Three questions for Steve Fairchild

1 What is the strength of your team?

"On the offensive side of the ball, we like our running backs and offensive line. Defensively, it is just depth."

2 How would you rate your schedule?

"Whatever you got, you play. This league is talented now. Since I left, the last seven years, there's some good football teams in this league. It's good from top to bottom. We can't worry about what everybody else has."

3 What would you consider a successful season?

"As far as predicting wins and losses, I have no idea. I see fairly clearly where we are at and I know exactly where we want to go. I think the plan and the coaches are in place to do that. I don't know how quickly we will go down that road. I'm more concerned just day to day that we continue to improve every day that we practice, not only get better, but the way we practice."

Preseason report card

* RUSHING OFFENSE: Coach Steve Fairchild would love to have a physical, punishing rushing attack that would allow the Rams to also stretch the field. CSU has the players to accomplish that. Gartrell Johnson and Kyle Bell head a deep group of running backs, and four full-time starters are back on the offensive line. Grade: B

* PASSING OFFENSE: Billy Farris, a backup for two seasons, needs to prove himself at quarterback. Tight end Kory Sperry is returning after a medical hardship year, but he's a bona fide playmaker. The Rams will need to develop reliable wide receivers, but new recruits could help turn the receiving corps into a strength as the season progresses. Grade: C

* RUSHING DEFENSE: Three starters are gone from the defensive line, but sacks leader Tommie Hill, Matt Rupp and linebacker Jeff Horinek, the leading tackler last year, should provide defensive coordinator Larry Kerr with a solid nucleus. Grade: C

* PASSING DEFENSE: Free safety Klint Kubiak and strong safety Mike Pagnotta missed a combined 13 games last year because of illness and injuries. They are good at run support and will be the headline performers in what will be an inexperienced secondary. Grade: C

* SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Jason Smith will miss part of the season because of a broken arm. In his absence, freshman Ben DeLine will fill in as the placekicker and and junior college transfer Anthony Hartz will be the punter. Dion Morton will handle punt returns. Grade: C-plus

Depth chart

OFFENSE

Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment

QB Billy Farris (Klay Kubiak) | Not much experience at key position.

RB Gartrell Johnson or Kyle Bell | They could play in same backfield.

FB Zac Pauga (Eric Peitz) | Pauga is a solid piece of offense.

WR Dion Morton (Marquise Law) | Morton must step up as playmaker.

WR Rashaun Greer (Ryan Gardner) | Greer looking for first reception.

TE Kory Sperry (Chris Kawulok) | Sperry might be bona fide NFL prospect.

C Tim Walter (Phil Serchia) | Walter started nine games last year.

SG Adrian Martinez (Scott Benedict) | Martinez has started 22 games.

ST Cole Pemberton (Dane Stratton) | Pemberton adds experience to O-line.

WT Mark Starr (Paul Madsen) | Starr split time at tackle and tight end.

WG Shelley Smith (Jake Gdowsk) | Smith started 12 games as sophomore.

PK Jason Smith (Ben DeLine) | DeLine follows dad Steve at CSU.

DEFENSE

Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment

RE Tommie Hill (Cory Macon ) | Hill must shake off preseason injury.

NT Matt Rupp (Guy Miller) | Rupp moves into starting role.

DT Ty Whittier or James Morehead | Tight battle at this position.

LE Jake Pottorff (Wade Landers ) | Pottorff started nine games in '07.

WLB Ricky Brewer (John Clark ) | Brewer is an impact player.

MLB Jeff Horinek (Curtis Cornelson) | Horinek has started 28 games in row.

SLB Mychal Sisson (Michael Kawulok) | Position lacks varsity experience.

CB Brandon Owens (Scott Zick ) | Redshirt freshman mans this position.

CB Nick Oppenneer (Gerard Thomas ) | Ankle injury slowed Oppenneer.

FS Klint Kubiak (Zach Donaldson ) | Kubiak fired up to play again.

SS Mike Pagnotta (Jake Galusha ) | Pagnotta is a hard-nosed defender.

P Jason Smith (Anthony Hartz) | Hartz will fill in for injured Smith.

Outlook

4-8 Steve Fairchild has started to rebuild the foundation for a return to winning ways in Fort Collins, but it might not happen this season.

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