After leading the Colorado State Rams to seven wins in 2015, Mike Bobo – the first coach in school history to win seven games in his first year on the job – has some big holes to fill on his roster if he hopes to avoid a sophomore slump.

In his first year as head coach, Bobo faced the unenviable task of replacing the program’s all-time leading passer, Garett Grayson. He found his answer in second-team all-Mountain West sophomore Nick Stevens. In 2016, Bobo must replace the school’s all-time leading receiver, as well as nearly every starter on the defensive side of the ball.

Mike Brohard, sports editor for the Loveland Reporter-Herald, joined Gil Whiteley on Mile High Sports AM 1310 | FM 104.7 to discuss what the CSU Rams need to build on last year’s success and keep from taking a step backwards despite the loss of so many important figures.

“There still is a lot of growth, said Brohard. “I think their quarterback position is going to improve one way or the other. I think they need to see their wide receivers step forward, especially Xavier Williams; they lost not just Rashard Higgins but Joe Hansley, who produced a ton of big catches throughout the years.”

Where CSU needs to worry the most, according to Brohard, is on the defensive side. They lost almost every starting player to graduation, and Preston Hodges who had 28 career starts, was dismissed from the team.

“They are going to go with the younger players,” said Brohard. “So how fast they develop or how fast the defensive line can adapt and get some kind of production is really key.

“I think it’s the defensive side where there is the most question marks. You got all your starters on the defensive front and then your bringing some new kids in but are they ready to go.”

Hear the full discussion between Brohard and Whiteley in the podcast below…

https://soundcloud.com/milehighsports/7-6-16-mike-brohard-joins-gil-what-does-csu-need-to-do-to-move-forward-next-season

Catch Gil Whiteley every Monday through Friday from 11a-1p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.