Colorado State releases first depth chart

Fans had many questions about what the depth chart for the Rams would look like going into their game against Colorado on Sunday. What freshmen receivers would be in the mix? Which running back would get the top spot? But most importantly, would Conner Smith, Garrett Grayson, or Nick Stevens lead the Rams against their hated in-state rival?

Well, in typical JIm McElwain style, his answers weren't exactly crystal clear.

At the quarterback position, Smith, Grayson, and Stevens are all listed at the top of the depth chart with Leonard in fourth. McElwain said that the starter will be decided after Thursday's practice. I expect he has already chosen a starter, but is keeping it internal to keep Colorado guessing. We will most likely not know the starter until he goes under center on Sunday. Similar to the quarterbacks, Chris Nwoke and Donnell Alexander were listed as the co-starters at running back.

We did get an answer to if any freshman receivers will play with Rashard Higgins listed as the top receiver across from Charles Lovett. Higgins is a 6' 2" 180 pound true freshman from Mequite, Texas and received much praise from coaches and players during fall camp.

On the defensive side there were fewer surprises. True freshman defensive end Austin Berk was not listed and will probably see a redshirt this season. Shaq Barrett will see his playing time split between outside linebacker and defensive end again as he was listed under "RDE/Buck linebacker". And Curtis Wilson, who only had twelve tackles a year ago, is the top defensive end above junior college transfer Terry Jackson.

When the depth chart is posted online, we will update the story. To view our projected depth chart and see what we got right and wrong, you can see the offense here, and the defense here.