Colorado State Football has opened eyes as of late. Their going to back-to-back bowl games the last two seasons has contributed to that recognition, as have their world-class athletes.

On Thursday, three CSU players were named to The Sporting News’ preseason All Mountain West team: Rashard Higgins, Steven Walker and Joe Kawulok. Their all conference teams are made up of 11 on offense and 11 on defense, much like the All-Pro teams in the NFL.

Last season, sensational receiver Higgins was the first Colorado State consensus All-American since 1995 and Sporting News among others have him as a preseason All-American as well. He’s undoubtedly the most impressive and likely most important player on the Rams offense heading into 2015, with versatility at the wideout spot. “Hollywood” Higgins can score off bubble screens, posts, seam patterns or go routes. Higgins is basically worth the price of admission himself after setting a whole host of CSU school records last season as only a sophomore.

Steven Walker is a senior tight end who looks to be more involved in the offense than ever before. That’s saying something considering he was named first-team All-MW by the media and coaches in 2014 following his 30 catches for 279 yards and four touchdowns in the season. It will be interesting to see how new head coach Mike Bobo utilizes Walker and the tight end position in general, but one thing’s for sure, at 6’2” and 238 pounds, he has the size to be used in a variety of ways.

Finally, redshirt senior defensive lineman Kawulok was also recognized. Kawulok was one of the most disruptive forces on the defensive front last season, recording 30 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He even blocked a point after attempt against the Boise State Broncos. He’s one of the most veteran players on the Rams defense and will likely be a leader for the unit as the season gets underway.

Colorado State is lucky to have multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball and the national media is catching onto that fact.