Wyoming concerned about CSU tight ends
fort collins » With senior Crockett Gillmore andjunior KivonCartwright, Colorado State is the only team with two representatives on the Mackey Award’s midseason list for the nation’s top tight end.
That has not gone unnoticed at Wyoming, which is preparing for Saturday’s Border War rivalry game against the Rams in Laramie.
“Usually we just have to worry about one tight end, but Colorado State has two good ones,” said Wyoming junior strong safety Darrenn White. “We have to try to treat them as wide receivers. Thatway, we can stay on top of them.”
Lastweekend, Gillmore andCartwright accounted for all three CSU touchdowns in the Rams’ 34-27 loss to San Jose State, withCartwright getting a pair on big plays of 50 and 35 yards. Cartwright ran away from two San Jose State defensive backs during the longer one.
“I knew Kivon has speed,” said CSU quarterback GarrettGrayson, “but I didn’t know he could outrun DBs.”
For the season, Gillmore has 16 catches for 226 yards (14.1-yard average) and a touchdown. Cartwright, a Pueblo native, has hauled in 14 passes for 230 yards (16.4) and a team-best five touchdowns.
“They’re athletic guys who can block, so they do a great job in the run game,” said Wyoming coach Dave Christensen. “But then off play-action, Colorado State can get those guys open (for passes) and in the seams with different things they’re doing with them. They can get into space
and they’re difficult to cover.”
Davis update.
Rams coach JimMcElwain said he doesn’t expect sophomore linebackerKevin Davis to play for the remainder of the season. Davis is still bothered by a knee that required reconstructive surgery in 2012. Davis tore multiple ligaments, including the ACL, when he was injured on the opening kickoff against Hawaii last Oct. 27.
“We kind of set that (recovery) back a little bit,” McElwain said of the knee issue. “And that’s too bad, because he’s obviously a really good player.”
Davis, fromFountain-FortCarson High School, was one of CSU’s most highly touted recruits in recent years, having earned 2011 Parade All-America honors as a senior. Davis has played in four games this season, making one tackle.
McElwain said CSU will attempt to recover this season of eligibility for Davis by applying for an injury hardship ruling from the NCAA.
CSU senior linebacker Shaquil Barrett (high ankle sprain) has missed practice time but said he expects to play Saturday. “I think I’m playing, the trainers think I’m playing,” said the nation’s leader in tackles for lost yardage with 12½. ... Wyoming starting center Albert Perez is back after missing lastweekend’s win in Laramie over New Mexico because of a flulike virus.
Footnotes.