DNVR Rams All-Time Roster: Wide Receiver U

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Throughout the history of Colorado State football there have been some incredibly talented players to rep the green and gold.

We’ve already covered some of the legendary quarterbacks like Kelly Stouffer, Bradlee Van Pelt and Garrett Grayson. Most recently we addressed some of the best running backs to suit up for the Rams, including Lawrence McCutcheon and Damon Washington, among others. Of all the position groups on the field, though, the most difficult to narrow down for the roster was — by far — the wide receivers.

Going back over the last six decades of Rams football, it’s evident that the program has consistently had a knack for producing talent out wide. Even in the 1970s and 1980s, long before the Ram Faithful started using the nickname ‘Wide Receiver U’, CSU had a great deal of skilled wideouts come through Fort Collins.

So, to make the selection process as fair as possible and avoid too much personal bias taking over, there are a couple of stipulations in place.

In order to make the final cut, the player must have recorded at least five games with 100+ receiving yards. The player must also have had a season in which they finished with 1,000 or more receiving yards. And finally, in order to make the roster, the wide receiver must have scored more than 10 touchdowns in their career.

Ultimately this puts quite a bit of emphasis on statistical production — which as we’ve previously talked about, can potentially result in “deserving” players being left off of the team.

For example, if a really great wide receiver happened to play in a run-heavy offense or just did not have the talent at QB, there likely was not anything more that they could have done to improve their resume or display their skills. But with only eight roster spots to fill and half a century’s worth of ballers in consideration, there had to be some form of prerequisite.

With all of that in mind, DNVR Rams presents Part 3 of the All-Time Rams Team.

Willie Miller (1972-74)

The story of Willie Miller is one of the more unique tales in CSU football history. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Miller turned down the chance to play college football out of high school and enlisted in the US Army as a specialist instead.

After training with Special Forces, Miller ultimately served two tours in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart and Silver Star in the process.

Miller’s heroic military career is detailed in a piece written by Arletha Ndoume:

“While under enemy fire, Willie’s advice to his lieutenant to change military strategy saved the lives of his unit. He rescued a fellow comrade who became trapped in a flash flood. In another battle, he dragged the platoon sergeant to safety and administered first aid.”

As a result of his service, Miller was 24-years old when he began his college career in 1972. But even after representing our country in battle and being shot in the thigh by a Vietcong sniper according to Ndoume, Miller still went on to be one of the greatest wide receivers to ever represent CSU.

With a career receiving average of 18.5 yards, Miller leads all Rams receivers with 100 or more career catches. Miller still ranks third all-time with 15 total 100-yard receiving games as well. For context, the only wide receivers with more 100-yard performances are Rashard Higgins (18) and David Anderson (16).

In 1974, Miller’s senior year, he became the first-ever Rams wide receiver to record 1,000 or more yards in a single season. His season total of 1,193 receiving yards set a program record that stood for nearly three decades.

Many great receivers have come through the program since Miller was torching opponents for the Rams. And luckily for them, the game has drastically shifted to favor the passing game in modern times. Having said that — the fact that Miller’s numbers still compare well to pretty much anyone that’s ever played for CSU — shows just how dominant of a player he was back in the day.

Miller did not get the benefit of officials looking to protect offensive players but he still managed to average 22.51 yards per reception in 1974. Only Jeff Raikes (27.93) can say that he had a higher season receiving average  — the key difference is that Miller (53) had nearly twice as many catches in 1974 than Raikes did in 1982 (30).

 CSU Stats

• 15 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• 148 career catches | 18 TD | 2,735 yards
• First-ever 1,000-yard receiver at CSU
• Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1975

Jeff Champine (1980-83)

Jeff Champine never played for a winning team but he was one of CSU’s most consistent performers during some extremely difficult seasons.

In 1981 the Rams finished 0-12 and essentially got their butts kicked in every single game. One of the few bright spots for the CSU faithful, though, was Champine setting the program records for receiving touchdowns in a single season (10) and total catches in a single game (12).

Multiple players in the modern era have since surpassed most of Champine’s numbers — including Rashard Higgins, who shattered the touchdown record with 17 during his remarkable 2014 campaign. At the time, however, Champine’s season was pretty incredible — especially considering the general lack of talent around him.

