Jackrabbit Illustrated

The Colorado State University (CSU) Rams finished the 2020 fall season just 1-3 as their schedule was marred with four COVID cancellations.  Their offense struggled to score points week in and week out, scoring over 21 points just once; their 34-24 win over Wyoming.  Steve Addazio is in his second season at Colorado State after successful stints at Temple and Boston College.  He is hoping that having more of a normal offseason and fall camp will help his players be better adjusted to his system and expectations.  COVID was a challenge for all football teams let alone a new head coach.   Offense At Boston College, Addazio was known for a powerful, hard nosed rushing attack.  His 2019 Boston College squad ranked #6 nationally at 267.8 yards per game.  Last year in Fort Collins though, the Rams finished with just 124 rushing yards per game and had a 199.5 yards per game through the air.  I'm guessing this has been a point of emphasis going into the season.  The Rams only held the ball

                                                                                (Photo Credit Abiaza Kaneak) The Jackrabbit defense has been trending up for a few years but the spring season saw them take it to an entirely new level.  The Jacks were sound at all three levels of defense and held opponents to just 15 points per game.  They were opportunistic and forced 12 interceptions and recovered 5 fumbles.  They held opponents to just 3.2 ypc and 115.7 ypg on the ground and 172.2 ypg through the air.  A great stat for the defense was holding opponents to a third down conversion rate of just 37% .  This was actually up from 34% in 2019 but is still very good.  They also forced 12 interceptions!  The defense returns all starters outside of Preston Tetzlaff.  It is unknown how the intangibles and the leadership he brought to the unit will be missed.  However, the Jacks have very capable players ready to step in. Defensive Line It all starts up front for the Jackrabbits where the #ChainG

The Jackrabbit games about FBS teams are always fun.  It is a chance to take in a different town and watch the team prove themselves against a foe who is one classification higher.  This year the Jacks aren't playing a Power 5 team but are playing a Great 5 team, Colorado State.  We have a guest contributor today, Jackrabbit legend Austin Sumner.  Austin was the starting QB from 2011 to 2014.  .  Below are some of his recommendations for Fort Collins. Jacks Fans! I’m looking forward to seeing many of you Labor Day weekend as the Jacks take on Colorado State. I’ve lived here in Fort Collins for the last 6 years. Here are some recommendations for those visiting for the big game: Breweries – New Belgium and Odell Brewing Co (most popular) are great places to kill some time and enjoy some of the finest craft beers. Or keep it classy at the Anheuser-Busch brewery and grab yourself a Busch Light. Here is a list of the rest in town: Fort Collins Breweries | Local Colorado Craft Beer (visi

As another NFL season approaches we take a brief look at Jackrabbits involved in the league and what's been going on for them leading into the 2021 season.  Cade Johnson, Seattle Seahawks. Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA). Cade has shown out at camp as we would have expected. He recently garnered praise from head coach Pete Carroll. Article links: Zeroing in on Roster Spot, Cade Johnson Trying to Help Seahawks in 'Any Way' He Can And https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/news/hoping-to-follow-doug-baldwins-footsteps-cade-johnson-vying-for-roster-spot-with-seahawks Christian Rozeboom, Los Angeles Rams UDFA As his first real year in the league last year on the Rams practice squad Christian no doubt gained valuable experience and time to grow. Hopefully that experience pays off and the Rams see the explosive (and productive) inside linebacker we witnessed at Dana J. With Kenny Young still being a possible for cap casualty Christian just needs to earn a roster spot so we can see more of t

(Photo Credit Abiaza Kaneak) The Jackrabbit offense was prolific again in the spring season. Coach Eck is now in his third season as the offensive coordinator and seems to have a good understanding of who he is as a play caller and what he wants out of his offense.  The offense is fairly balanced but leans towards the run a little more.  They clipped along to the tune of 29.2 points per game and had 231.7 yards per game on the ground and 171.4 through the air.  Early in the spring season the run game struggled to find it's rhythm.  In the regular season SIU matchup the offense seemed to commit to the run and by the time the National Championship game rolled around it was an unstoppable force.   Quarterback The QB position is one that everyone will be watching closely.  As of August 23rd, the Jackrabbits have not named a starter.  This is likely Coach Stig showing some gamesmanship.  Why give Colorado State any extra time to prepare for #13 Keaton Heide ((6-3, 200) or #6 Chris Olad

This morning I stepped out onto my deck and it felt like fall and fall means football!  Football season is here!  The spring season has thrown off my clock but I think I'm finally ready to get going. With that being said, here are a few of the questions that are on my mind and maybe yours too. 1. Who is the QB? When Mark went down on the first drive of the National Championship game and rumor spread throughout the stadium that he wasn't coming back, I began to immediately think about the fall season (way to enjoy the moment Matt). The competition to be the starting QB has been a good one through camp.  Sophomore Keaton Heide has been good and has shown improvement but it sounds like grad transfer Chris Oladokun has been better.  No matter who is the starter, they will be surrounded by plenty of weapons and a great offensive line. 2. Where does our OL depth come from? The starting five are the best in the FCS.  They are great in the run game and very good as pass blockers.  The

The Jackrabbits started fall camp on August 5th and the roster on GoJacks.com has been updated!  Many of the roster moves were already known but here is a rundown of how things look now. Departures: Players from the spring season who are no longer on the roster:  Preston Tetzlaff (LB)- Graduation Blake Kunz (TE)- Retired Karst Hunter (ATH/QB)- Transferred to Colorado Mesa Torren Union (CB)- Transferred to New Mexico State University Avian Thomas (RB) Jefferson Lee, V (RB)- Injury retired Jordan Meachum (RB)- Graduated Marlon Wiley (WR) Shane Dailey Jr. (WR)- Transferred to Idaho St. Trajan Walhof (OL)- Graduated Isaac Appleget (LB) Additions : #5 Landon Wolf , wide receiver, is a grad transfer from Oklahoma State.  He was with the team for the spring season and won "Scout Player of the Week" multiple times throughout the season.  His teammates have raved about his ability and character. #6 Chris Oladokun , quarterback, is a grad transfer from Samford.  He is competing for the