Published Jul 29, 2016
Top 20 Rams: 11-20
Ryan Krous & Keegan Pope
Staff

With fall camp quickly approaching, we thought it would be fun to create our own lists of the top 20 Rams entering the start of 2016. Publisher Ryan Krous and analyst Keegan Pope break down their choices, beginning with their 11-20 ranked players. Let us know what your top 20 list is in The Fort, our premium message board community of diehard Rams fans.

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No. 20

Krous: Dalton Fackrell

The junior college transfer from Snow College has yet to prove his worth at the FBS level. However, after scoring eight touchdowns as a sophomore in 2015 en route to earning first team JC All-American honors, Fackrell will be counted on as CSU searches for permanent solutions at the receiver spot. Fackrell is in the process of learning to play with his hand in the dirt, as he has spent a large chunk of his career playing slot receiver in the spread. He should be a big, reliable receiving threat in CSU's offense, capable of not only making plays in traffic and being a consistent possession pass-catcher, but also a guy that can stretch the third level of defenses vertically. He's certainly not the fastest guy, but he is fluid and smooth as a route-runner.

Pope: Jordon Vaden

The Colorado product has yet to play a single game at cornerback, yet will likely be penciled in as the starter alongside Tyree Simmons when camp begins Thursday. Vaden will surely have some growing pains early on, but he provides the body type and athleticism that defensive coaches drool over. His transition to defense will be key this fall, with so much inexperience in the secondary and on the defensive line. If Vaden can become a consistent presence on the outside, it will help CSU’s defense immensely.

No. 19

Krous: Bisi Johnson

The true sophomore skipped a redshirt in his first season, earning a touchdown catch on his first ever reception against FCS Savannah State last year. He had an up-and-down year, playing some in a backup role. Now with Higgins, Hansley and Gaines gone, Johnson is arguably CSU's top option at wideout. He is fast, smooth, has good hands and can run clean routes. Perhaps his biggest asset compared to the other wideouts is his ability to grasp what coaches teach and his coachability. He isn't the biggest guy, but as long as he can be dependable, the speedy receiver could be in store for a nice year.

Pope: Elroy Masters

The oft-injured Masters really hasn’t had a chance to bloom yet at CSU, but has showed some impressive flashes during the past two seasons, including a big-catch and run two years ago against UC-Davis. With the departures of Rashard Higgins, Joe Hansley and Deionte Gaines, the wideout position is wide open for the taking. He’s not dominant in any one spot, but provides versatility to play multiple spots, and he’s a big target, something Nick Stevens or Faton Bauta can look forward to. While he may not do anything extremely well, he runs good routes, makes tough catches and isn’t afraid to go across the middle. CSU likely won’t rely heavily on the passing game with the stable of running backs they have, but Masters could be a threat in the play-action game, especially in the red-zone.

No. 18

Krous: Nolan Peralta

The senior hasn't wowed statistically as a Ram, nor has he really stuck out on game film, at least for the casual fan expecting big plays. But what Peralta does do well is virtually everything else. He is the quintessential coach's kid (his dad was his high school coach). Peralta is arguably the hardest worker on the team, a gym rat, goes nonstop every rep in practice, and is simply tough as nails. He dealt with a nagging back/neck injury early in his career, forcing him to transition from linebacker to tight end. He can get the job done as a receiver, although he isn't the smoothest athlete. The 6-4, 245-pounder is a grinder in the trenches, however, and is a coach's dream when it comes to teachability. He is a quick learner, one of the smartest kids on the team and will be a consistent provider as the team's top blocking tight end. He could become a more prominent pass-catcher this year, but expect Peralta to be the ultimate “glue guy” on offense. If CSU is the grind-it-out running team offensively that many expect this year, Peralta will be ultra-important as a tough, versatile blocker.

Pope: Dalton Fackrell

Tim Riggins’ look-alike has yet to play a down of Division I football, but has a chance to come in and be an immediate contributor to CSU’s offense. Fackrell was a first-team JC All-American this past season at Snow College, catching eight touchdown passes. With Kivon Cartwright and Steven Walker gone, Fackrell could, and likely should, see quite a bit of playing time this fall.

