head football coach was Jay Madden. • Played against current Rams Jakob Buys, Blake Nowland and Trey Smith.
Personal: Given name is Zachary J. Stefo...last name is pronounced “STEFF-oh”...born May 11, 1996 in Denver, Colo. ...mother is Charity Stefo...cousin, Christian Stefo, played football for Colorado State in 2010...has an older sister, Sam...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Arvada, Colo. HISTORY
Name and mascot history The land-grant institution established in Fort Collins in 1870 has held five names. The institution’s nick- name officially became Rams in 1959. Previously, the mascot was primarily Aggies since the inception of its football program, although the team was known as Rams, Farmers and CACs during that time.
1870 Agricultural College of Colorado mISCELLANEOUS 1877 State Agricultural College or Colorado Agricultural College 1935 Colorado State College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts 1944 Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical Arts College 1957 Colorado State University
2015 Colorado State Football 89 Returner biographies
nick stevens Murrieta, Calif. (Vista Murrieta) QB RS-SO | 6-3 | 205 | 1L 7
2014 (Redshirt): Played in four games, backing up senior QB Garrett Grayson...completed 15-of-25 attempts (60%) for 136 yards and one touchdown...made his first collegiate appearance vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13). • In first collegiate appearance, was a perfect 3-for-3 for 27 yards vs. UC Davis (Sept. 13) • Threw his first career touchdown pass against Tulsa (Oct. 4), a quick screen pass to Biletnikoff finalist Rashard Higgins, who took it 36 yards for the score... finished the game completing 4-of-8 passes for 62 yards
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and a two-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com. • Two-year letterman at Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, Calif., leading his team to 27 victories in 28 games over the course of those two seasons. • A threat through the air and on the ground completing 149 of 247 passes (60.3%) for 2,316 yards and 24 TDs in 2012, while rushing 126 times for 661 yards (5.3) and 11 TDs. • His passing statistics were even somewhat limited by the number of games in which he did not play in the second half because his team held large leads. • Set Vista Murrieta single-season records with 24 passing TDs, 2,316 passing yards, and 149 completions. Holds the school’s single-game record for completions in a game when he completed 19 passes for 247 yards and three TDs in a 37-26 2012 season-opening victory over ThunderRidge. • Named first-team All-Southwestern League, first-team All-Valley and first-team All-California Interscholastic • Federation for his record-setting senior year. • Led the Broncos to a 13-1 record, an undefeated league season and a berth in the CIF Championship game while averaging more than 42 points per game. • Though defeated 30-28 by Centennial in a rematch of the previous year’s CIF Championship game, threw for 293 yards and a score, while rushing for 73 yards. • In his first year starting for the Broncos, in 2011, completed 121 passes for 1,741 yards and 14 TDs and rushed for a career-high 906 yards on 175 attempts. • In 2011, led Vista Murrieta to an undefeated 14-0 season, though the Broncos later had to forfeit the first five games because of a ruling regarding an ineligible player. • Vista Murrieta battled through adversity and became CIF champions after a 35-28 victory over Centennial. In the champion- ship, threw for 134 yards and two TDs and rushed for 108 yards. • Earned first-team All-Valley and second-team All-Southwestern League honors in 2011. • Head football coach was Coley Candaele. • Maintained a 4.21 grade-point-average and was named to the Southwestern League all-scholastic team in 2011 and 2012. • Also played for the Broncos’ basketball and baseball squads. • Head football coach was Jeff Ketron. • Played against current CSU offensive lineman Blake Nowland and wide receiver Joe Hansley.
Personal: Given name is Nich- stevens’ CAREER STATISTICS olas Stevens...born Jan. 31, passing rushing 1995 in Poway, Calif. ...parents YEAR G-GS COMP ATT INT TD PCT YDS lG ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G are Stacy and Matt Stevens... 2014 5-0 15 25 0 1 .600 136 36 1 -16 0 -16 -16.0 -16.0 has two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister... majoring in business administration at CSU...Hometown: Murrieta, Calif.
justin sweet Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman) DB RS-SO | 5-10 | 190 | 1L 29
2014 (Freshman): Played in nine games, recording 10 tackles (five solo)...saw significant action on the road at Boise State (Sept. 6), registering a career-high seven tackles (five solo).
2013 (Redshirt) Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com. • Earned six letters--three in football and three in and field--at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nev. • A three-time state and Sunset League champion for the Gaels. • In 2012, only ran the ball eight times but galloped for 194 yards and five TDs also made the most of his threereceptions on the season by racking up 122 receiving yards and one score. 90 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
• As a senior defensively, accounted for 33 tackles (24 solo), 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and one tackle for loss as he earned team Most Valuable Player honors. STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Demonstrated his speed and athleticism on special teams as he returned a kickoff 96 yards for a score against St. Louis (Hawai’i) High School in Aloha Stadium. • Helped the Gaels to a 13-1 record and a 63-10 victory over Liberty in the Nevada state championship. In the final game, ran the ball two times for 74 yards and scored on a 45-yard rush in the fourth quarter. • In 2012, the Gaels outscored their opponents, on average, 55.5 to 16.4. • Named 2012 all-city by the Las Vegas Sun. • Earned American Family Insurance All-Nevada honors. • In 2011, Bishop Gorman went 16-0 and took the Nevada state championship over Reed High School, 72-28. It was the first time the Gaels won back-to-back state championships since 1983. • As a junior, saw more action on defense as he racked up 48 tackles and two interceptions and offensively, ran the ball 12 times
for 120 yards and two TDs. COACHES & STAFF • Earned his first all-conference honor in 2011. • In his first season at the varsity level, ran the ball 68 times for 767 yards and nine TDs. • Breakout performance came in a 45-0 win over Spring Valley where he ran the ball eight times for 148 yards and scored on an 85-yard rush, the longest TD of the season for the Gaels. • Carried the ball five times in a 40-0 victory over McQueen in the Nevada state championship. • Head football coach was Tony Sanchez.
Personal: Given name is Justin J. Sweet...born Oct. 18,
sweet’s CAREER STATISTICS SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER 1994 in Las Vegas, Nev. ...mother is Tammy Rogers...has DEFENSE two older sisters...uncle, Jason Rogers, played football at YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR UNLV in the early 2000s...undecided on a major at CSU 2014 9-0 5 5 10 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev.
demontrie taylor
Denton, Texas (Guyer) PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES LB RS-FR | 5-11 | 190 | RS 7
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com.