Along with his phenomenal 1981 season, Champine became the second wideout in school history to record 1,000 or more receiving yards in a single season in 1983. That same year he also topped his previous mark for catches in a single game with a 14-catch performance against New Mexico. Nearly four decades later, Champine’s high mark still stands.

With 21 receiving touchdowns during his career, Champine is tied with Michael Gallup for the second-most in program history. And with two first-team All-WAC selections to his name, Champine is in rare company.

There have been better receivers to come through CSU over the years — particularly in the modern era. But that does not change what Champine accomplished during his time with the Rams or make him any less deserving of being on this roster. Putting up 20-plus touchdowns and nearly 3,000 receiving yards in the early 1980s was not a common occurrence. And that’s why no matter how many ballers come through CSU in the present, players like Champine will still be worth celebrating.

CSU stats

• 7 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• Two-time All-WAC first-team selection
• 184 catches | 21 TD | 2,811 yards

Greg Primus (1989-92)

Much like Willie Miller and Jeff Champine, Greg Primus did not get to experience a whole lot of winning throughout his collegiate career. During his four years in the program, Colorado State produced just one winning season. Unlike the aforementioned, though, Primus did get to experience the joy of winning a postseason game.

Under the guidance of head coach Earle Bruce, the Rams went 9-4 in 1990 and ultimately defeated Oregon in the Freedom Bowl. Primus played a big part in that bowl win as he caught a 39-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help CSU take the lead over the Ducks.

In total, Primus finished his sophomore year with 56 receptions for 1,008 yards and three touchdowns. But the 1990 season was just the beginning for No. 27.

Over the next two years, the Rams only finished 3-8 and 5-7, respectively. Despite failing to ever return to the postseason, Primus continued to put up monster numbers.

In a 1991 victory over Hawaii, Primus’ 256 receiving yards surpassed Willie Miller’s CSU single-game record of 230 yards set at Arizona State in 1974.

Between the 1991 and 1992 seasons, Primus racked up 127 receptions and 14 touchdowns in all. With 1,081 receiving yards in 1991 and 1,007 receiving yards in 1992, Primus became the first and only wide receiver in school history to record three straight seasons with 1,000-plus yards.

Primus still ranks third all-time in receiving yards (3,263), fourth in career 100-yard games (12) and eighth in receiving touchdowns (17). In terms of consistency, Primus was about as reliable as a Honda Civic. There have been bigger receivers and there have been faster receivers — but nobody can say they were as reliable for three straight years as Primus was during his college career.

CSU stats

• 12 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• Program’s first three-time 1,000-yard receiver
• 194 catches | 17 TD | 3,263 yards

David Anderson (2002-05)

David Anderson was arguably the greatest wide receiver that Sonny Lubick coached during his tenure. A smooth route runner, with underrated athleticism, and hands that never let you down, ‘D.A.’ was a security blanket for every quarterback he played with.

Between 2003-05, Anderson led the Rams in receiving for three straight years and he twice finished as the leading receiver in the Mountain West during that time.

15 years later, Anderson’s name remains plastered all over the record books — but what really distinguishes him from the field was his ability to absolutely ball out in the biggest moments.

In the opening game of the 2003 season versus the University of Colorado, Anderson gashed the Buffs for 142 yards and a touchdown. And when the Rams traveled to California to face the Golden Bears the following week, Anderson backed it up with seven catches, 141 receiving yards and another TD.

When Big Ben Roethlisberger and the University of Miami (Ohio) came to Hughes Stadium in 2003, Anderson went off with 167 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. And when CSU faced No. 1 USC on primetime TV in 2004, Anderson totaled nine receptions for 137 yards. Anderson’s 232 receiving yards against BYU in 2004, at the time, was the second-most yards by a Rams receiver in a single game.

In three career starts against CU, Anderson averaged 139 yards per game and never dipped below the century mark. He also finished with 100 or more receiving yards against Air Force twice — a big reason the Rams managed to top the Falcons in three of his four years at CSU.

