FORT COLLINS – In some respects, it has been the cruelest of seasons for Chris Nwoke.
This was supposed to be his breakout year, start to finish, as Colorado State’s workhorse at running back following an 1,110-yard performance in 2011. Instead, it has turned out to be anything but that. Pretty much the complete opposite.
Instead of breaking out, with two games remaining Nwoke finds himself trying to break back in as a big contributor on offense. Ankle injuries have been the most consistent part of his season. He’s been in-and-out of the lineup as a result, and not at full-strength in many of the other games in which he’s participated.
“It’s been a tough year,” Nwoke said.
“Obviously, you don’t hope for an injury year like that, but when you do get them you’ve just got to stay positive and make sure you’re working on the things you need to do to get back to full health. And make sure it doesn’t happen in my last year. So, definitely it’s been a good learning aspect. I’ve never had a year like this, so I’ve gotten stronger off of it mentally.”
His upcoming senior season helps Nwoke stay positive. It’s one last chance to have the season he wanted to have this year – at least health-wise. Fumbling has also been an issue. Despite dressing he did not play in the Border War game against Wyoming. CSU coach Jim McElwain said it was a combination of health and ball security.
But in actuality, Nwoke’s biggest problem may have simply been fumbling at a time when McElwain was really hot-and-heavy on taking care of the football because other players didn’t. Nwoke had just one fumble through the first seven games before laying two on the ground against Hawaii. CSU lost both fumbles in that game and have lost all three he has fumbled this season.
McElwain sat him out against Wyoming, and redshirt freshman Donnell Alexander has been the main ball carrier ever since.
Meanwhile, Nwoke, who is second on the team in individual offense with 402 yards, says he’s worked on keeping the ball secure.
“Just focusing on high-and-tight,” he said. “If I just think about that every single play, I think it’ll stay put. You just want to get used to the habit of getting it high-and-tight. As you do that and it becomes a part of how you run, I think that’s the key right there.”
Nwoke got back to carrying the football in the Rams’ win over UNLV, getting 14 rushes for 66 yards. He also caught one pass for seven yards. He’s been a mentor to Alexander, a burgeoning star who has run for 253 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games.
“He just has a lot of talent,” Nwoke said. “There’s a lot of things he can do and really he’s on the right pace, trusting his offensive linemen, being patient, exploding through the hole, making guys miss. And those are the key components. All I keep saying is ‘keep going, take advantage, don’t let nobody stop you.’ He’s definitely taking advantage of that.”
Follow Chris Dempsey on Twitter @dempseypost or email him at cdempsey@denverpost.com