• Earned varsity letters in football and powerlifting at Guyer High School. 2014 SEASON REVIEW • As a senior in 2013 registered 84 total tackles, including 26 tackles for loss and six sacks, along with two interceptions. • Named 2013 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 4A All-Texas honorable mention, as he led the Wildcats to a 14-2 record and their second-consecutive 4A Region I District 5 championship and state championship. • First-team All-Region I District 5 honors for the second time in his career, as a senior. • As a junior recorded a single-season career high 150 tackles, four fumble recoveries and one interception. • Named first-team All-Region I District 5 honors, as the Wildcats went 15-2 and defeated Georgetown 48-37 in the 2012 Texas state championship. • Holds Guyer High School records for power cleaning 315 pounds and squatting 505 pounds. • Member of the National Honor Society at Guyer High School. • Head football coach was John Walsh.
Personal: Given name Demontrie Taylor...first name pronounced “duh-MON-tray”...born Sept. 18, 1995 in Lubbock, Texas...parents RECORD BOOK are Melda and Mathias Bruner...has three younger brothers, J.B., Noel and Malik...uncle, B.J. Banks, played basketball at Stephen F. Austin...majoring in health and exercise science at Colorado State...Hometown: Lubbock, Texas.
tre thomas Denver, Colo. (Overland) HISTORY LB RS-FR | 6-1 | 215 | RS 52
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School:
• Rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. mISCELLANEOUS • Earned eight varsity letters at Overland, three in football and basketball and two in track and field. • In three varsity seasons posted a school-record 322 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, and five blocked kicks. • As a senior set the Overland record with 219 total tackles, an average of 19.9 per game, which led the state of Colorado. • Holds the school record for most tackles in a game, recording 27 tackles in three games as a senior (Oct. 18 vs. Smoky Hill; Oct. 25 vs. Cherokee Trail; Nov. 8 vs. Cherry Creek).
2015 Colorado State Football 91 Returner biographies • In 2013, 189 of his 219 tackles were solo stops, and he recorded seven tackles for loss and four sacks. • Captain of the Trailblazers football team in 2013. • In 2013 earned first-team All-Centennial and first-team All-Colorado honors. • Named Player of the Year by his teammates and coaching staff. • Chose Colorado State over offers from New Mexico, Northern Colorado, San Jose State, UTEP and Wyoming. • Head football coach was Seth Replogle.
Personal: Given name is Tre Thomas...born on Sept. 3, 1995 in Denver, Colo. ...parents are Ricky Thomas and Monique Humes...has an older brother, Robert Holland, and sister Renita Lewis...brother, Robert, played football at Northern Colorado...plans on majoring in business administration at Colorado State...Hometown: Denver, Colo.
deron thompson Wichita, Kan. (Northwest) RB SO | 5-10 | 178 | 1L 20
2014 (Freshman): Appeared in six games at running back and on special teams...registered 23 carries for 86 yards (3.7) with a long of 23 yards. • Rushed for a career-high 68 yards on 11 carries against Hawai’i (Nov. 8)
High School: • Ranked as a three-star recruit by CBS/247Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and Rivals.com. • Rivals.com ranked Thompson as the No. 9 player in Kansas, and the No. 14 all-purpose back in 2012. • Earned four varsity football letters and will earn his fourth track and field letter this semester for the Grizzlies. • Two-time captain of the Grizzlies football team (2012 and 2013). • First-team All-Metro selection in 2012 and 2013. • As a senior rushed for 988 yards and 17 touchdowns, on his way to earning Mel Hamilton Ford Football Player of the Year. • As a junior ran the ball 190 times for 1,482 yards (7.8 avg.) and scored 15 touchdowns. • In 2012 had three games with at least 220 rushing yards. • Finished his career with 3,620 rushing yards and 46 total touchdowns. • Excelled on the track, setting the school record in the 100 (10.40), 200 (21.78), 400-meter relay (42.33), 1600-meter relay (3.21.77) and was named the Most Outstandin Sprinter at Northwest High School. • Won two state championships (100- and 200-meter) as a senior. • Earned CBS KWCH Catchy Award as 6A 2013-14 Best Track & Field Athlete of the Year. • Chose Colorado State over Minnesota. Also had offers from Kansas State, Idaho, Army and Western Michigan. • Head football coach was Steve Martin.
Personal: Given name is Deron Orlando Thompson, named after his un- cle that passed away from cancer in 1995...given the nickname ‘The Truth’ thompson’s CAREER STATISTICS rushing for his prowess as a youth sprinter...born March 24, 1996 in Wichita, Kan. YEAR G-GS ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G ...parents are John Thompson and Loretta and Kevin Williams...father, 2014 6-0 23 86 0 23 3.7 14.3 John, has two older brothers, Dwayne Scales and John Thompson III, and one younger brother, Gabriel Williams...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Wichita, Kan.
willie udofia Atlanta, Ga. (East L.A. College) S RS-SR | 6-1 | 200 | 2L 20
2014 (Junior): Played in 12 games, primarily playing a special teams role...recorded seven tackles (three solo).
2013 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games, hauling in one catch for two yards...used on several special teams units. • Hauled in his first career catch with the Rams at Alabama (Sept. 21), a two-yard gain • Registered a tackle at New Mexico (Nov. 16) on a kickoff return, bringing down the Mountain West’s top kick return man Carlos Wiggins
2012 (Freshman): Earned an associate degree at East L.A. College and was named the teams best wide receiver.
High School: • Earned four letters in football and track and field at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga. • Helped lead the Lions to back-to-back regional championships in 2008 and 2009. • In 2009, registered a 12-3 record as a senior. • Peachtree earned a spot in the Georgia state championship game before falling 21-14 to Camden County. • Captain for his football squad in 2009.
