With a new head coach taking over the program in former Alabama defensive coordinator Jim McElwain, the Colorado State Rams are already gearing up for next season. And despite having a breakout year with the Rams in 2011, running back Chris Nwoke will have to earn back his starting gig at the position under a brand new coaching staff.
Nwoke, a junior, doesn't seem to mind the challenge, though. After earning the starting role with Colorado State last year, there's little reason to believe that he can't do it again. Speaking with Kelly Lyell of Coloradoan.com, Nwoke expressed his excitement:
It's open competition for everybody. Competition makes everybody better, and that's what the staff is emphasizing, so we're here to work.
2011 was a major disappointment for Colorado State, which finished the season with a 3-9 overall record. Nwoke was one of the few bright spots, though, carrying the ball 200 times for 1130 yards and nine touchdowns after earning the starting gig midseason.
After finally getting the starting job, Nwoke proved to be a major asset for the Rams. Although he struggled badly against Wyoming in the Rams' season finale, he averaged 162 yards per game over the five games preceding the defeat to the Cowboys.
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