Photo Gallery

Aug. 13, 2012

By Stuart Buchanan
Athletic Media Relations

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Rams, who were in full pads Monday morning, practiced for the first time since Saturday’s scrimmage.

Although one day off doesn’t seem like much of a break, it can be enough time to take a team out of rhythm. But that didn’t affect the Rams.

Without practice the team spent time together off the field and it began immediately after the scrimmage.

Head Coach Jim McElwain treated his players to a night out at the movies as the team saw “The Bourne Legacy.” Then during their day off they had ‘Squad Sunday.’

“We had a great day off,” McElwain said. “We all went as a team and went to church and had Sunday brunch before meetings. I thought it was really good as a family that we do that and realize how thankful we should be for who we are and where we are at.”

Monday morning the Rams hit the ground running knowing how close the season opener is.

Again, McElwain made his rounds coaching all positions. As the defense worked on shedding blocks to get to the ball carrier, the offense continued to work on ball security.

Monday’s practice also featured ‘skeleton’ drills, or 7-on-7. Without a pass rush the quarterbacks looked crisp and wide receivers like Jordon Vaden and Dominique Vinson were able to demonstrate their athleticism as they skied to make catches.

The Rams will be under the lights Monday night as they practice in shells at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

Fall Camp Notebook

Ready to hit: Watching practice it is easy to tell that running back Chris Nwoke is ready to start getting into some real contact. On Monday Nwoke lowered his shoulder and ran straight through a defensive back.

2012 running backs: McElwain spoke highly of the running backs competing behind Nwoke on the depth chart. The first-year head coach even complimented the young backs.

“They’ve got more finish speed,” McElwain said. “Not that Chris (Nwoke) doesn’t but he needs to get a blow to stay fresh.”

McElwain also said that in a perfect situation he would play four running backs during the regular season.

Working overtime:  Lou Greenwood, Kivon Cartwright and Bobby Borcky spent an extra 20 minutes after practice catching balls launched from the jugs machine.

Rocky Mountain Showdown student tickets: Student tickets for the Sept. 1 kickoff of the Bold New Era are still available. However, time is limited as Aug. 24 is the deadline for student tickets at the reduced price of $30. Student fans can purchase tickets here.