Colorado State's Backfield Filled with Depth

If there is one word to describe the running back position at Colorado State in 2010, it would be "depth."

2009 was a shocking year for Colorado State fans, who are used to a tradition of hard-nosed running backs.

Fresh off a 2008 season which saw Ram running back Gartrell Johnson III set an NCAA Bowl record for the most yards from scrimmage in a game, the lack of 1,000-yard rusher was unusual.

Unusual, but not unexpected.

Inexperience filled the Rams' backfield.

Junior college transfer Leonard Mason led the team with 766 yards on the ground, working in a platoon system with John Mosure, who added 650 and the majority of ground-based scores with seven touchdowns.

With both Mason and Mosure returning in 2010, both have taken a back seat in spring ball as the majority of reps is being given to redshirt freshman Chris Nwoke and UCLA transfer Raymond Carter, who was rated as the No. 3 all-purpose back in the country from the class of 2007 by Rivals.com.

The Rams head coach, Steve Fairchild, has liked what he's seen from all of his running backs so far this spring.

"I don't think we finished runs very well at all last year, I think we're doing that a little bit better this year," Fairchild said after practice on Thursday. "Still, that whole ball security thing has to improve".

Ball security has definitely been an issue for the Rams in spring drills with select running backs showing an inability to hold on to the football following heavy hits.

Though Mason has taken a back seat in spring, Fairchild isn't completely counting the senior running back out of the race.

"Everybody has had bright spots. Chris has done some nice things, but he hasn't been perfect. It's really just a healthy competition and obviously we have some talent there."

The story of the spring continues to be Carter. No matter what any other running backs do on the field, the UCLA transfer always finds a way to stand out above the rest.

Looking like he's well on his way to be Colorado State's feature back in 2010, Fairchild has been impressed with how Carter has learned the Rams' playbook so quickly after being forced to play scout team in 2009, emulating the opposing running back.

"He's a talented guy, has solid speed, he can catch the ball, he's smart. There's so much to say—he's exactly what you want," Fairchild said.

With four running backs showing solidity on the depth chart and Lou Greenwood, who stood out as a true freshman in 2009, showing his versatility by taking snaps at slot receiver for the Rams, spring football in Fort Collins is showing a big upside.