Bobo happy with scrimmage’s energy, intensity
F O RT C OLLIN S » Colorado State football took the next step in its 2019 preparation Saturday as the Rams completed their first of three scheduled scrimmages this fall camp. For the most part, the session drew strong reviews from coach Mike Bobo, quarterback Collin Hill and defensive tackle Ellison Hubbard — all who were pleased with energy and execution at this point in the fall.
The coach said the intensity and energy in Saturday’s scrimmage was better than it was at this point in previous seasons, continuing the team’s goal of getting tougher as a unit.
“I told the guys today before we went out — I want a team that I’m afraid to scrimmage, I’m afraid to go in full pads because they’re trying to kill each other,” Bobo said. “It was better than we’ve been, closer to the first couple years. I want them competing and trying to unload on each other, and I saw some of that today.”
Bobo was complimentary of the defense and its ability to respond after surrendering an early touchdown. In particular, current second-string defensive linemen Toby Mcbride, Jalen Bates and Jan-phillip Bombek made their presence felt. Though stats were not official, Mcbride was tallied for 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks; Bates registered two TFL and two sacks; and Bombek recorded one TFL and one sack.
“They’re giving all their effort out there trying to help us be better,” Hubbard said of the fellow linemen. “I give them the credit, they’re working hard and trying to get up there in the (top) spot … (Toby’s) up there killing them up front, and that’s what’s giving us the nerves up front on the 1s because he can come up there and take over, which is fine with me because we need everything we’ve got.”
Though the No. 2 defense impressed during most of their time on the field, it was the No. 1 offense which showed up during their opportunity. Hubbard said pretty much the whole offense stood out to him, especially the passing game and Warren Jackson. The junior receiver unofficially had six catches for 90 yards as Hill’s top target.
The quarterback finished 18of-23 for 190 yards with four touchdowns and one interception, a would-be pick-6 by safety Logan Stewart. Though he said he will be hung up on the interception for a while, Hill felt strong about his performance.
“I thought as a team we executed pretty well,” Hill said. “I do feel like I am progressing, I am getting more comfortable. I wish I had that one play back in the third-down drill, but I’ve gotta learn from it … I am comfortable, I think that’s what fall camp’s about. You’re out there every day working on timing, getting comfortable with each other.”