McElroy steps up big at RB with Kinsey booted off team

FORT COLLINS» Marcus McElroy has filled the void.

Without starting back Marvin Kinsey in the mix, having been kicked off the team Monday, CSU still managed to thrive on the ground Saturday in a 41-31 victory at Fresno State, thanks to McElroy.

McElroy seamlessly handled enhanced responsibilities, rushing for a careerbest 117 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.

McElroy is presumably in line to continue leading the charge on the ground.

The Denver native will solely operate with the firststring offense this week before receiving what should be another hefty workload against UNLV on Saturday at Canvas Stadium. He had to leave that game for a time because of fatigue.

Coach Mike Bobo is confident in McElroy’s ability and hopes a high-volume week of practice will increase the junior’s lategame durability.

“His stamina is going to increase, because he is running with the ones,” Bobo said. “So, he’ll get more carries in practice. He’s pretty healthy coming out of the game. I know he came out there at the end when he got rolled up. But we feel good about him. So, he’ll get a lot of work this week.”

Bobo also liked how Jaylen Thomas complemented McElroy against Fresno

State. The freshman accumulated 38 yards on 10 attempts, including 8-yard and 7-yard scampers on consecutive plays.

And, though freshman Christian Hunter had just one carry Saturday, his progress in practice leaves Bobo constructing a way to utilize him more moving forward.

“I think all three backs are hungry,” Bobo said. “I thought Jaylen Thomas ran extremely hard in the game. … I’d still like to get Christian some more carries. But the way Marcus ran gave us confidence, and that is a good thing. It was a good thing for Marcus; it was a good thing for our football team to see him go out there and run that way.”