No. 17

Krous: Paul Thurston

The Nebraska transfer and former Rivals 4-star rated tackle will more than likely fill in at left guard in CSU's offense. The Rams' starting offensive line, which is quite possibly the strongest position group on the team, was stellar in the spring, with the exception of inconsistencies at left guard. Thurston should fill that missing void. Recruited out of high school as a tackle, the 6-foot-5 behemoth played center during his time as a Husker, filling in nicely when starter Ryne Reeves went down with an injury. Thurston started the Huskers' bowl win over UCLA last year and played well. Guard will be somewhat new for him, but Jake Bennett's rise as one of the top centers out west means CSU's top five OL will probably include Thurston at weakside guard. He is a one-and-done senior, like Faton Bauta. Thurston's addition will firmly establish CSU's offensive line as one of the biggest and best in the conference.

Pope: Tre Thomas

If there were a prototypical linebacker you wanted to show someone, Thomas would be that guy. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in 215 lbs., Thomas provides versatility as both as a run stopper, pass rusher and coverage backer. He’s been unable to break into the starting rotation because of CSU’s depth at linebacker the past few years, but it seems Mike Bobo and Co. are beginning to realize they can’t afford to keep him off the field. Don’t be surprised if Thomas earns one of the starting backer spots, and even if he doesn’t, you’ll likely see a lot of No. 52 this year.

No. 16

Krous: Josh Lovingood

Much of the big, versatile defensive lineman's career has been marked by potential. Unfortunately, a handful of injuries have limited the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder's production. He started as a freshman at times (including at Alabama) and showed glimpses of being a great interior producer. He didn't play over the spring, but should be good to go this fall. He will be counted on heavily on CSU's DL with the lack of depth and experience. Likely the starting nose tackle, Lovingood is bigger than last year and could also slide over to the three-technique. Now is the time for the junior to finally start making more noise in CSU's inexperienced defensive line.

Pope: Olabisi Johnson

If you’re looking for game-changing speed, Bisi is your guy. Unlike most freshman, Johnson didn’t redshirt last year and got very valuable experience behind Higgins, Hansley and Co. He struggled a bit with drops, but that’s a flaw of many young receivers. As mentioned before, the two starting receiver positions are wide-open, and Johnson could very well find himself running with the No. 1 offense for most of fall camp. Like most receivers, his route running and understanding of the route trees will continue to improve, but CSU needs someone to stretch the field with Higgins gone, and Johnson may just be that guy.

No. 15

Krous: Jake Schlager

The junior has quietly gone about his business, earning praise from teammates and coaches for his strong work ethic and ability to grasp defensive concepts. Various lower body injuries have plagued his career since he rose to the scene as a top special-teamer as a true freshman. With the departure of Kevin Pierre-Louis, Schlager is slotted to be the starter at safety and the leader of the secondary. The jury is still out on him as a safety, as most of his production has come as a gunner on special teams. But don't be surprised to see him become one of the best players on defense in 2016.

Pope: Jake Schlager

CSU’s special teams dynamo seems to finally be healthy, and he’ll get a shot to be the quarterback of the Rams’ defense as their likely starting strong safety. While he’s relatively untested in terms of coverage skills, Schlager flies to the ball with reckless abandon and could see a similar role to the one Kevin Pierre-Louis played last year as almost an extra linebacker. Foot and shoulder injuries have marred his time at CSU, but if he can stay healthy, Schlager answers a big question of who will be CSU’s leader in the secondary.

No. 14

Krous: Kiel Robinson

A steady performer at outside linebacker, Robinson's strength as a prep was his pass rushing. He has since fine-tuned his coverage skills and bulked up to become a better player in stopping the run, too. His two sacks at Wyoming last season were the highlights of an otherwise solid, yet under-the-radar performance as a sophomore. CSU will really need at least one big time pass rusher to step up, and in Marty English's 3-4, that usually means the outside linebackers. Robinson could fill that role. English has some wiggle room to possibly move Kevin Davis over to Buck, or the emergence of a reserve like Evan Colorito there would be very welcome. But Robinson may be asked to provide even greater production in harassing quarterbacks to ensure CSU is effective defensively in 2016.

