Two weeks into Colorado State Rams fall camp and some competitions have been settled, while many more are waiting to be won.
The quarterback competition has been won by Nick Stevens, and on Friday, Mike Bobo said Kevin O’Brien has won the starting center position. The redshirt senior O’Brien was awarded a scholarship by Bobo and Colorado State on Thursday in a heartwarming video that can be seen here.
But when it comes to running back, it’s anyone’s guess at who will be the starter. If we had a guess, it’d be that the Rams go with a running back by committee system. And that Jasen Oden Jr. will be the starter.
Treyous Jarrells, who was our guess at No. 2 back, needed a knee scope and will be out a few weeks, which means Dalyn Dawkins will move up from No. 3 to No. 2 for now.
Dawkins and Oden will compliment each other – and Jarrells will help to do just that too when he’s healthy – because they’re different styles and sizes of running backs.
While Oden is the big, physical runner at 5-foot-11 and 218 pounds, Dawkins is the scat back with take-it-to-the-house speed. Dawkins was quite impressive during spring football with the Rams, showing off that speed and quickness, as well as his ability to take a hit.
The sophomore transfer from Purdue caught two passes out of the backfield for 49 yards in CSU’s practice at Denver Broncos headquarters at Dove Valley. During the team’s Spring Game, Dawkins ran 15 times for only 23 yards and one touchdown.
In camp, he’s shown flashes of brilliance with some expected lack of success running up the middle. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, he doesn’t possess the size needed to pound it up the gut. But, get him outside and Dawkins is like lightning in a bottle.
Dude has jets and isn’t afraid to finish a run with power, punishing defensive backs. He’s elusive, and when able to keep defenders from laying a finger on him with agility, he can take off for big gains. That big-play ability is just what the Rams — or any football team’s offense for that matter — needs to win games.
On Friday, wide receiver Elroy Masters said Dawkins – the nephew of former NFL safety Brian Dawkins – has impressed him more than any other Rams player.
That work ethic has earned the respect of his teammates and likely caught the eyes of coaches as well.
Even when Jarrells is healthy again, expect to see Dawkins getting reps during the regular season. His electric, playmaking ability will mean he’s a must-play for Colorado State during their grueling year of football.