Even in a pair of postseason losses, Anderson still managed to go for 100-plus yards in both bowl games. That was the thing about Anderson — when the lights were brightest, he was always going to show up — even if CSU football was not very strong as a team. It’s why Anderson will forever be beloved in Rams Country and it’s ultimately what ended up getting him drafted by the Houston Texans in 2005.

As the records currently stand, Anderson ranks second in 100-yard receiving games (16), second in career receptions (223), second in receiving yards (3,634), and fourth in touchdowns (20). Without question, he is one of the most talented wide receivers to ever play for the Colorado State Rams.

CSU stats

• 16 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• Program’s second two-time 1,000-yard receiver
• 223 catches | 20 TD | 3,634 yards
• Drafted by the Houston Texans

Rashard Higgins (2013-15)

Rashard ‘Hollywood’ Higgins is one of the most popular players to ever come through Fort Collins and it’s easy to see why.

On the field, he was a record-setting, touchdown-grabbing, defensive mismatch for every team the Rams squared off against. Off the field, he was a charismatic smooth talker that could make a movie star envious with his smile. Simply put, Higgins had “it” and the fans ate “it” up.

Higgins is first in career receptions (239), receiving yards (3,649), receiving touchdowns (31) and 100-yard receiving games (18). He owns the single-game record for receiving touchdowns (4) as well as the single-season record for receiving touchdowns (17).

The program’s first-ever Biletnikoff Finalist — an award annually presented to the nation’s top pass catcher — Higgins was instrumental to CSU’s thrilling 2014 season (10-3 overall). Higgins finished with 100 or more receiving yards in 10 of the 12 games he played in that season* and consistently came up big when the Rams needed him most. (Higgins missed the Hawaii game with a shoulder injury.*)

Although Higgins’ NFL career has not even been close to as dominant as his collegiate career was, after re-signing with the Browns this spring he has a chance to remind Cleveland fans why they were excited about him in the first place.

Higgins is the type of wide receiver that can line up all over the field. He’s a meticulous route runner, a selfless teammate, and a sure-handed safety net when you need someone to move the sticks or make a play in the red zone.

As the Ram faithful will always remember fondly, when CSU needed someone to make a big play through the air between 2013-15, Higgins was usually the go-to man.

Regardless of how the rest of his professional career pans out, though, Hollywood’s 2014 season will always be special to the Ram Faithful. And he will always be the guy that helped establish the tradition of ‘Wide Receiver U’ in the modern era.

CSU stats

• 18 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• Two-time 1,000-yard receiver
• Biletnikoff Finalist
• 239 catches | 31 TD | 3,649 yards

Michael Gallup (2016-17)

Michael Gallup was an extremely special talent. Between 2016-17, Gallup produced at a near-unprecedented rate.

On two different occasions, Gallup came up just short of breaking Champine’s single-game record for receptions (14). The first time was in a 2016 thriller at the Air Force Academy, when the athletic wideout recorded 13 catches, 213 receiving yards and one touchdown in a 49-46 loss to the Falcons. The second was a three-touchdown performance against Nevada in 2017, when Gallup totaled 13 catches for 263 receiving yards in a 44-42 victory over the Wolf Pack.

Beyond his SportsCenter worthy catches and presence in the community, though, what really made Gallup one of a kind was his work ethic.

Gallup had the rare combination of talent and competitive drive — meaning despite the fact that he was the most skilled player on the team, there was never a moment where you questioned how hard he was working. Whether it was on the practice field, in the weight room, or game day itself, you could always bet on Gallup competing at the highest level.

Had Gallup played four full seasons at CSU, he very well might have obliterated every record in the book. But despite playing just two seasons for the Rams, Gallup is sixth in career receiving yards (2,685), fifth in catches (176), and he’s tied with Jeff Champine with the second-most receiving touchdowns (21).

In total, Gallup recorded 100 or more receiving yards in 12 of 26 career games with the Rams. After being named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award in 2017, Gallup was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

CSU stats

• 12 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• Two-time 1,000-yard receiver
• Biletnikoff Finalist
• 176 catches | 21 TD | 2,685 yards

Warren Jackson (2017 – Present)

Warren Jackson is one of the few players on the all-time roster that is currently playing for CSU — so in a lot of ways his story is still being written.

