There are going to be a lot of new faces this year at Colorado State, as a new coach, quarterback and wide receivers.  The Rams are hoping that Jim McElwain can bring some of that Alabama mojo to Fort Collins.

Offense: The team will have a new quarterback because former starter, Pete Thomas, transferred to N.C. State.  However, his replacement, Garrett Grayson, won’t just be thrown into the fire. Grayson started three games last season when Thomas was injured and showed flashes of potential.

Luckily for him, running back Chris Nwoke returns after a successful sophomore campaign. Nwoke ran for 1,130 yards and nine touchdowns last year.

The wide receivers are young and inexperienced, but the Rams do bring back tight end Crockett Gillmore, who had 45 catches for 468 yards and four touchdowns.

Defense: Unlike the offense, which brings back just four starters, the defense brings back seven, including two on the line, two linebackers and three of four defensive backs.

Unfortunately, two expected starters, DE Nordly Capi and LB Mike Orakpo were suspended indefinitely after they were accused of severely beating  four freshmen after a party. DE Colton Paulhaus was also suspended.  Capi led the Mountain West in sacks with 10, while Orakpo was 11th in tackles with 87.  Luckily for CSU, Shaq Barret and James Skelton were third and fourth in tackles in the MWC last year, with 99 and 91, respectively.

Momo Thomas, DeAndre Elliott and Austin Gray return as DB’s.  Elliott replaces Shaq Bell in the lineup, as the two battled throughout spring ball.

Recruiting: Linebacker Kevin Davis comes to campus as a Parade All-American after registering 165 tackles, six sacks, four fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles in 2011.  Wide receiver Joe Hansley won last year’s Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year after rushing for 1,845 yards, 24 touchdowns, catching eight TD passes and 518 yards, while intercepting seven passes, as a first year starting DB.

Schedule: The schedule, which features six home games, can set the Rams up for their first season with at least a .500 record since 2008.  Unfortunately, of the teams expected to finish above the, only Fresno State visits Fort Collins.  Road games include Boise State, Air Force, Wyoming, and San Diego State.