Spring Break
New football coach inks 25 recruits
Fairchild announces first class Wednesday
Jeff Dillon
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Verve
"I think that for all these recruits, that was in the back of their heads," McGatlin said. "But Fort Collins is such a great place and CSU is a great school, I don't think (Clements) thought about it too much."
Fairchild said the group was evenly balanced between offense and defense as well as "skill guys and big guys" and that the team was able to address some specific needs, namely at wide receiver and long-snapper.
The Rams picked up four "three-star" recruits as assigned by Rivals.com. Those are Colorado products Joe Caprioglio (offensive line), Jonathan Gaye (running back), and junior college transfers Ryan Gardner (wide receiver) and Sam Stewart (defensive end).
Caprioglio, Rivals.com's fifth-ranked recruit in Colorado, was originally committed to Kansas State, but changed his mind when he was asked to gray-shirt.
"K-State made the first offer and told (Caprioglio) he was their top recruit," said Highlands Ranch head coach Darel Gorham. "But when he found out they wanted him to gray-shirt, he decided to look at other opportunities, and he went up to CSU and was impressed."
Fairchild said the CSU staff "pounced" on Caprioglio as soon as they found out he was available.
Among one of the most anticipated recruits is Gaye, who Fairchild called a "home-run" player, saying that "there is no substitute for the speed he has."
Gaye said he is excited to get to work in Fort Collins.
"I think I can help them," said Gaye, who has been clocked at running the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. "Coach said I have a shot to play as a freshman. I can't wait to get going and get after CU."
Fairchild said he is not opposed to playing freshmen.
"Anybody who can help us play will play immediately," he said.
During the 2006 season, no true freshman saw playing time for the Rams.
Fairchild also said that, considering the time limitations, he is extremely happy with what his staff was able to get. He also said he remains optimistic about the program's future.
"CSU is a great pace to live, a great place to go to school, and we'll make it a great place to play football," he said.
Fairchild said the group was evenly balanced between offense and defense as well as "skill guys and big guys" and that the team was able to address some specific needs, namely at wide receiver and long-snapper.
The Rams picked up four "three-star" recruits as assigned by Rivals.com. Those are Colorado products Joe Caprioglio (offensive line), Jonathan Gaye (running back), and junior college transfers Ryan Gardner (wide receiver) and Sam Stewart (defensive end).
Caprioglio, Rivals.com's fifth-ranked recruit in Colorado, was originally committed to Kansas State, but changed his mind when he was asked to gray-shirt.
"K-State made the first offer and told (Caprioglio) he was their top recruit," said Highlands Ranch head coach Darel Gorham. "But when he found out they wanted him to gray-shirt, he decided to look at other opportunities, and he went up to CSU and was impressed."
Fairchild said the CSU staff "pounced" on Caprioglio as soon as they found out he was available.
Among one of the most anticipated recruits is Gaye, who Fairchild called a "home-run" player, saying that "there is no substitute for the speed he has."
Gaye said he is excited to get to work in Fort Collins.
"I think I can help them," said Gaye, who has been clocked at running the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. "Coach said I have a shot to play as a freshman. I can't wait to get going and get after CU."
Fairchild said he is not opposed to playing freshmen.
"Anybody who can help us play will play immediately," he said.
During the 2006 season, no true freshman saw playing time for the Rams.
Fairchild also said that, considering the time limitations, he is extremely happy with what his staff was able to get. He also said he remains optimistic about the program's future.
"CSU is a great pace to live, a great place to go to school, and we'll make it a great place to play football," he said.
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