92 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
Personal: Given name is Willie Udofia Jr. ...born Nov. 12, udofia’s CAREER STATISTICS STATETHIS IS COLORADO 1991 in Atlanta, Ga. ...parents are Willie Udofia, Sr., and Ve- DEFENSE turs Mack...has four siblings, one younger brother, Victor, YEAR G-GS UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR and three sisters, Madelyn, Breona, and Lilian...majoring 2013 10-0 0 1 1 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 in communication studies at Colorado State...Hometown: 2014 12-0 3 4 7 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 Atlanta, Ga. TOTAL 22-0 3 5 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0
jordon vaden COACHES & STAFF Henderson, Colo. (Prairie View) WR RS-JR | 6-3 | 195 | 2L 11
2014 (Sophomore): Played in six games, catching five passes for 42 yards. SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER
2013 (Freshman): Provided the Rams with a deep-play threat, hauling in 22 receptions for 255 yards (11.6) and three touchdowns while playing in 11 games with one start. • Caught his first career touchdown pass against Tulsa (Sept. 7) on a 19-yard strike from Garrett Grayson to put the Rams in front 17-14...also pulled down a deep pass across the middle for a gain of 52 yards, putting CSU on Tulsa’s one-yard line and setting up a Chris Nwoke touchdown run...finished the contest with a career-high 80 receiving yards • Hauled in his second career touchdown in the regular season finale vs. Air Force (Nov. 30), a 49-yard pass to put the Rams up 51-0...set a then-career high with four receptions • In the Rams’ win over Washington State in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 21) had a game- and career-high eight catches for 60 yards and one touchdown, which pulled CSU within one touchdown with 2:52 remaining in a game the Rams would win 48-45 on a last-second field goal PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES 2012 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: A speedy, four-sport athlete at Prairie View High School in vaden’s CAREER STATISTICS Henderson, a suburb northeast of Denver, lettered four years in football... receiving An electrifying offensive attacker and return specialist, twice earned first- YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G team Class 4A all-state honors, and garnered three consecutive first-team 2013 11-1 22 255 3 52 11.6 23.2 all-Mountain Plains League selections...Scored more touchdowns and com- 2014 7-0 5 42 0 15 8.4 6.0 piled more receiving, return and all-purpose yards than any player in PVHS TOTAL 18-1 27 297 3 52 11.0 16.5 history...Also surpassed 1,000 career return yards, including five touch- downs...As a senior team captain in 2011, managed to lead his team in rushing and passing touchdowns, after starting three games 2014 SEASON REVIEW at quarterback...A first-team all-state choice in 2011, ran for 654 yards on 96 carries, with seven TDs, while catching a team-leading 16 passes for 147 yards...Also completed 15-of-28 passes for 296 yards and four TDs...In 2009, picked up all-state and all-conference honors, registering 21 receptions for 299 yards with four TDs, and rushing for 273 yards and a TD on 33 carries...As a sophomore first- year starter in 2009, posted a career-best 37 catches for 550 yards and two TDs, while averaging nearly 15 yards per carry (14-209), with one score on the ground...Had four catches for 11 yards as a freshman...Also achieved academic all-state honors...Head football coach was Rocky Schneider...Also lettered four years in basketball, including a first-team all-conference season, and lettered twice in track and cross country...Top time in the 40-yard dash was 4.5 seconds...Also owned at the time of his signing a personal best of 14.7 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles.
Personal: Given name Jordon Lynn Vaden...Last name is pronounced VAY-din...Born Dec. 1, 1993, in Denver, Colo. ...Son of Jeff and Debra Vaden...The youngest of four children, has one brother and two sisters...Brother, Jeff, played football and competed on the track and field team at Northern Colorado, while sister Avyn played basketball and golf at Peru State in Nebraska...majoring in health RECORD BOOK and exercise science...Hometown: Henderson, Colo.
steven walker Wichita, Kan. (Butler County C.C.) HISTORY TE SR | 6-2 | 235 | 1L 30
2014 (Junior): Named first-team all-Mountain West by vote of coaches and media... Played in all 13 games and started 10, hauling in 30 receptions for 279 yards and four touchdowns. • 24-yard touchdown catch at Boise State (Sept. 6) was his first collegiate touchdown... finished the game with five receptions for 55 yards • Caught a 20-yard touchdown pass against UC Davis (Sept. 13) • Six receptions for a career-high 67 yards in a win at Boston College (Sept. 27), earning him John Mackey Award Tight End of mISCELLANEOUS the Week honorable mention • Hauled in five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown in a win over Nevada (Oct. 11) • Pulled down two receptions for 31 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown catch, vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • Earned a first-team spot on Phil Steele’s mid-season All-Mountain West list Caught his first career tou
2015 Colorado State Football 93 Returner biographies Junior College (2012-13): • Attended Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan., where he earned his associates of arts degree in one-and-a-half years. • As a sophomore in 2013, caught 12 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, which earned him All-Jayhawk Conference honors and second-team NJCAA All-American. • As a freshman in 2012 his Grizzlies reached the NJCAA National Championship game before falling to Iowa Western. • In the classroom earned All-Jayhawk Conference academic honors in 2013. • Head football coach was Troy Morrell.
High School: • Earned six varsity letters at Heights High School in Wichita, Kan., including three with the Falcons’ football program. • Compiled a 33-6 record in his three varsity seasons, advancing to the 6A Kansas championship game all three years and winning it in 2010. • Named first-team All-Kansas as a senior. • A leader on the Falcons’ offensive line that produced three 1,000-yard rushers in 2011, and averaged 348.7 rushing yards per game. • Posted an undefeated 7-0 record in Greater Wichita City district play in 2010 and 2011. • Also wrestled and ran track at Heights. • Head football coach was Rick Wheeler. walker’s CAREER STATISTICS receiving Personal: Given name is Steven Sebastian Walker...born Sept. 4, 1993 in Fort YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G Walton, Kan. ...mother is Bethal Walker, who was a track athlete at Garden 2014 13-11 30 279 4 30 9.3 21.5 City Community College and Wichita State...has an older brother, Max...inter- ested in majoring in criminal justice at Colorado State...Hometown: Wichita, Kan.
josh watson Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South) LB RS-FR | 6-2 | 230 | RS 55
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: • Rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned nine varsity letters at Blue Springs South High School--four each in football and track, and one in wrestling. • Captain of the Jaguar’s football team as a junior and senior. • As a senior in 2013 named first-team All-Missouri for his performance at linebacker, voted upon by statewide media. • Earned the Mike Jones Award, given annually to the top Missouri linebacker among all Class 6 participants. • Holds the Blue Springs South school record for tackles in a season (177) as a senior, and tackles in a game (31 vs. Fort Osage on Sept. 6, 2013). • In 2013, earned first-team All-Suburban Gold honors after earning second-team honors in 2012. • As a sophomore in 2011 helped lead the Jaguars to their first state championship since 2006 with a 40-37 victory over Chris- tian Brothers. • Chose Colorado State over offers from Army, Navy and South Dakota State. • Head football coach was Greg Oder. • Played with current Colorado State running back Donnell Alexander at Blue Springs South.
Personal: Given name is Joshua Jack Watson...born May 20, 1996 in Kansas City, Mo. ...parents are Steven and Stephanie Watson and Mona Smith...father, Steven, played football at Arkansas-Pine Bluff...has one older sister, Erin, and two younger sisters, Joy and Zoe... undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
eric williams Castle Rock, Colo. (Rock Canyon) RB JR | 5-9 | 205 | 2L 41
2014 (Sophomore): Played in all 13 games on special teams and saw action against Tulsa (Oct. 4) and New Mexico (Nov. 22) at run- ning back...had two carries for four yards...forced a fumble on a second-quarter kickoff at San Jose State (Nov. 1).
2013 (Freshman): Came to CSU as a walk-on and quickly impressed the coaching staff...saw action in eight games, both at running back and as a contributor on special teams. • Made three tackles playing special teams, including a career-best two tackles at Hawai’i (Oct. 26)...other tackle came early in the season vs. Cal Poly (Sept. 14) • Registered five rushes for three yards...first career carry at Utah State (Nov. 23) • In the Rams’ regular season finale, ran the ball three times for five yards
94 2015 Colorado State Football Returner biographies
High School: • Earned seven varsity letters at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. STATETHIS IS COLORADO • Between 2010 and 2012, earned three first-team All-Pioneer honors. • Earned Pioneer offensive MVP honors after rushing for 2,115 yards and 28 touchdowns his senior year. • As a junior, name first-team All-Colorado...also earned all-state honorable mentions in 2010 and 2012. • Holds two Rock Canyon single-season records for rushing yards (2,115) and rushing touchdowns (28). • In the classroom, earned first-team All-Colorado academic honors in 2010 and 2011, and second-team all-state in 2012. • Also achieved three letters in lacrosse and one in track and field. • Head football coach was Tom Lynch.
