Jackson Brousseau Emerges as Leader for Colorado State Rams

In a remarkable transformation, Jackson Brousseau has quickly ascended from backup quarterback to full-time starter and team captain for the Colorado State Rams. This change has come in less than a month, during which Brousseau has showcased significant improvement in each of his three starts. As the Rams navigate a challenging season, having lost more than half of their preseason-elected captains to injuries, Brousseau’s emergence has provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and performance.

Jay Norvell, head coach of the Rams, expressed enthusiasm about Brousseau’s potential. “He’s really just starting to play,” Norvell said. “The future’s in front of him, but he’s a very smart player that will put his teammates in position to make plays.” With the Rams looking to regain their momentum this season, Brousseau’s leadership and on-field decisions have become increasingly vital.

Rapid Rise to Prominence

Brousseau made his debut as a starter during the fourth quarter of a loss to UTSA on September 20, 2023, where he completed 10 of 12 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. His performance prompted Norvell to name him the starting quarterback just two days later. Despite a tough first outing as a starter, where the Rams managed only a field goal in a 20-3 loss to Washington State, Brousseau gained valuable experience.

The following week, he faced San Diego State, passing for 155 yards and a touchdown in a 45-24 defeat. However, it was last week’s performance that truly highlighted his capabilities. Brousseau threw for 144 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Rams to a decisive 49-21 victory over Fresno State, effectively ending a three-game losing streak.

Norvell attributes Brousseau’s success to his diligent preparation. “He’s a very prepared player,” Norvell stated, underscoring the importance of readiness in capitalizing on in-game opportunities. Brousseau himself acknowledges the need for continuous improvement, demonstrating his commitment to both personal and team growth.

Building a Strong Support Network

The young quarterback has also benefitted from a robust supporting cast, particularly from his running backs and tight end Rocky Beers. In the recent game against Fresno State, two of Brousseau’s touchdown passes found Beers, while running back Javion Kinnard also contributed with a touchdown reception.

“That’s always what we’re trying to do, spread the ball around and exploit the defense,” Brousseau noted. This approach not only enhances the Rams’ offensive strategy but also fosters a collaborative team environment as they aim to build on their recent success.

The Rams currently hold a record of 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the Mountain West Conference. They are set to host the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors on Saturday evening for homecoming at Canvas Stadium, a game that promises to be pivotal for their season.

Hawaii comes into the matchup with a 5-2 overall record and a 2-1 mark in the conference, having won their last two games, including a recent 44-26 win against Utah State. Coached by Timmy Chang, a longtime associate of Norvell, Hawaii presents a significant challenge for the Rams. Norvell praised Chang’s coaching abilities, acknowledging his knack for maximizing his team’s potential.

Hawaii’s offense is spearheaded by quarterback Micah Alejado, who has thrown for 1,546 yards and nine touchdowns. Running back Landon Sims leads the ground game with 331 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Profele Ashlock has accumulated 468 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Peter Manuma leads the team with 38 tackles, with key contributions from defensive linemen De’Jon Benton and Jackie Johnson III.

Injury Concerns and Team Resilience

Unfortunately, the Rams have not been without their share of injuries. Linebacker JaQues Evans was recently added to the season-ending injury list, a situation that Norvell described as unexpected and disheartening. Despite the news, Evans remained committed to supporting his teammates during the challenging time.

Along with Evans, several other players, including defensive back Jayden Cortell and wide receiver Stephon Daily, are sidelined for the season. The injury list for this week also includes key players like Jaxxon Warren and defensive backs Ayden Hector and Dagan Myers, the latter suffering a broken collarbone last week without initially alerting the coaching staff.

As the Rams prepare for the upcoming game against Hawaii, the focus will be on leveraging Brousseau’s leadership and adaptability in the face of adversity. The resilience displayed by the team will be crucial as they aim to secure their second consecutive victory and build momentum as the season progresses.