There haven't been a lot of players who have had a chance to really contribute early in their careers at Colorado State, or all of college football for that matter, but in the Rams' class of 2009 recruiting class there may be an exception. Who is that exception? Well if he proves himself during summer workouts, the CSU fans should keep an eye on Immanuel Mitchell.

The 5-foot-11, 157 pound cornerback from Corona (CA) Elanor Roosevelt High School has been told by CSU's Special Teams Coordinator Larry Lewis that he may be able to play as a true freshman, something Mitchell really wants to do.

"CSU seemed like the best place for me, I have a chance to come in and play early. I also really like the coaching staff and it seems like a nice place," Mitchell said.

"It all depends on how I do in August," he continued. "It makes me feel really good that I don't have to redshirt. If I can prove my point, I can play right away rather than sitting out a year."

In 2008, Mitchell was one of his team captains and helped lead the ERHS Mustangs to a 6-4 record. He does think that one thing he'll miss while making the transition from high school to college is playing in front of fans from his hometown of Corona.

"I'll miss playing in my hometown and having all my friends come see me play. I'll miss playing local, playing against former teammates from Pop Warner. I'll also miss having my parents and family watching me play."

While his family won't be relocating to Fort Collins, Mitchell does believes that his folks will have a chance to come to quite a few of the Rams' home games throughout his career.

Another thing that helped sell Mitchell-or "Emon" as his friends call him-was the new facilities CSU is currently building. He got to see them during his recruiting visit on January 23rd.

"They have that new indoor practice facility that is supposed to be done by August. It should be a big help when it's cold in the fall-Especially come bowl season."

And just like so many of the CSU recruits, the Rams victory over Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl was a testament of how much heart Steve Fairchild teams have.

"I just loved how they never let go, they never gave up, just kept pushing. They were down, and down, then they pushed, scored that touchdown before half to give them some momentum going into halftime and then they were able to pull it away."

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