Personal: Given name is Eric Daniel Williams...born June 3, 1994, in Trenton, N.J. ...parents are Kevin and Patricia Williams...has two brothers, Bradley and Nathan...majoring in business administration at Colorado State...Hometown: Castle Rock, Colo. COACHES & STAFF williams’ CAREER STATISTICS rushing DEFENSE YEAR G-GS ATT YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G UT AT TT TFL SCK INT PBU ff fR 2013 8-0 5 3 0 4 0.6 0.4 0 3 3 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0 2014 13-0 2 4 0 2 2.0 0.3 3 2 5 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 1 0 TOTAL 21-0 7 7 0 4 1.0 0.3 3 5 8 0.0-0 0.0-0 0 0 1 0 SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER xavier williams San Diego, Calif. (Cathedral Catholic) WR RS-SO | 6-4 | 215 | 1L 84 PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES 2014 (Freshman): Played in all 13 games, making three starts, catching 30 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns. • Saw first career action in season-opening win against Colorado (Aug. 29), catching three passes for 29 yards. • His 21-yard touchdown reception against Wyoming (Oct. 25) was the first touchdown catch of his career • Pulled in three catches for 48 yards and a touchdown in a win vs. Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • Registered six receptions for 90 yards against New Mexico (Nov. 22), which were both career highs • 76-yard touchdown at Air Force (Nov. 28) was the longest reception of his career... it is the longest catch by a CSU receiver since Sept. 20, 2008 when Dion Morton caught a 79-yard touchdown from Billy Farris • Recorded three catches for 49 yards against Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 20), including a 22 yard reception
2013 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. 2014 SEASON REVIEW High School: • Rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com. • Lettered one year in football at Cathedral Catholic High School in Del Mar, Calif. • In his one season of football, led the team with 29 catches for 605 yards and six TDs. • In a close loss to fellow CSU recruit Nick Stevens and Vista Murrietta, recorded a career-high five receptions for 61yards. • Excelled on the basketball court where he earned first-team All-Western League and first team All-California honors after a 30-4 junior campaign. • In four varsity seasons on the hardwood, has compiled an 80-30 record. • Head football coach was Sean Doyle. • Also earned four varsity basketball letters. RECORD BOOK Personal: Given name is Xavier Williams...born Dec. 20, 1994 in San Diego, williams’ CAREER STATISTICS Calif. ...parents are Danny and Robin Williams...has one older brother, Ster- receiving ling...uncle Tyren Naulls played basketball for UCLA and Texas A&M and YEAR G-GS REC YDS TD lG AVG/C AVG/G was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the fifth round of the 1983 NBA 2014 13-4 30 430 3 76 14.3 33.1 Draft...majoring in communications at CSU...Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
marcus wilson HISTORY Aurora, Colo. (Valor Christian) CB RS-FR | 5-10 | 190 | RS 39
2014 (Redshirt): Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. mISCELLANEOUS High School: • Rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. • Earned seven letters--four in basketball and three in football--at Valor Christian. • Played cornerback, safety and wide receiver for the Eagles in his three varsity seasons. • Three-time 5A Colorado state champion with Valor Christian, compiling a 39-3 record, losing just once to in-state competition.
2015 Colorado State Football 95 Returner biographies • As a senior in 2013, the Eagles were ranked 24th nationally by MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings and out- scored opponents on average by 35.6 points per game. • In 2013 recorded 47 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, and nine pass deflections. • As a junior hauled in 13 receptions for 135 yards and defensively tallied 40 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception. • Committed to Colorado State over offers from Northern Colorado and South Dakota State. • Head football coach was Rod Sherman. • Played with current CSU defensive lineman George Maumau at Valor Christian and against Rams wide receiver Cole Ander- son.
Personal: Given name is Marcus Wilson...born Nov. 13, 1995 in Aurora, Colo. ...parents are Marcus and Amber Wilson...has an older brother, Javonte and a younger brother, Isaac...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Aurora, Colo.
fred zerblis Grayson, Ga. (Grayson) OL RS-JR | 6-3 | 295 | 1L 54
2014 (Sophomore): Voted honorable mention All-Mountain West by vote of coaches and zerblis’ CAREER STATISTICS media...started all 13 games at right guard...helped lead the Rams to their best record (10- offensive line 3) since 2000... helped block for a 4,000-yard passer (Grayson - 4,006) and 1,200-yard YEAR G-GS UT AT TT ff rusher (Hart - 1,275)... the Rams topped the 500-yard mark five times, including twice sur- 2014 3-0 0 0 0 0 passing the 670-yard mark... the CSU offense broke several single-season school records: 2014 13-13 1 0 1 1 offensive yards (6,252), total yards per game (480.92), passing yards (4,181), passing yards/ TOTAL 16-13 1 0 1 1 attempt (9.35) and passing touchdowns (34). • Graded out above 85-percent in each game this season, recording over 60 knockdown blocks • Made first career start in season-opening win over Colorado (Aug. 29)... helped pave the way for 266 yards of rushing offense, the most rushing yards by CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown • Wasinstrumental in helping the Rams rack up a CSU single-game record 698 yards of total offense vs. New Mexico (Nov. 22) and 676 yards of total offense against UC Davis (Sept. 13), the third-most in CSU history • The Rams did not allow a sack against Hawai’i (Nov. 8) • CSU offense converted51.2-percent of third-down attempts, the fifth-best among FBS teams and well ahead of previous school record of 46.3 (1985) • Rams averaged 480.9 yards of total offense per game,which brokesingle-season school record (470.8 in 2013)
2013 (Freshman): Saw action in four games, backing up first-team All-Mountain West center Weston Richburg, who was drafted 43rd overall by the New York Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft. • Saw action in his first collegiate game against Wyoming, a 52-22 victory over the Cowboys • Appeared in three other games for the Rams (Nevada, at New Mexico and Air Force)
2012: Redshirted as a true freshman in his first season of college eligibility.
