Five Rams who have plenty to prove

The Colorado State Rams returned to the practice field Monday to kick off spring drills. Here is a closer look at five players with the most to prove in 2018: QB J.C. Robles. When presumed starting quarterback Collin Hill retore his ACL, Robles became the most veteran passer on the roster. But that’s not saying much. Robles, a junior, appeared in four games over the past two seasons as a backup doing mopup duty. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, it appears Robles has the frame and arm strength to thrive. Can he take the next step and secure the starting job should Hill be unable to play in Week 1 against Hawaii? QB Justice McCoy. Robles isn’t the only quarterback on CSU’s roster capable of earning the starting gig. McCoy, a redshirt freshman, has a high school pedigree that shows promise. McCoy was the No. 24-ranked dual-threat quarter- back in the nation as a senior at Saint Augustine (New Orleans) in 2016. McCoy does not have elite size at 6-1, 185 pounds. It’s his athleticism that makes him a wild-card candidate to start. WR Preston Williams. How do you replace a NFL talent at receiver in Michael Gallup? By inserting a talented FBS transfer, of course. Williams arrived in Fort Collins last fall after two seasons at Tennessee and sat out 2017 because of NCAA transfer rules. Williams appeared in 12 games with three starts for the Volunteers and had 16 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns. He is also a former five-star prospect out of Lovejoy (Ga.) High School. Williams (6-4, 210) must show he’s worthy of the hype. He can start by having a strong spring camp. DL Ellison Hubbard. He was one of only five true freshmen to play in all 13 games last season. He had 20 sacks, two tackles and four quarterback hurries. Two of the Rams’ three starters up front last season, Jakob Buys and Darnell Thompson, have graduated — leaving the door open for a breakout season by Hubbard. CSU struggled mightily at times last fall stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. Hubbard’s strength at 6-1, 270 pounds should be a major asset.

CSU lost the heartbeat of its defense with the graduation of outside linebacker Evan Colorito. Jones served as his backup in 2017 as a true freshman and finished with 35 tackles (six for loss) and two sacks. Jones turned down a scholarship offer from Purdue out of Woodland (Ga.) High School and is a physical force at 6-4, 245 pounds.