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I remember reading a few articles when McElwain first got to CSU and the roster was depleted of lineman (sound familiar?). He put out a call for walk-on OL/DL and also brought in a couple of 5th year graduate transfers. He went 4-8 his first year w/ a tremendously weak roster. After reading what he walked into, he really turned that program around quickly.
https://thefivesides.com/2012/03/colorado-state-football-looking-for-walk-ons/
Your football team might be in a jam if at the start of spring practice, instead of looking AT new players you are looking FOR new players. For Colorado State football, that is – unfortunately – where they are. Head coach Jim McElwain needs lineman. Badly.
The Rams, a team not known for football, is desperate for lineman. McElwain only has one requirement: You’re a student.
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https://www.reporterherald.com/ci_21367774/colorado-state-keeps-focus-itself
Newest Rams -- With the beginning of school comes the addition of walk-ons to the football team, and McElwain welcomed in seven new players -- one the team has been waiting on.
Calvin Tonga, a junior college transfer, finally had enough of his paperwork clear through the proper channels to be on the field. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive lineman will be in pads today, but he's not ready to just jump in and help. McElwain said it will be more than likely three to four weeks before there's a chance.
"We're glad he's here, and he'll obviously add depth to a position where we all know we're a little thin," McElwain said.
The others were walk-ons, with more on the way. One, defensive back Kyle Chefferley, was with the team in the spring. The others are quarterback Christian Boese; defensive backs Jared Chirico and Brandon Henrie; and wide outs Tyler Clark and Tyler Nelson. All but Boese (Texas) are from Colorado.
Chuck Ragland will not be with the team, and the rumored arrival of Jaleel Awini is not taking place it appears with the first day of school starting. McElwain feels the Title IX numbers will allow the roster to reach into the 115-118 range, which he hopes to accomplish.
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This article discussed his approach and the changes he brought to CSU when he got there.
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-st-rams/2012/8/4/3220244/colorado-state-football-fall-camp
https://thefivesides.com/2012/03/colorado-state-football-looking-for-walk-ons/
Your football team might be in a jam if at the start of spring practice, instead of looking AT new players you are looking FOR new players. For Colorado State football, that is – unfortunately – where they are. Head coach Jim McElwain needs lineman. Badly.
The Rams, a team not known for football, is desperate for lineman. McElwain only has one requirement: You’re a student.
--------
https://www.reporterherald.com/ci_21367774/colorado-state-keeps-focus-itself
Newest Rams -- With the beginning of school comes the addition of walk-ons to the football team, and McElwain welcomed in seven new players -- one the team has been waiting on.
Calvin Tonga, a junior college transfer, finally had enough of his paperwork clear through the proper channels to be on the field. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive lineman will be in pads today, but he's not ready to just jump in and help. McElwain said it will be more than likely three to four weeks before there's a chance.
"We're glad he's here, and he'll obviously add depth to a position where we all know we're a little thin," McElwain said.
The others were walk-ons, with more on the way. One, defensive back Kyle Chefferley, was with the team in the spring. The others are quarterback Christian Boese; defensive backs Jared Chirico and Brandon Henrie; and wide outs Tyler Clark and Tyler Nelson. All but Boese (Texas) are from Colorado.
Chuck Ragland will not be with the team, and the rumored arrival of Jaleel Awini is not taking place it appears with the first day of school starting. McElwain feels the Title IX numbers will allow the roster to reach into the 115-118 range, which he hopes to accomplish.
-----
This article discussed his approach and the changes he brought to CSU when he got there.
https://denver.sbnation.com/colorado-st-rams/2012/8/4/3220244/colorado-state-football-fall-camp
t's no surprise that the new CSU coach is borrowing heavily from what he learned there while working for Nick Saban.
McElwain insists that his players keep their lockers neat and orderly, wear the same color socks and keep their jerseys tucked in during practices and look out for each other as if they were brothers, both on and off the field. He created a 16-class mental conditioning program with a Colorado State University doctoral candidate that is modeled after the ones IMG runs at Alabama and a handful of other powerhouse college football programs.
McElwain is also stocking practices with additional coaches and staff, closing practice to the press and public, and prohibiting players and assistant coaches from talking to the media -- all rules adopted from Saban.McElwain insists that his players keep their lockers neat and orderly, wear the same color socks and keep their jerseys tucked in during practices and look out for each other as if they were brothers, both on and off the field. He created a 16-class mental conditioning program with a Colorado State University doctoral candidate that is modeled after the ones IMG runs at Alabama and a handful of other powerhouse college football programs.