High School: Started the final 29 games of his career and did not allow a sack as the center on one of the nation’s best teams, Grayson (Ga.) High School, just east of Atlanta...A three-year letterman, earned two all-county and all-state awards during his only two seasons as an offensive lineman; played nose guard in a 3-4 defense as sophomore, before finding his niche on the other side of the ball...Helped the 15-0 Rams, who wore gold helmets with green horns, to the Georgia Class 5A state championship as a senior...Was a senior captain and the top offensive lineman on a team that ranked No. 4 in the final USA Today Super 25, MaxPreps.com Xcellent 25 and ESPN.com Gatorade Fab 50, and No. 6 in the Rivals.com High School BCS...Earned first-team all-state and first-team all-county honors in 2011, and an invitation to the county all-star game...Also invited to the Georgia North-South All-Star Game in Columbus...As a junior in 2010, started all 14 games at center in his first season at the position, helping the Rams to a 10-4 mark and a berth in the state semifinals; did not allow a sack on a 10-4 squad...Saw increased late-season playing time, including occasional starts, on one of the state’s top defenses as a sophomore nose guard in 2009, when Grayson finished 12-1 and lost in the state semifinals...Also lettered twice in track and field, specializing in the throwing events, and one year in wrestling...Head football coach was Mickey Conn...Max bench press in high school was 320 pounds.
Personal: Given name Frederick Thomas Zerblis...Born Feb. 24, 1993, in Grayson, Ga. ...Son of Tony and Kari Zerblis...Has an older sister...Dad’s cousin is Chris Gardocki, an All-Pro punter who spent 16 years in the NFL with the Bears, Browns, Colts and Steelers, where he won a Super Bowl ring...double majoring in communication studies and history...Hometown: Grayson, Ga.
96 2015 Colorado State Football newcomer biographies
Valley, Minn., earning three varsity letters each in football and Braxton davis soccer. STATETHIS IS COLORADO Fort Collins, Colo. (Poudre) • Helped lead his soccer team to three state championship ap- pearances and a state title his junior season. K FR | 5-11 | 170 | HS • Earned all-conference honors in soccer his junior and senior 94 seasons. High School: • Holds the school record for most assists in a year and most • Is a 2015 graduate of Poudre High School, where he earned career assists in soccer. three varsity letters in football. • Made 28-of-29 extra points and had 19 touchbacks during his • Averaged 41.5 yards per punt. senior season. • Team’s Special Teams Player of the Year three times. • Head football coach was Kelly Sherwin. • Earned All-Front Range League honorable mention honors as a senior. Personal: Given name is Samuel Jon Fluegge…born on Sept. 14, • City champions as a senior in 2014. 1995 in Owatonna, Minn….parents are Norman and Jolene Flueg-
• Head football coach was Marty McVicker. ge…Has one older sister, Amy, and one older brother, Jay…Home- COACHES & STAFF • Played against current Ram Max McDonald. town: Apple Valley, Minn. • Also lettered in basketball, in which he was team captain as a senior. Personal: Given name is Braxton Michael Davis…born Aug. 21, salofi gaoa 1996 in Fort Collins, Colo. …parents are Jeff and Marie Davis… Fort Collins, Colo. (Rocky Mountain) both parents graduated from CSU…has a younger brother, Austin, and two sisters, Nicole and Dannika…is undecided on a major at DL FR | 6-6 | 270 | HS Colorado State…hometown: Fort Collins, Colo. 74
High School: SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER • Lettered in football while at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colo. chandler drachslin • Leader on an offensive line that helped block for over 2,400 Riverside, Calif. (Riverside Polytechnic) rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns. • The Lobos went 9-2, but lost in the second round of the 5A QB FR | 6-3 | 190 | HS state playoffs. 16 • For his performance as a senior, named All-Colorado by CH- High School: SAA, PrepColorado and 60 Strength & Fitness. • Is a 2015 graduate of Riverside Polytechnic, in Riverside, Calif. • Also as a senior, named first-team All-Front Range League and • Named the 2015 Citrus Belt Director’s Athlete of the Year. was invited to play in the Poly All-American Bowl. • Two-time CIF-SS Inland Valley League Football first-team all- • Captain of the Lobos football program in 2014. league selection (2013-14) • Also exceled in the classroom, spending junior and senior
• Two-time Press Enterprise All-Riverside County honorable year on the Silver Honor Roll. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES mention (2013-14). • Earned technology honors at Rocky Mountain in 2014. • Named athlete of the week by the Press Enterprise Inland • Played with Rams signee Max McDonald. Empire twice. • Head football coach was Mark Brook. • National Underclassman (NUC) Combine West QB MVP (2012). Personal: Given name is Salofi Brock Gaoa...born Dec. 4, 1996 in • Inland Empire vs. Orange County All-Star Classic Football Salt Lake City, Utah...parents are Sal and Rose Gaoa...his mother, Game participant (2015). Rose, currently attends CSU...has one younger sister, Fia'Ave...un- • Helped the Bears to an undefeated league title in 2014 and a decided on a major at CSU...hometown: Fort Collins, Colo. runner-up finish in 2013. • Appeared in the school’s first CIF championships in three de- cades in 2014, finishing runner-up. • Lettered three years each in football and basketball. o'Shea Jackson 2014 SEASON REVIEW • High school football coach was Dennis Brown. Arlington, Texas (Martin) Personal: Given name is Chandler Robert Drachslin...born Aug. DL FR | 6-1 | 290 | HS 21, 1997 in Riverside, Calif. ...parents are Robert and Arlene 56 Drachslin...has two older sisters, Lanae and Alyssa…father played High School: basketball at Cal Baptist, while sister, Alyssa, is a current volley- • Lettered in football at Arlington (Texas) Martin High School. ball player at Temple…majoring in engineering at Colorado State... • Compiled a 20-6 record in two varsity seasons. hometown: Riverside, Calif. • As a senior, helped lead the Warriors to a 6A Region I District 4 championship (7-0) and a 10-3 record. • In 2014, registered 69 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and two sacks while earning first-team All-District 4 honors. justin falls • As a junior, recorded 63 tackles, including seven tackles for Denver, Colo. (Southern Utah) loss and 5.5 sacks, while leading Arlington Martin to a 10-3 record. RECORD BOOK FB SO | 6-0 | 200 | TR 40 • Threw the shotput for the Warriors. • Also was a standout basketball player for the Arlington Hurri- 2014: Attended Southern Utah University where he played line- canes select team. Head football coach was Bob Wager. backer. Personal: Given name is O'Shea Jackson...born Feb. 24, 1997 in High School: Pasadena, Calif. ...parents are Wharlest and Crystal Jackson...has • Lettered in football and baseball at Valor Christian High one sister, Torrian Joseph... Member of the Multicultural Alliances School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. and Fellowship of Christian Athletes...interested in majoring in • Led his team to four consecutive state championships. business administration at Colorado State...Hometown: Arlington, • Earned all-state honors in 2012 and 2013. Texas. • Registered 105 tackles and three interceptions as a senior. • Head football coach was Rod Sherman. HISTORY Personal: Given name is Justin Falls…born on Dec. 27, 1995 in Austin, Texas…parents are Mike and Leigh Ann Falls… Has three Kyle jacobs sisters, Ashleigh, Lauren and Hannah…majoring in business man- Garden Grove, Calif. (Golden West College) agement at Colorado State…Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colo. K FR | 5-8 | 175 | HS 95 High School: sam fluegge • Earned four varsity letters in football and three in baseball at Apple Valley, Minn. (North Dakota) The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
