Bitter end? CSU's Sperry isn't

Long rehab complete, Ram looking forward to collision with Buffs

By Jim Benton, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 22, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.

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Photo by Photo by Tim Hussin/Rocky Mountan News

After almost a year of rehab from a knee injury, Colorado State tight end Kory Sperry is eager to resume his college career and work toward a possible career in the NFL.

Photo by Doug Pensinger / Getty Images/2007

Sperry picks up yardage in last season's Rocky Mountain Showdown as CU's Brad Jones tries to bring him down. A week later against California, Sperry's season was over. "It was frustrating. It just ended for me," he says.

If there's a silver lining to the injury that cost Kory Sperry his senior season, it comes Aug. 31.

That's when the Colorado State tight end gets another shot at rival Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Invesco Field at Mile High.

It's his reward for almost a year of rehabilitation.

"They're the rivals," Sperry said. "They don't like us and we don't like them. There's extra motivation for me because it's CU. That makes the game a lot more fun."

Sperry got off to a great start last season with three touchdown catches against CU in an overtime loss.

Then, a week later, his much-anticipated senior season was over.

Sperry suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against California that sent the Rams skidding to a 3-9 season and delayed what eventually could be a promising future in the NFL.

"It was frustrating," Sperry said. "It just ended for me. Now that I'm back, I'm glad. I figured I was the biggest problem last year because I couldn't help. (As) soon as I got hurt, I wanted to come back. I wanted to come back and prove to myself and prove to my team that I can help them."

Sperry received a medical redshirt and will play his first game since Sept. 8 against CU, a team that recruited him five years ago.

In three games against the Buffs, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Sperry has 19 receptions and five touchdowns.

"I just want to get out there and get that first win," Sperry said. "Any game against your rivals, you look forward to. Sometimes you have a good game, and sometimes you don't. I'd like to have a good game every game, but sometimes, you get good coverage, run a good route and get a good ball."

That has been the case against the Buffs.

"They've done a great job of exploiting some of our weaknesses, they've caught us in some good coverages and he's made some big plays," CU defensive tackle George Hypolite said. "He's a big-time player, and in a big-time game, he made big plays. I think his size and his athleticism create a huge problem because there aren't too many linebackers who can cover a guy who's 6-6 and can run 4.5. They don't make too many guys like that at this level."

The road back

Sperry underwent surgery on Sept. 28 for an injury similar to one that forced running back Kyle Bell to miss the 2006 season.

"I feel stronger than before I got hurt," Sperry said. "The trainers and strength coordinators have been doing a good job of getting me in there, and I've been staying in there and rehabbing every day. It's healthy (the knee), and I'm still strengthening it. I feel like I have two regular knees.

"I talked to Kyle about it. The trainers and surgeons helped me. If I had any questions like, 'Is this normal?' or 'Is this OK?' then Kyle was there to help me out. I had a couple family members go through it, so I've had help everywhere."

Bell provided support for Sperry during his grueling rehab sessions.

"With what I went through, he was able to use that as an example of what to do and maybe prepare himself for the first game," Bell said.

Now Sperry wants to make the most of his second senior season.

"I have one more year," he said. "It gives me a year to mature and learn the game a little more. Some people think you get an injury and you automatically fall off and underestimate you. I'm fine with that.

"CSU is always underestimated or looked down upon. It's a challenge for everybody. I'm excited to prove everybody wrong. I go out there and don't worry about anything except catching the ball and getting my assignments right."

Ram or Buff?

Sperry played quarterback at Pueblo County High School and drew attention from both CU and CSU.

"I got offered from CU and CSU," Sperry said. "I thought CSU was a better fit. I've been coming here since I was little, going to camps, and I thought it was a better fit and I like it.

"Plus, I got to learn behind Joel Dreessen when I came here. He was a big-time reason I came here. Anytime you get to learn behind a tight end like that, it was a good choice."

The playmaker

Last season, in the two games Sperry played, the Rams' offense averaged 422 yards. In the 10 games without him, they averaged 370.2 yards.

Tight ends other than Sperry finished the season with a combined nine catches, one fewer than Sperry had in two games.

In 32 career games, Sperry has 103 catches for 1,271 yards and 14 touchdowns for an average of 12.3 yards a catch.

"He's a playmaker," new coach Steve Fairchild said. "He's one more guy on the offensive side of the ball that can make something happen."

CSU safety Mike Pagnotta is certain Sperry will make things happen this year.

"Kory's in great form right now," he said. "I think he's stronger than he's ever been. He's a heck of a guy to have to guard one-on-one. I'd say he's back even better than he was before. He's got that drive that I haven't seen in him before. His blocking is huge.

"A few years ago, everybody was dogging him for not being a good blocker, but they can't do that anymore. He's got a complete game. He can catch balls, run the routes and block. I think he's going to create a lot of mismatches for us this year."

Where's Kory?

CSU is trying to design different ways to get Sperry involved in the offense.

"It's been fun," Sperry said. "I get to jump around, getting spread out in the backfield and on the line, and being able to play different positions is fun.

"Sometimes, I'm a receiver - sometimes, I'm a blocker. You never know what to expect."

Wherever Sperry lines up, CU will be paying attention.

"You have to account for him (every play) and know where he's at," CU safety D.J. Dykes said. "There's no question we'll have an eye on him the whole game.

"They're going to try and get the ball in the hands of a guy who makes plays and can score. And he's proven over and over, when they get in the red zone, he likes the ball and can get into the end zone."

Next level

Sperry was considered a promising NFL prospect before his injury. Now he's hoping to prove he still has big-play potential that will earn him an invitation to the NFL combine.

"With him missing the entire year last season, he's going to have to have a big-time year," Tennessee Titans scout Blake Beddingfield said. "He's going to have to show he's regained his speed and athletic ability. I don't see any reason why he shouldn't. We'll find out real quick."

Fairchild, the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills the past two seasons, knows what it takes to play in the NFL and believes Sperry will be playing on Sundays next season.

"A lot of that will depend on how he plays this year," Fairchild said. "He has the ability, he's really worked hard, got himself in shape and could have a big year.

"When he has a chance to make plays on balls, he does it. He shows he's physical in the running game. He is certainly a guy, in my mind, that could play at the next level. I'd like to help him get there. I think he's talented enough to do it."

He'll get his first chance to prove it in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

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