It's hard to think about too many recruiting classes at Colorado State and come to a realization that defensive tackle was in fact a focus. Last year was one of those years. John Froland a quality prospect out of the state of Washington chose the Rams after first committing to Northwestern. Trevor Murphy out Jefferson, Texas was an excellent combination of size and speed. Alas, Murphy only last one semester at CSU and has transfered back to another school in Texas. This year offered up more hope in the likes of Adarius Rayner from Largo, Florida. Rayner committed to CSU in October, but after taking a trip to Indiana last weekend he made the switch to become a Hoosier. It's hard to point fingers in a situation like that since prospects flip flopping is nothing new. CSU is hanging on to the hope that heralded prospect Isiah Norton from Dallas can make the grades. Norton is 6'5" and about 300 pounds. Just what the doctor ordered for a defense that ranked 102nd in the nation in rush defense. According to his coach Norton has some work to do in the classroom this semester to get requirements in order so he can clear the NCAA Clearinghouse.

All is not lost for the defensive line future. Colton Paulhus is a 6'2"/255lb defensive end from Granite Bay, California. Paulhus signed with Idaho State out of high school, but had a change of heart and decided to enroll at American River College instead. Starting as a freshman, Paulhus attracted offers from CSU and Nevada. Paulhus does give the Rams a bit of flexibility should some 3-4 defensive fronts be utilized. Paulhus would also add size that CSU did not have at defensive end after Zac Tiedgen was out for the 2010 season following knee surgery. Will massive lineman Justin Hansen of Longmont play defensive tackle or offensive line? Coach Steve Fairchild will probably want him blocking for Pete Thomas and the new stable of running backs. Guy Miller played offensive line at first though too.

Adding to the depth of a future defensive front is another Kawulok. Joe Kawulok from Louisville, Colorado will become the third Kawulok to play for the Rams joining older brothers Chris and Michael. Kawulok at 6'5" could be a star at defensive end or tight end. Teaming with Crocket Gillmore could make for a combination not seen in Fort Collins since Joey Porter and Clark Haggans wore the green and gold.

Speed on defense was certainly a key component in this years class. Three out of four linebackers in the class boast sub 4.6 forty-yard dash times. Adding four players in the secondary all over 6'1" is another key point Coach Fairchild focused on. Something that will be important as San Diego State signed four receivers with the shortest at 6'0". Trent Matthews looks like a really tall corner playing safety, but he hits like a linebacker. Kevin Pierre-Louis is another ranging safety who likes contact.

The talk this fall will no doubt be about the running backs. All things being equal the bulk of carriers will fall to Raymond Carter and Chris Nwoke. With four new additions at the position it will be interesting to see how things shake out. They are all slightly different in make-up. Dorian Brown is massive in size with speed to match. Kapri Bibbs is compact and nimble. Donnell Alexander is a classic match of agility and power. Davon Riddick is a long strider like Adrian Peterson. It is not out of the question one of the four will get a chance to see the field next season. It's really hard to place any bets, but one should not discount Riddick's potential.

Impact player number one from this class could very well be George Talanoa Maumau. Maumau is a solid 230lb fullback who did it all for 4A state champ Valor Christian. With the graduation of Zac Pauga, and the knee injury to Jake Levin during the season, all eyes will be on Maumau to fill the gap. Maumau can run, block, and catch just like Pauga. Maumau may very well be faster coming out of high school then Pauga was.

Lee Clubb and Charles Lovett will both have opportunities to see the field as freshmen at receiver. Lovett may have the advantage due to his experience at receiver, and punt return skills. At only 5'7" Lovett is not built like an ideal receiver, but his hands are like glue. Clubb will have to make the transition from high school running back and quarter back to college receiver. Lou Greenwood has made the transition, and Clubb should have no problems either.

It is hard to say if the class of 2011 will be better then 2010, but if Norton does in fact play for CSU then things start to look a lot better. The class of 2010 has already offered up its share of disappointment, but a share of excitement as well. The class of 2010 had five prospects not make it to CSU for one reason or another (mostly academics), and one has already left. If the class of 2011 can keep it together off the field then I suspect on the field success will follow. The potential is very high with this group.

Don't be surprised to see several more recruits signed in the coming weeks. Longer snapper Tanner Gibas of Covina, California committed to CSU after taking a visit last week, but a last minute offer from Kansas caused him to rethink where he will sign. Gibas should make his decision by early next week.
Here are some highlights from a few potential preferred walkons
Austin Harrington, WR, Minnetonka, MN

Craig (CJ) Leonard, QB, Fossil Ridge