• All-city kicker/punter in 2013 as well as the special teams play- mISCELLANEOUS K/P FR | 6-1 | 165 | HS er of the year. 83 • First-team all-conference honoree for his play as a safety. 2014: Attended the University of North Dakota. • Helped lead his team to a conference championship in 2013. • Single-season school record with six interceptions. High School: • Head football coach was David Bervig. • Was a two-sport athlete at Eastview High School in Apple
2015 Colorado State Football 97 newcomer biographies
Personal: Given name is Kyle Robert Jacobs…born on Oct. 26, 1995 in Escondido, Calif….parents are Robert and Peggy Jacobs… Has one older sister, Julia, and one younger brother, Robby… Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo. IZzy Matthews Redding, Calif. (Enterprise) RB FR | 6-0 | 215 | HS 33 olabisi johnson High School: Lakewood, Colo. (Bear Creek) • Earned two football varsity letters at Enterprise High School in Redding, Calif. WR FR | 6-0 | 185 | HS 81 • Two-time captain of the Hornets football team. • Owns the Enterprise record for rushing yards in a single game High School: when he tallied 374 yards, rushing yards in a season (2,220 - • Selected Colorado State over offers from Army and Northern 2013) and single-season rushing touchdowns (32 - 2013). Colorado. • Two-time first-team All-Eastern League, first-team All-Record • Earned three varsity football and track and field letters while Searchlight and Record Searchlight Valuable Player. competing for the Bears. • As a junior, was named NorCal D2 Player of the Year. • Captain of the Bear Creek football program in 2013 and '14. • Earned All-California honors in his two varsity seasons at En- • Named first-team All-Jeffco as a junior and senior. terprise High School. • In 2014, while leading the Bears to a 7-4 record, rushed for • Led the Hornets to back-to-back Eastern League Champi- 698 yards and nine touchdowns, and caught 25 passes for onships, while rushing for 3,626 yards and scoring 54 total 402 yards and three touchdowns...defensively, led the team touchdowns in two seasons. with 100 total tackles (74 solo). • Compiled a 24-2 record at the varsity level. • Named first-team All-Colorado as a senior. • Played against Class of 2015 signee Justin Nunez. • Excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on Bear Creek's • Also lettered in basketball (twice) and track and field (3 times). Academic Athletics Honor Roll (2011-14), and was a two-time • Head football coach was Darren Trueblood. Academic All-Colorado performer (2013-14). • Played with current Rams center Jake Bennett. Personal: Given name is Isaiah Matthews...goes by Izzy...born • Head football coach was Zach Morris. June 30, 1997 in Redding, Calif. ...parents are Jason and Sara • In 2014, won the Class 5A Colorado 110 meter hurdles with a Matthews...has one older brother, Aaron, and one younger sis- winning time of 14.34. ter, Jadyn...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: • As a sprinter, earned first-team All-Jeffco honors in 2013 and '14. Redding, Calif. • Holds school record in the 4X100 relay. Personal: Given name is Olabisi Johnson...prefers to go by Bisi... Deshon mayes born March 17, 1997 in Wheat Ridge, Colo. ...parents are Bode Arvada, Colo. (Glendale (Ariz.) C.C.) and Traci Johnson...his father, Bode, attended college at Federal Polytechnic in Nigeria... plans on majoring in health promotion at LB JR | 6-2 | 200 | JC 44 Colorado State...Hometown: Lakewood, Colo. Community College: • Earned an associates degree in general studies at Glendale (Ariz.) Community College. Richard king • In 2013, racked up 40 tackles, including five tackles for loss Aurora, Colo. (Rangeview) and two sacks, and one forced fumble and an interception. DL FR | 6-5 | 250 | HS 62 High School: • Earned letters in basketball, football and track and field at Po- High School: mona High School in Arvada, Colo. • Earned two varsity football letters and one in basketball at • As a senior, racked up 119 tackles on the way to earning Rangeview High School in Aurora, Colo. All-Colorado honors from the Denver Post. • Named second-team All-South Metro for his performance as a • Named first-team All-North Metro League as a junior and se- defensive end and tight end...registered 36 tackles, including nior. 10 tackles for loss and two sacks, while hauling in five recep- • Helped lead the Panthers to a North Metro championship and tions for 53 yards and three touchdowns. an 11-2 record as a junior...Pomona advanced to the semifinals • In his two varsity seasons, never lost a league game compiling of the Colorado 5A championships before losing to Lake- an 11-0 record. wood. • Captain of the Raiders football team as a senior in 2014. • In 2011, registered 87 tackles (64 solo), including three sacks, • Helped lead Rangeview to its fourth and fifth consecutive and also picked off two passes. South Metro championships as a junior and senior. • Played against current Rams Jakob Buys and Toran Huwa and • Exceled in the classroom as a four-time Athletic Honor Roll played with offensive lineman Zach Stefo. honoree for football and basketball...also earned Achieve- • Head football coach was Jay Madden. ment Award for Excellence in Academic Summer Program, and High Honors GPA from 2012-13. Personal: Given name is Deshon Dion Mayes...born Dec. 9, 1994 • Played against current Rams offensive lineman Zack Golditch. in Denver, Colo. ...parents are Kevin, Sr., and Heather Mayes...has • Head football coach was Dave Gonzales. five siblings, four brothers, Dion, Kevin Jr., Kashon and Keenan, and one sister, Kayla...has an eight-month-old son, Davion...un- Personal: Given name is Richard King...born May 8, 1997 in decided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Arvada, Colo. Denver, Colo. ...parents are Clint and Felisha King...has one older brother, Dominic, and two younger brothers, Jullian and Christan...undecided on a major at Colorado State. Max Mcdonald Fort Collins, Colo. (Rocky Mountain) Michael Kovac LB FR | 6-2 | 220 | HS 31 Pueblo, Colo. (Pueblo South) High School: • Earned three varsity football letters at Rocky Mountain High DE FR | 6-4 | 230 | HS 94 School in Fort Collins, Colo. • Captain of the Lobos football team as a junior and senior. High School: • As a senior, the Lobos went 9-2 but lost in the second round • Four-sport athlete at Pueblo South High School in Pueblo, of the 5A Colorado Playoffs. Colo., earning varsity letters in football, basketball, lacrosse • In 2014, racked up 138 total tackles, including six sacks...Reg- and tennis. istered a state-best 111 solo stops. • Earned first-team all-conference honors his senior season. • His senior-year performance earned him first-team All-Colora- • Helped lead his team to a conference championship in 2014. do honors by the Denver Post...was second-team All-Colorado • Named a team captain by his coaches and teammates in foot- by CHSAA. ball his senior season. • Named 2014 Front Range Defensive Player of the Year, and • Served as a team captain for lacrosse and basketball. was a three-time All-Front Range selection. • Head football coach was Ryan Goddard. • As a junior, registered 109 tackles and two interceptions. • In his first varsity season (2012), rushed the ball 81 times for Personal: Given name is Michael Kovac…prefers to go by Mak... 318 yards and five touchdowns, and tallied 52 tackles. born on July 13, 1995 in Pueblo, Colo….parents are Mike and De- • Exceled in track and field winning the Front Range Champion- nise Kovac…Has one younger brother, Hunter…majoring in busi- ship in the shotput. ness at Colorado State…Hometown: Pueblo, Colo. • Also lettered in track & field and basketball.
