Restocked Colorado State football roster hits field to start rebound attempt in 2023

Fort Collins Coloradoan
The size and numbers stood out immediately at the start of Colorado State's first official practice of the 2023 football season.
The Rams ended the 2022 season with just 52 scholarship players available for games. Practices were made up of a bare-bones squad.
Spring is always shorthanded, with many newcomers not on campus yet and graduated players gone.
The field felt completely full Friday as the Rams hit the practice turf outside Canvas Stadium to begin the 2023 fall season. The roster is refilled to a normal capacity and every position group has a lot more players, especially the receiver group that was down to just a few key players by the end of 2022.
"It's completely different," CSU coach Jay Norvell said after the first practice. "The first hour of practice we just run and throw. Having the number of receivers and the depth at our skill positions is night and day. It's like a real practice."
Not only is it bigger in numbers, the group is much bigger in size. Norvell has said he wants long, big players, and it is now evident. The offensive line group is much bigger than it has been.
"We're a full inch taller at every position," said Norvell, who is beginning his second season leading the Rams after going 3-9 in 2022. "I think we're physically more talented at every position."
It's far too soon to say how this increased depth in numbers, size and talent will translate in terms of the scoreboard, but CSU has the look of a full football team now.
Avery Morrow update
CSU's starting running back Avery Morrow was suspended for spring practices following a January arrest in which he was charged with felony second-degree assault.
Morrow is back on the practice field, but his legal case is ongoing and his playing status for the fall is uncertain.
"Following his suspension from team activities in January, Avery Morrow has been allowed to return to activities over the summer and is eligible to practice with the team this fall. At this time, Avery is ineligible to participate in games or media activities. We are unable to comment on pending legal matters. Any changes to that status will be communicated at a later date," according to a statement from a CSU spokesperson.
Morrow has had several hearings regarding his case but no resolution yet. It is currently headed to trial, which is set to begin Nov. 28. He'll also have a hearing soon with the university, which could play a role in his playing status.
On the field, Norvell has depth in place if Morrow doesn't play. Kobe Johnson transferred in from North Dakota State, where he rushed for more than 2,500 yards. The Rams also signed junior college backs Jordan Smith and KJ Edwards. CSU also has highly touted true freshmen in Justin Marshall and Damian Henderson II.
If Morrow is cleared to play, he would likely be CSU's starter.
Key questions to answer
It's an interesting roster in the fact that most of the key positions are spoken for. We know Clay Millen will be QB, and Tory Horton, Justus-Ross Simmons and Dallin Holker will be three of his top targets.
We know Mohamed Kamara, Jack Howell, Henry Blackburn and Chigozie Anusiem are the leaders of the defense.
Running back, as discussed earlier, is one of the key question marks. A lot of that will be based on Morrow's availability.
Another battle spot to watch is at linebacker. Drew Kulick is no longer on the team (for medical reasons), and Chase Wilson is a likely starter. The other linebacker spot could go to Cal transfer Trey Mejia-Paster.
There's room for young players to make an impact at the linebacker position, and it will be interesting to see which of the freshmen (Drew Rodriguez, Buom Jock or Niko Lopez) can quickly see the field.
Receiver Ross-Simmons has changed from No. 85 to No. 2
Receiver Louis Brown has changed from No. 83 to No. 4
Cornerback Anusiem has changed from No. 7 to No. 1
Safety Ayden Hector has changed from No. 32 to No. 15
Key camp dates
Now that CSU is into season mode, most practices are closed to the public. Fans are able to view the full practice on Saturday, Aug. 12, which will run from 7 to 10 a.m.
The team has scrimmages (which are closed to the public) scheduled for Aug. 9 and Aug. 16, along with a mock game on Aug. 26, a week before the season begins.