Jay Norvell pleased with progress in CSU's second scrimmage

Colorado State got in close to 120 snaps during Saturday’s scrimmage at Canvas Stadium. 

While the format did not resemble a real game as much as the Green & Gold Game will next weekend, the Rams were able to rep the ones against each other and evaluate the twos in a live setting with full contact. They were able to work through a multitude of Red Zone scenarios as well, including along the goal line, which according to Jay Norvell was much needed. 

“I just thought that it was a really good scrimmage,” Norvell said. “The defense made some plays, the offense made some plays. We got the ball in the end zone several times. So we’re starting to see a lot of progress.” 

While there were plays made on both sides of the ball, including interceptions from Langston Williams (DB), Chase Wilson (LB) and Dominic Morris (DB), the star of the show was wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound sophomore made multiple contested catches along the sideline and had the highlight of the day when he brought down a one-handed grab in the end zone near the end of the scrimmage. 

Justus Ross-Simmons with the one-handed grab in the Red Zone 👀

Sophomore receiver is having a big day. pic.twitter.com/i9ul8bMwNi

— Justin Michael (@JustinTMichael) April 15, 2023

“He’s been good all spring,” Norvell said, explaining that the staff has put a lot of pressure on him, Louis Brown and the entire group to be consistently dependable every day.

“We’re expecting him to be that guy for us,” Norvell said of Ross-Simmons. “He should take a huge jump between year one and year two.”

With Tory Horton being limited in practice for precautionary measures there have been more opportunities for the rest of the wide receivers, as well as the tight ends to showcase their abilities this spring. As Norvell explained, it’s exciting to see them rising to the occasion and producing on a regular basis. 

“I’m proud to see that,” Norvell said. 

“With Tory being out, somebody has got to step up, and I’m going to go out there and step up,” Ross-Simmons later added. “I’ve got the quarterback’s trust. He’s going to throw me the ball and I’m going to make a play.” 

While it was encouraging to see the offense produce through the air, the Rams were also able to execute on the ground despite not having a single scholarship running back available. Norvell spoke to this, telling the media that he’s loved how the walk-ons have filled in this spring. Really though, what pleases Norvell about the situation is that it tells him his offensive line is stepping up. 

CSU’s active starting five of Sayveon Henderson (OT), Oliver Jervis (OG), Jacob Gardner (OC), Telvis Tuioti (OG) and Drew Moss (OT) is almost an entirely different group from last season. Although that may not be the exact group that the Rams take the field with for the first snap against Washington State in September, it’s been those guys who have clearly established themselves as the starters this spring. And as Norvell talked about on Saturday, they’ve really made the most of their opportunities. 

“I think that core of guys is really prideful,” Norvell said. “They all have a hungry mentality. We told them, we’re going to ride them, and we’re going to run the football. And then it’s got to be a street fight whenever we pass it. They’ve taken that to heart and I think that’s why we’ve done so well with the first few drives the last two weeks is because our offensive line has played so well.”

One of the walk-ons that may have earned a more realistic chance at playing this fall on special teams or maybe even in a specialized role on offense is Vann Schield. The Redshirt sophomore out of Rock Canyon High School was credited by Norvell for how hard he’s played, and for making the most of his chance after being converted from a defensive back to running back.

As Norvell explained, that’s what spring ball is all about. You don’t always have ideal depth and that’s certainly the case for CSU right now. But that’s when some of the backup players that would not normally get to play with the ones are presented with an opportunity to play their way into more time on the field. 

“You know, he’s a guy we could probably use this fall,” Norvell said. 

With one week of spring practice remaining, Schield and all of the young backs will continue to get a chance to shine. It’s important to remember that the backfield will look much different when we get closer to the regular season, especially with upwards of five new running backs coming to campus this summer. Even so though, it’s a positive sign to see the offense making it work with the guys currently available.  

We’ll see how things go when the Rams wrap up the spring with the annual Green & Gold game on April 22.