98 2015 Colorado State Football newcomer biographies
• Owns the Rocky Mountain power clean record (320) honors as a junior. • Named first-team academic All-Colorado as a junior and se- • First-team all-league as a senior and second-team all-league STATETHIS IS COLORADO nior. as a junior. • Played with Rams signee Salofi Gaoa. • Helped Grandview to a league title in 2014 as a senior. • Head football coach was Mark Brook. • Set a school record with five touchdowns scored in a game. • Named team MVP as a junior and earned his team’s Sudden Personal: Given name is Paul McDonald...goes by Max...born Jan. Impact Award as a senior. 16, 1997 in Fort Collins, Colo. ...parents are Monte and Christie Mc- • Team captain as a junior and senior. Donald...uncle, Kevin Warner, played football at CSU, uncle, Dan • Earned three varsity letters in football and two in track. Warner, played soccer at Air Force and aunt, Jene Warner, ran • Played football against current Ram Zach Golditch. track at CSU... has one older brother, Brode, who plays football • Head football coach was John Schultz. at CSU-Pueblo, and a younger sister, Gabriella...undecided on a major at Colorado State...Hometown: Fort Collins. Personal: Given name is Chukwuma Uma Obinnah…goes by Chuk…born Feb. 12, 1997 in Yonkers, N.Y. …parents are Austine
and Ugo Obinnah…has an older sister, Adaeze, and a younger COACHES & STAFF brother, Uche…sister plays basketball at Rice…majoring in ac- Colby Meeks counting at Colorado State…hometown: Aurora, Colo. Orlando, Fla. (Dr. Phillips) OL FR | 6-4 | 300 | HS 51 mitch parsons High School: Parker, Colo. (Vanderbilt) • Enrolled at Colorado State in January, and has been on cam- pus working out with the Rams since. TE FR | 6-4 | 255 | TR • Earned three varsity letters in football and wrestling while at 85 SEASON OUTLOOK & r OSTER Dr. Phillips. Vanderbilt: Eligible to play in 2015 after transferring from Vander- • Compiled a 38-3 record as a three-year starter for the Pan- bilt at mid-year and enrolling at CSU in January. thers. • As a senior in 2014, named Florida Athletic Coaches Associa- High School: tion All-District and Orlando Sentinel All-Central Florida for his • Will be a redshirt-freshman in 2015 with four years to complete performance as an offensive lineman. four seasons of eligibility. • Associated Press second-team All-Florida as a senior. • Coming out of Chaparral High School, Rivals.com had Parsons • As a junior was named to the Orlando Sentinel's Super60 listed as the No. 2 overall player in Colorado and the No. 7 team. tight end nationally. • Helped lead the Panthers to three consecutive (2012-14) dis- • Had offers from Ole Miss, Arizona State, California and Van- trict championships. Also won a regional championship as a derbilt. sophomore in 2012. • Earned three varsity letters in football and two as a basketball
• In 2014, named US Army Reserve Student-Athlete Award and player. PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES Dr. Phillips Principal's Award for Excellence in Athletics and • First-team All-Colorado and first-team All-Continental League Academics. as a junior and senior for the Wolverines. • Also exceled in wrestling where he was the Florida 8A runner • Played in the O-D All American Bowl in 2012, pulling down the up as a senior, and earned All-Central Florida honors in back- winning touchdown catch. to-back years in 2013 and '14. • Captain of the Chaparral football team as a senior. • Played high school football with current Rams wide receiver • In his final high school season, hauled in 45 receptions for Deionte Gaines. 754 yards and seven touchdowns, helping the Wolverines to • Head football coach was Rodney Wells. an 8-3 record. • As a junior, caught 35 passes for 635 yards and seven touch- Personal: Given name is Colby Davis Meeks...born Feb. 5, 1996 downs. in Gainesville, Fla. ...parents are Sanford and Allyson Meeks, both • On the hardwood, was captain as a senior, and helped Chap-
of whom graduated from the University of Florida...has one older arral win the 2012 state title. 2014 SEASON REVIEW brother, Alton, and a younger brother Dylan...Alton is currently • On the gridiron, played against current Rams Eric Williams, a linebacker at Iowa State...undecided on a major at Colorado Joe Hansley, Blake Nowland and Trey Smith...on the basket- State...Hometown: Orlando, Fla. ball court, played against Marcus Wilson and Kevin Davis. • Head football coach was John Vogt.
