Observations: Colorado State Football releases depth chart

With the Colorado State Rams football team only five days away from kicking off their 2015 season, it was time Monday to release their initial depth chart. For the most part, the starters were who we thought they were.

Compared to our “Predicting the offense and defense” posts, we were correct on 8-11 offensive players and 9-11 defensive players.

Head coach Mike Bobo said his team is “Close to ready” on Saturday as they head into the season kickoff against Savannah State this Saturday, kickoff at 2 p.m. MDT at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium.

Let’s take a look at the starters on offense:

QB Nick Stevens: This comes as no surprise as Mike Bobo named him the starter about two weeks ago. He’ll have a lot of learning to do, quickly, as the season starts.

RB Dalyn Dawkins: We guessed it would be Jasen Oden, with his big body, but the smaller Dawkins gets the start. Expect a dose of Oden as well as Treyous Jarrells as he’s healthy. Dawkins is speedy as heck and does well catching out of the backfield. Nephew of former NFL star Brian Dawkins.

WR Rashard Higgins: Consensus All-Americans always have to start. Most talented player on the roster.

WR Joe Hansley: Higgins called Hansley the captain of the receivers and as a senior, he’s filling that role well. Will also return punts.

WR Deionte Gaines: Smallish like Hansley, speedy too. Really worked on his hands during the offseason and fall camp to gain this start.

TE Kivon Cartwright: Without a doubt the best catching tight end on the Rams and likely in all of the Mountain West.

LT Zack Golditch: Colorado native who was at the Aurora Theater shooting.

LG Jake Bennett: Last year’s starting center, recovering from a shoulder injury.

C Kevin O’Brien: Senior who was granted a scholarship only a week ago. Heartwarming story.

RG Fred Zerblis: Strength of the CSU line.

RT Sam Carlson: A strong, solid tackle.

Defense

DE Martavius Foster: Beastly body who played 12 games last year. Must have consistent effort to be effective.

DT Terry Jackson: Solid tackle who does a great job of generating interior pressure.

DT Justin Hansen: 305-pound frame will allow him to stuff the run well with Jackson.

DE Joe Kawulok: Good pass-rusher, maybe most disciplined defender on the line.

SLB Kiel Robinson: Youngest starter on the defense as only a sophomore. Will likely be asked to rush the QB.

MLB Cory James: Moved from SLB to MLB and will need to be a voice of reason and leadership on the field.

WLB Kevin Davis: One of the Rams most consistent linebackers for the last few years. Junior has his chance to shine as a starter.

CB DeAndre Elliot: Fast and unafraid to play physically with receivers.

CB Preston Hodges: Junior who’s really impressed coaches to start over Tyree Simmons. Rams are deep at cornerback.

S Trent Matthews: Senior leader of the defense. Hard-hitter and intelligent safety who loves to pick off passes.

S Kevin Pierre-Louis: Another hard hitter in the defensive backfield and a calm character on and off the field.