Players, coaches emphasizing positivity and focus on Day 1 of fall camp

FORT COLLINS, Colo.— As the sun crept over the northernmost corner of Canvas Stadium, Colorado State football kicked off fall camp Thursday morning. The Rams, practicing at 6:15 a.m. due to the team’s academic schedule, worked in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets for about two hours in the cool morning air.

The first of more than 20 practices this month, Thursday’s had great energy according to both head coach Mike Bobo and starting quarterback Collin Hill.

“Day 1, I thought there was a lot of energy,” Bobo said. “I liked our focus last night in the meetings, I liked our focus this morning.”

Bobo explained that he didn’t have to say a whole lot in the opening practice because the players were communicating well and talking out on the field. This was encouraging to the fifth-year head coach, especially on the first day. But he also reminded a small group of reporters that they’re still in shorts and will have much to work on in the coming weeks.

Nevertheless, the day served its purpose—getting to evaluate things like how the players move in space.

Hill praised the team’s efforts as well, saying that it was just fun to finally get back out there. The veteran quarterback smiled as he talked about how they get a taste of football in winter workouts and spring practices, but fall camp is when things really start to crank up.

“I thought the energy was good, I thought the offense made some plays,” Hill responded when asked to give his thoughts on Day 1. “Obviously, there’s some stuff we’re going to need to work on too, but overall, I thought it was good.”

The key, of course, will be keeping that energy for the next month—even after the physicality and pace pick up as the team gets closer to the regular season. According to Hill, the great teams are able to bring it every day and be consistent. This message has been passed down from Bobo and as a leader of the team, Hill wants to be the guy that sets that tone on a daily basis.

“You have to rise up, you can’t fold,” Bobo said. “There was a failure last year but our attitude can empower us. If our attitude is bad, then the pressure will impede us. A preacher I had back in Georgia said if you keep your enthusiasm through your failures, that’s when success happens.”

As both Bobo and Hill explained, it’s easy to be pumped up for the inaugural practice of the 2019 season. Putting their helmets back on for the first time of the fall always gives the guys a little edge. But after taking two weeks of hits, it may not be so easy, so it’s up to him to be a role model.

“That’s when you really gotta bring the juice,” Hill said, echoing Bobo’s message about the right attitude being contagious.

Even more important than his ability to challenge his teammates, though, will be his durability. In the viewing period of Thursday’s practice, Hill moved well and appeared to be 100 percent or at least close to it. Following the action, Hill confirmed that he is feeling great and no longer thinks about his past injuries while making decisions on the field.

“I’m just playing ball,” Hill said. “I’ve said through it all that God has got a plan—don’t know what it is, but I’m trusting in that—really just going out, playing ball and having fun with the guys.”

Bobo liked what he saw from Hill, stating that aside from aiming the ball a little bit too much, it was a really nice day for him. Similarly to Hill’s sentiments, Bobo stressed that by becoming more vocal this past summer, Hill has really taken hold of the team.

Not only did his starting quarterback put in the individual work, spending time on improving his accuracy and footwork in the pocket, but Hill’s confidence and positive attitude have helped set the tone for his teammates. They’ll look to keep building on this in the coming weeks.