Personal: Given name is Mitchell Gregory Parsons...prefers to go justin nunez by Mitch...born June 2, 1995 in Gilbert, Ariz. ...parents are Greg Red Bluff, Calif. (Red Bluff) and Kristen Parsons...has one younger sister, Kayla...plans on ma- joring in business administration with a minor in zoology at Colo- OL FR | 6-5 | 325 | HS 64 rado State...Hometown: Parker, Colo. High School: • Earned two varsity football letters at Red Bluff (Calif.) High School. Adam Prentice RECORD BOOK • Captain of the football program as a junior and senior. Fresno, Calif. (Clovis) • As a senior, named first-team All-Eastern League honors and first-team All-Northern Section, while racking up 69 total tack- FB FR | 6-0 | 220 | HS les, including 5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. 46 • Earned honorable mention All-Eastern League as a junior re- High School: cording an identical 69 tackles as he did in his final season. • Is a 2015 graduate of Clovis High School. • Voted MVP of Spartans football team, and also won King Leo- • Jack Bohar Memorial Award recipient. nidas Award. • Earned a co-league championship in 2012. • Exceled in the classroom, earning a spot on the honor roll in • Was a national champion wrestler, in addition to earning two 2011 and 2014. state titles • Head football coach was Corey Hein. • Three-time league, conference and city champion in wres- tling. Personal: Given name is Justin Renee Nunez...born April 11, 1997 • Earned three varsity letters in football and wrestling, and two HISTORY in Daly City, Calif. ...son of Renaldo and Mareta Nunez... has three in track. brothers, R.J., Victor and Xavier, and one younger sister Lealoni... • Earned all-league honors in track. interested in majoring in business administration and minoring in • Head football coach was Rich Hammond. accounting at Colorado State...Hometown: Red Bluff, Calif. • Graduated No. 16 in his class, earning Advanced Studies Scholar of Distinction recognition. • Played against current Rams Josh Lovingood, Kevin Nutt, Jr. and Braylin Scott. chuk obinnah Aurora, Colo. (Grandview) Personal: Given name is Adam Michael Prentice…born Jan. 16,
1997 in Fresno Calif. …parents are Gary and Renae Prentice… mISCELLANEOUS RB FR | 6-0 | 215 | HS has a younger brother, Anthony, and an older sister, Aimee…dad 37 played football at UC Davis…majoring in civil engineering at Colo- High School: rado State…hometown: Fresno, Calif. • Is a 2015 graduate of Grandview High School in Aurora, Colo. • Also attended Regis Jesuit High School (2011-12). • First-team All-Colorado as a senior after earning second-team
2015 Colorado State Football 99 newcomer biographies
J.C. Robles Brandon summer Visalia, Calif. (El Diamante) Pueblo, Colo. (Pueblo West) QB FR | 6-5 | 200 | HS 10 LB FR | 6-0 | 215 | HS 42 High School: High School: • Earned nine varsity letters while attending El Diamante High • Was a three-sport athlete at Pueblo West High School in Pueb- School, including two in football. lo, Colo., earning a total of three varsity letters in football. • Captain of the Miners varsity football program from 2013 to • Named to the first-team All-Foothills Conference his sopho- '14...was also named captain of the track and basketball teams more, junior and senior seasons. in 2014 and '15. • Also earned all-state honors his junior and senior campaigns. • Leaves the El Diamante football program holding career re- • Helped lead his team to the league championship his sopho- cord in passing yards (4,268), completions (252) and total more and junior seasons. touchdowns (59) and holds the school single-season record • Named the team’s defensive MVP in 2014. for passing yards (2,416), completions (165), passing touch- • Served as the team’s captain in 2014. downs (22) and rushing touchdowns (12). • Head football coach was Monte Pinkerton. • Earned back-to-back first-team All-West Yosemite League honors as a junior and senior. Personal: Given name is Brandon Douglas Summer…born on July • Named Miners offensive player of the year by vote of coaches 29, 1997 in Pueblo West, Colo….parents are Doug and Cindy Sum- and teammates in 2013 and '14. mer…has one older brother, Sean…majoring in agricultural busi- • In 2013, led the Miners to a 12-1 record, and a West Yosemite ness at Colorado State…Hometown: Shallow Water, Texas. League championship and section championship. • Played against current Rams defensive lineman Josh Lovin- good. • Head football coach was Mark Rogers. darnell thompson • As a sophomore, was a top-50 high jumper nationally, while Raleigh, N.C. (Highland (Kan.) C.C.) earning first-team all-league honors and was an all-Central Section qualifier. DL SO | 6-5 | 275 | JC • Also earned four track and field and three basketball varsity 93 letters. Community College: • Exceled in the classroom, holding a 4.0 grade point average • Transfers to Colorado State after spending one year at High- for six consecutive semesters. land (Kan.) Community College. • In his lone season at Highland CC, registered 13 tackles, in- Personal: Given name is Jaime Christian Robles...prefers to go cluding one sack, and recovered two fumbles. by J.C....born Jan. 12, 1997 in Tulare, Calif. ...parents are Jaime • Chose Colorado State over Appalachian State, Buffalo, East- and Olga Robles ...has two younger siblings, one brother, Jacob, ern Kentucky, Fresno State, Lamar, Louisiana-Lafayette, Ohio, and a sister, Jasmyne...undecided on a major at Colorado State... Purude, SE Louisiana and Western Kentucky. Hometown: Visalia, Calif. High School: • Lettered in football at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C. • As a senior, led his team to an 11-2 record. braylin scott • Played basketball at Wakefield. Bakersfield, Calif. (Liberty) • Head football coach was Rod Sink. • Also attended Millbrook High School and Wake Forest High DB FR | 6-3 | 185 | HS 18 School. High School: Personal: Given name is Darnell Thompson...born April 19, 1994 • Earned varsity letters while playing football and basketball at in Raleigh, N.C. ...parents are John and Latanya Webb...has two Liberty High School in Bakersfield, Calif. older brothers, Durell and Deshawn...interested in majoring in bi- • Named first-team All-Southwest Yosemite League in 2014 ology at Colorado State...Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. after hauling in 37 receptions for 902 yards and nine touch- downs. • Defensively, recorded 25 tackles and five pass breakups. • Led the Patriots to a Southwest Yosemite League Champion- alec wirtjes ship and a 10-3 record as a senior. Colorado Springs, Colo. (Discovery Canyon) • Voted Impact Player of the Year by teammates and coaching staff. TE FR | 6-5 | 210 | HS • Worked his way into the Patriots' starting lineup with two 18 games left in his junior campaign, playing cornerback. Personal: Given name is Alec Wirtjes…born on Dec. 19, 1995 in • Exceled on the hardwood, helping lead his team to a league Kalamazoo, Mich….parents are Rory and Becky Wirtjes…has one championship as a junior. younger sister, Hannah…majoring in computer science at Colora- • Also attended Bakersfield High School (2011-13) and West do State…Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colo. High School. • Head football coach was Bryan Nixon. Personal: Given name is Braylin J. Scott...born Sept. 27, 1997 in Dawit Woldu Bakersfield, Calif. ...parents are Michael Scott and Robyn Sumlin... Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson) has two sisters, Tasialynn and Cynia...two uncles played collegiate football, Bryson Sumlin (Fresno State) and Gary Sumlin (Western WR FR | 6-2 | 190 | HS Illinois)...interested in majoring in engineering at Colorado State... 10 Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif. High School: • Was a three-sport athlete at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, Colo., earning a total of six varsity letters, including one in football. Caleb Smith • In 2012, was named a first-team Academic All-State honoree. Inglewood, Calif. (Santa Monica) • Holds the school record in the 800 meter and was named the team’s MVP twice for track and cross country. LB SO | 6-4 | 250 | JC • Competed against current CSU defensive back, Shun John- 53 son. Junior College: • Head football coach was Jesus Esco. • Attended Santa Monica (Calif.) College for one season in 2014. • Racked up 44 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 Personal: Given name is Dawit Woldu…born on Oct. 3, 1996 in sacks, and one forced fumble for the Corsairs. Axum, Ethiopia…parents are Yhdego and Zenebesh Woldu…has • Earned second-team all-conference honors in his lone season. four older brothers and one sister…Older brother, Efrem, compet- • Led the Corsairs to a 7-4 record, including an undefeated 7-0 ed in both football and track and field at Colorado State…major- conference record. ing in psychology and minoring in business at Colorado State… Hometown: Denver, Colo.
100 2015 Colorado State Football