Regional scene: Ex-CSU receiver out to make Texans roster

Rocky wire reports

Published August 20, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.

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David Anderson strutted, swung his arms and high-fived every teammate in sight after catching a touchdown pass in the Houston Texans' preseason opener.

Sure, the game didn't count. But the 2006 seventh-round pick from Colorado State doesn't know when he'll get the chance to celebrate like that again.

The 5-foot-10, 194-pound receiver is fifth on the Texans' depth chart, behind All-Pro Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis and Jacoby Jones.

Anderson has stayed on coach Gary Kubiak's radar mostly with pure effort, and Kubiak admits that with every practice, Anderson makes a stronger case for more playing time.

"He's become a fine player," Kubiak said. "He's just smart, he understands the game, and has got a lot of confidence. He's an undersized guy, so he works well in the slot. Our players just believe in him. He's tough as hell, and that helps."

The 25-year-old Anderson spent the offseason studying the Texans offense and working on his techniques. As a result, he arrived at training camp more optimistic that he would make the final cut this time.

"If you play scared or uncomfortable, you kind of get exposed in the NFL," he said. "If you're on top of everything you do and play your best, a lot of times you shine."

Anderson hopes he's done enough to make the team, but he sets out to prove something to Kubiak every day anyway.

TOLAN FALLS SHORT CU golfer Derek Tolan failed to qualify for one of two spots in the U.S. Amateur Championship after a 25-man playoff Wednesday in Pinehurst, N.C.

AVS TIMES CHANGING The Avalanche announced time changes for three games this season. Colorado's games at Calgary on Oct. 14 and Oct. 28 now will start at 7:30 p.m., and the Avs' regular-season finale with St. Louis on April 12 at the Pepsi Center will start at 3 p.m.

* The Avalanche will continue its affiliation this season with the Johnstown (Pa.) Chiefs of the East Coast Hockey League and the Cleveland-based Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

OUTLAWS ON TV FSN Rocky Mountain will air the Major League Lacrosse semifinal between the Denver Outlaws and Los Angeles Riptide at 1 p.m. Saturday in Boston.

KOSHANSKY HONORED Colorado Springs Sky Sox infielder Joe Koshansky has been named Pacific Coast League hitter of the week.

* The Sky Sox's five-run rally in the eighth inning fell short in an 8-5 loss to the Las Vegas 51s in a PCL game Wednesday night at Security Service Field.

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