Pope: Josh Watson

Have you ever created a player on Madden that was basically a walking cheat code? Well say hello to Josh Watson. Just a sophomore, Watson weighs in at 230 pounds, standing 6-foot-2. But it isn’t just his size you should be impressed by. Watson moves extremely well for a backer his size, and he’s a menace in the running game. He was dominant in spring practice, racking up tackles, forced fumbles and interceptions in CSU’s scrimmages. He’ll likely start at one of the two inside backer spots along Deonte Clyburn (if he’s healthy) or Kevin Davis. Combined with either one of those guys, and Watson will be a force to be reckoned with up the middle.

No. 13

Krous: Nick Callender

The big senior has played guard and tackle in his Rams career, but started all last year at left tackle to protect Nick Stevens' blindside. That protection helped place CSU 15th nationally in sacks allowed per game last year (1.17 per game), and Callender was a big part of that. CSU's bowl loss to Nevada was a game Callender would probably like to forget, as Ian Seau had his way with him. However, Callender is a big road grader in the run game and a ferocious pass blocker when he gets his hands locked onto the shoulder pads of defensive linemen. At 6-foot-5, 315-pounds, Callender is a menacing force on the line. He isn't as nimble as a guy like Zack Golditch, but his strength is in the run game and Will Friend will likely want to see even more nastiness from him on a down-by-down basis.

Pope: Xavier Williams

Is X gon’ give it to ya? Mike Bobo and Alvis Whitted are sure hoping so. Multiple players have told me that Williams was the most gifted receiver CSU had the last two seasons, including Biletnikoff finalist Rashard Higgins. Williams is built like a tight end and runs like a defensive back, but for whatever reason, hasn’t been able to put it together on the field. His 30 career catches are the most of any returning CSU wideout, but Bobo expressed his recent frustration with Williams, saying at MW media days that Williams won’t begin fall camp with the No. 1 offense. When he’s on his game, Williams is nearly impossible to cover with his size, speed, hands and leaping ability. If he’s able to “figure it out,” CSU’s offense will be a lot more lethal this fall.

No. 12

Krous: Zack Golditch

Like several others on this list, Golditch was a high-potential player often plagued by injuries as an underclassman. 2015, though, provided him a chance to finally make some noise with a healthy body. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound former All-Colorado selection started 12 games – two at left tackle and ten at left guard. His transition to guard allowed CSU to play its top five linemen. Now that Sam Carlson has graduated and joined the NFL's Titans, Golditch will move back over to his natural right tackle spot. The junior could be in line for an all-conference type season with a strong year. He is big, very athletic and has improved each season in becoming both more technical in his craft and more aggressive on the field. Watching him play, you'd think he could fill out his frame even more, too. Expect a big year from Golditch.

Pope: Kiel Robinson

An on-again, off-again starter last season, Robinson will have a chance to secure one of the outside linebacker spots heading into camp. He seems to have found a niche as a pass-rushing LB, notching a handful of sacks last season. He struggled at times in coverage, but has a good nose for the football and seems to fit in well with Marty English’s 3-4 scheme better than he did with Tyson Summers’ 4-3. Robinson provides a lot of versatility at either of the outside backer spots, being able to rush the passer or as a run stopper.

No. 11

Krous: Josh Watson

Depth at linebacker remains a concern since the spring. The emergence of Josh Watson in the middle will help ease some worry and should even have fans excited. The big linebacker's strength is simply going out, seeking ball carriers and playing at one hundred miles per hour. Watson is a stat sheet stuffer and there is a strong chance he leads the team in tackles if he can stay healthy all year. Watson looks the part of what a starting linebacker should look like. He is physical, moves better than you'd think, both downhill and sideline-to-sideline. He is better when playing close to the line of scrimmage, but has improved his pass coverage skills. He must continue to improve his understanding of the defense, but he is already a physically skilled player and leader both on and off the field.

Pope: Tyree Simmons

The only returning starter in CSU’s secondary will have his work cut out for him this fall, likely covering each team’s No. 1 wideout. However, Simmons has proved he is more than capable in coverage, and also has shown he’s not afraid to step up and tackle a ball carrier. He and Jake Schlager will be the unquestioned leaders in the back end, and will have to step up with what is a very inexperienced pass rush.

(Check back in tomorrow for our top ten picks).

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