Mountaintop View 8-5-19

We’re back and better than ever! Check out what’s coming your way today and this week, both from around the web and with our own original content.

Rams starting on a positive foot.

Out with the old and in with the new. That’s what the Colorado State football team is thinking as they started fall camp. Their main focus as a program is looking for growth, both from last season and from the start of camp to the start of the season. The defense also needs to improve, but with three grad transfers adding to their ranks, it’s very likely it will improve.

Falcons excellent in academics.

Six different teams at the Air Force Academy were recognized by the NCAA president for their academic excellence. To qualify, they have to be in the top 10 of the D1 Academic Progress Rate. Those teams were: football, wrestling, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s gymnastics, and fencing.

Phillips getting acquainted with Hawaii.

If the practices so far are any indication, keep an eye out for WR James Phillips. He seems to be a natural fit in the Hawaii offense as a slot receiver and that has showed so far with two touchdowns in scrimmages thus far. Connections with the QB is essential in this offense and Phillips feels he has reached that with both McDonald and Cordeiro. He had a successful campaign at junior college last season and has also caught the eye of head coach Nick Rolovich.

Fossum looking to be a leader for the Pack.

Senior receive Kaleb Fossum is looking to put injuries behind him and set his sights towards helping the team win in 2019. He should be a key member of the offense this season for Nevada. Per the interview, Fossum also wants to take his game to the next level by becoming one of the leaders for the team.

New Broncos DC is “thirsty”.

Jeff Schmedding taught in a classroom for two years when coaching in high school. Though he’s been in the college ranks forever now, he hasn’t let go of the skills he learned, specifically how to keep everyone involved and engaged into what’s going on. He’s bet on himself, quitting high school to become an unpaid GA to break into the college ranks. He’s also focused on moving forward, whether it’s personally or for the players or a team as a whole. He tries to keep the defense focused on 5 things, with the acronym SPEAR (stop the run, pressure the QB, eliminate explosives, all about the ball, relentless finish). It’s worked thus far in his career. He’s ready for more.

On the horizon:

• Later today: A new MWC Recruiting Roundup, full of new news and August team rankings.
• Later today: Our team preview series kicks off with a look at Hawaii.
• Coming Tuesday: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly looks at What to watch for during fall camp.
• Coming Wednesday: A new Peak Perspective post. MWC Media Days Thoughts.
• Coming Thursday: Peak Perspective: Should Twitch be an option for streaming games?