Jackson is already one of the most gifted players to suit up for the Rams. Ever since he broke out with a two-touchdown showing at No. 1 Alabama in 2017, Jackson has been revered by Ram fans for his big-play ability.

Depending on how Jackson’s senior season plays out, though, he could potentially play his way into the top of the record books.

Jackson’s junior season was already one of the more impressive campaigns by a Rams wide receiver ever. That was with him missing two games due to injury and losing his original starting QB for the year — so just imagine what type of numbers No. 9 will be able to put up if he stays healthy all fall and gets to keep the same starting quarterback for an entire season.

With a 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame and a monster catch radius, Jackson is the type of wide receiver that coaches daydream about. Much like A.J. Green and Preston Williams, Jackson doesn’t have to be open for the quarterback to be able to trust him to make a play because any 50-50 ball is really more like a 70-30 ball in favor of Jackson.

Jackson has sure hands, he moves deceptively well for someone as big as he is, and he’s one of the best blocking wide receivers that’s ever played for CSU. When it’s all said and done, it really would be surprising if Jackson is viewed as the best overall wide receiver to ever play for the Rams. As things currently stand, however, Jackson sits firmly in the top 8.

CSU stats

• 5 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• 1,000-yard receiver
• 124 catches | 14 TD | 1,789 yards

Preston Williams (2018)

Preston Williams was not a Colorado State Ram for very long but his time in the program was certainly memorable.

After transferring in from the University of Tennessee and sitting out the 2017 season due to NCAA rules, expectations for Williams could not have been any higher from Ram Nation going into 2018.

A former 5-star recruit with all kinds of natural ability, combined with CSU’s air raid philosophies, Williams was always supposed to be a superstar in Fort Collins.

Obviously, there were some bumps along the way as Williams ended up getting suspended from the team on a couple of different occasions. As a whole, though, Williams lived up to the hype.

In just 12 games, Williams managed to rack up 96 receptions for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 96 catches ranked only behind Purdue’s Rondale Moore (114) and Andy Isabella of UMASS (102), while his touchdown total tied him with Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) and JJ Arcega-Whiteside (Stanford) for third-most by any wide receiver in college football.

Throughout his incredible season, there were a multitude of big plays made by Williams. In the season opener against Hawaii, Williams managed to go off for 188 yards and two touchdowns. And his 12-catch, 248-yard performance for three touchdowns against Air Force, was about as dominant of an individual performance as we’ve ever seen in Ag Land.

But of all his significant games, the most memorable was definitely the comeback victory over Arkansas. In the early September win over the Razorbacks, Williams led the Rams with 12 receptions for 154 yards and a pair of highlight-worthy touchdowns.

Without Williams’ heroics in the second half, the Rams likely would have lost to the Hogs by double digits — but instead it’s viewed as one of the biggest upsets in program history.

Some fans may have a problem with Williams’ inclusion on this all-time roster. As a player that had only one active season on a 3-9 team, there is a logical argument that he should have been passed over for Dallas Davis, Pete Rebstock, Olabisi Johnson, etc. After all, a big part of what makes college football special are the guys that dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to a program for their entire career.

But much like Kapri Bibbs in 2013, what Williams was able to accomplish in 2018 was so unique that it gives him the edge over some of the players that had solid careers in a Rams uniform. And at the end of the day, if we’re comparing raw talent, there’s no question that Williams is one of the top 8 wide receivers in CSU football history.

CSU stats

• 6 games with 100 or more receiving yards
• 1,000-yard receiver
• 96 catches | 14 TD | 1,345 yards
• Signed with the Miami Dolphins as a UDFA

Honorable Mention

Mark R. Bell (1975-78)

Jeff Raikes (1979-82)

Todd Tyrrell (1984-87)

Paul Turner (1993-97)

Dallas Davis (1997-01)

Pete Rebstock (1998-01)

Johnny Walker (2004-07)

Rashaun Greer (2007-09)

Joe Hansley (2012-15)

Olabisi Johnson (2015-18)