Colorado State Rams quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi runs in for a touchdown on a keeper during the Colorado State Rams football game against the Utah Tech Trailblazers at Canvas Stadium at Colorado State University in Fort Collins Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. The Colorado State Rams lead the Utah Tech Trailblazers 21-17 at halftime. After he showcased his intriguing potential for Colorado State last fall, NIL offers to leave were available.
I have no issue with college players chasing dollars. And obviously as one of the faces of the CSU program, Fowler-Nicolosi receives nice NIL coin, but certainly not $600,000. It’s fine to have money in the head, but it is refreshing when it does not consume the heart. He finished last season with an eye-widening 22 touchdowns, but countered with 16 interceptions. He threw multiple picks in four games and had only two games without any. It helps explain why CSU finished 5-7 instead of a bowl worthy 7-5.
“I learned a lot. The big thing I need to improve on is my calm in the storm. I can put on a good face and make it look like I am calm, but it’s about actually being calm. And not making those stupid decisions,” Fowler-Nicolosi explained. “It’s about getting the ball out on time. And we have developed some rules this season that are really helping me avoid those mistakes that we cannot afford.”
The optimism surrounding the quarterback and this Rams offense is real — Horton and Justus Ross-Simmons bring the noise at receiver and three linemen return — but muted by the 2024 schedule. In the first five weeks, CSU opens at Texas, hosts CU and travels to Oregon State.