Rams Prepare for UTSA Matchup With Strengthened Offensive Line
Colorado State center Phillip Ocon is establishing himself as a vital component of the Rams' offensive line as the team prepares to face the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The Rams are looking to improve their record to 3-1 when they take the field at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday.
Ocon has been a consistent presence along the line, leading teammates onto the field before games at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. His development comes after a period of physical adversity and roster changes that tested his commitment to the program.
Overcoming Injury and Roster Uncertainty
Ocon’s path to becoming a starter was interrupted last season when he suffered a dislocation in his right ring finger, which is his snap hand. The injury occurred during fall camp against Kenyon Agurs, requiring surgery and the use of a cast.
Despite the injury, Ocon adapted quickly. He snapped with his left hand for his first couple of snaps after returning to play. He played in eight games as a redshirt freshman last season following a redshirt year in 2024.
"I knew my role last year and I needed to fill my role regardless of if I would snap with my left or my right," Ocon said regarding his approach to the injury.
Ocon also remained at Colorado State during a significant period of transition. After the Rams finished the previous season with a 2-10 record, head coach Jay Norvell was fired, and Tyson Summers became the interim coach. While many teammates opted to transfer during this period, Ocon decided to stay.
Commitment to Work Ethic
Ocon cited the coaching staff's emphasis on effort as a primary reason for his decision to remain with the program. He described head coach Mora as an "actions-over-words guy" whose central mantra is that players must work hard.
"The first thing he told me was we work hard here and that’s what I’m a big believer in," Ocon said. He noted that Mora mentioned work ethic first, rather than financial compensation or uniforms, which influenced his choice to stay.
A Decision Rooted in Instinct
Ocon’s commitment to the program was evident even before his collegiate career began. When he was a high school sophomore in California, he received his first college offer from San Jose State, where his father had played college football.
"It was crazy... My first offer in high school was during my sophomore year, and it was actually San Jose State," Ocon said. He considered following his father to San Jose State but ultimately chose Colorado State after visiting Canvas Stadium.
Ocon stated, “I walked into Canvas and took a look around the stadium and I kind of instantly knew I wanted to be playing in Canvas rather than up in San Jose.” His father told him it was his decision and to do what is best for him.
From Multi-Sport Athlete to Offensive Anchor
Before focusing exclusively on football, Ocon competed in baseball, track, and football in high school. He landed at CSU as a three-star recruit by 247Sports coming out of high school.
Ocon is proving himself sturdy along CSU’s offensive line as the Rams look to improve to 3-1 when they face UTSA on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. He noted that shared suffering brings players together quickly amidst ups and downs and hard work, a sentiment that has defined his tenure with the Rams.