FORT COLLINS — Less than a week into fall camp, the new-look Colorado State defense is starting to take shape.
With just one returning starter, several others with limited snaps for the Rams, and even more newcomers to the program, the unit is beginning to gel under new defensive coordinator Tyson Summers and his staff.
Fourth-year head coach Jay Norvell is already seeing the improvement.
“Really, really excited about the progress that we’ve made in a very short time defensively,” Norvell said. “We have big, explosive defensive players. We have athletic guys that like to run and hit, and Coach Summers and the defensive staff have done a really terrific job of working with these guys in a very short amount of time and preparing them to get ready to play here in the next couple of weeks.”
That new defensive staff includes one member who just joined the program this week, as Luke Johnson was announced as the team’s new defensive line coach Monday. He replaces Chuka Ndulue, who accepted a job as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive line coach a couple of weeks ago.
Johnson previously worked with Summers at Western Kentucky, and Norvell is excited about what he brings to the program. Johnson also was at Baylor before coming to Fort Collins.
“I’ve been really impressed with Luke,” Norvell said. “He’s a really sharp young coach. “He was doing a great job at Baylor; very bright guy, has a great sense of urgency, really communicates well with his players, and I think we’re in great hands with our defensive line with Luke.”
The success of the defense still lies with the players, and graduate linebacker Jacob Ellis — a transfer from Iowa — has already bought into Summers’ system.
The staff has brought an intensity that players are trying to match, Ellis said.
“Since coach Summers has joined the staff, all of the defensive coaches bring that energy,” Ellis said. “They bring that excitement, and it does filter down through the players and even the staff. When we’re on the field, we’re trying to be just one unit, one heartbeat, one team.”
Ellis is very encouraged by what he has seen from the defense, especially from some of the linebackers he shares a room with. That group took a hit during the offseason, with graduation and outbound transfers.
He said the group is forming a bond that will help them as the strenuous season moves along.
“Jett Vincent, he’s great in coverage,” Ellis said. “He runs very well. Owen Long, he’s the same. We have some physical guys like Drew (Rodriguez) and Jasiem Mitchell. I don’t think there’s anything our linebackers can’t do.
“I think it’s about being able to push through fatigue, and when you’re tired, when your body’s telling you to give in, I think it’s all about just being able to lean on each other and push through the hard times.”
Norvell also praised the efforts of some of the players Ellis mentioned.
The head coach also pointed out the physicality of the linebacker room and what they bring to Summers’ defense, which he described as creative along with utilizing the players’ playmaking abilities.
“We have a lot of guys at linebacker that can make plays,” Norvell said. “We have guys that are more physical, so I am very excited about that group. I think that’s a group that can really be tapped and be tremendous playmakers.”
With even more repetition between now and the team’s season opener at Washington on Aug. 30, Norvell expects the defense, from the line to the backs, to have a solid understanding of what they are supposed to do.
And with so many potential playmakers, he hopes the work put in will translate on the field.
Rams introduce Ring of Honor
CSU athletic director John Weber announced Wednesday that the school will begin a Ring of Honor program.
The first group of honorees for the ring will include its most successful football coach and six former athletes across four sports.
Coach Sonny Lubick, who achieved 108 wins, three bowl game victories and four conference coach of the year honors, leads the inaugural pool of legends. A trio of football players include Al “Bubba” Baker, Joey Porter and Bradlee Van Pelt.
Also among those who will be recognized are Angela Knopf (volleyball), Jason Smith (men’s basketball) and Amy Van Dyken (swimming).
The football players and Lubick will be recognized on the field during the team’s Ag Day game against Northern Colorado on Sept. 6, while the others will be recognized throughout the year at their respective venues.
CSU announces Hall of Fame Class
Weber also announced the 2025 CSU Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday.
The trio of athletes to be inducted this year include volleyball player Adrianna Culbert (Blackman), track and field standout Mostafa Hassan, and Ellen Nystrom from women’s basketball.
The three will be honored at the Hall of Fame induction banquet Sept. 5 as part of Hall of Fame and Ram Legends weekend. The group will then be recognized on the field during the Ag Day football game against UNC.
Justin Marshall named to watch list
CSU redshirt sophomore running back Justin Marshall has been named to the Doak Walker Award watch list. The Doak Walker recognizes the top running back in the country among a pool of finalists that are announced later in the season.
Marshall rushed for 777 yards and four touchdowns last season as a redshirt freshman. He played in three games his redshirt season of 2023, rushing for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
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