FORT COLLINS — Mike Bobo wants players who crave to see the field now, not later.

In the current age of recruiting and the instant “fame” coming to them on social media, the feeling of belonging can grow before ever arriving on a college campus for a true freshman. They’ve been the guy for so long, they don’t know any different, and the Colorado State coach said that’s OK, just as long as the internal belief merges with the team concept.

It happened this year for the Rams.

“No question. They were a confident group when they came in,” Bobo said of the class he signed in February 2016. “You want guys that are confident in their abilities. Even when they hit a little bit of a wall — some of the guys hit walls and realized, whoa, I’ve got a lot of work to do in order to play — they didn’t back down. They continued to compete and fight for their chance to get on the field. I’m really proud of those guys, and you’re going to see a big improvement from this year to next year with those guys because of the experience they had this year on the field.”

In total, nine true freshmen played for Colorado State this year (after five did in 2015), and the majority of them eventually were filling key roles for the team. There weren’t necessarily a lot of starts — nine in all — but the contributions they made can’t be overlooked as the Rams improved each passing week, heading to the Potato Bowl against Idaho on Dec. 22 (5 p.m.; ESPN) with four wins in the past five contests.

The greatest impact came on the defensive side of the ball, where five of them cut their teeth collegiately. Toby McBride never started a game, but the defensive lineman leads his group with 30 tackles (the most for a CSU true freshman since Shaq Bell’s 39 in 2010) and is tied for the team lead with three sacks. Arjay Jean became a pass-rush specialist (2.5 sacks), but his athleticism was used to great effect against New Mexico’s option offense. Jamal Hicks started four games at safety and had a big interception in the win over San Diego State, while Robert Awunganyi became a reserve at cornerback.

Offensively, two of the bigger contributors — running back Marvin Kinsey Jr. and quarterback Collin Hill — had their campaign’s cut short by ACL injuries, but not before they put their promise on display.

Hill started four games and threw for 1,096 yards and eight touchdowns, as well as ripping off a 51-yard scoring run. Kinsey led conference freshmen with seven touchdowns, and his big-play ability led to a pair of long scoring runs among his 549 rushing yards.

“I think a lot of them, especially since the UNLV game, they’ve matured,” center Jake Bennett said. “They’re not freshmen any more. They’re there to play, and they’re producing for us. It’s nice to have those guys grow out of the young-guy mindset and playing and producing for us.”

For some of them, it took time. Hill didn’t start until the third game. Hicks and Awunganyi had to learn and prove themselves, as did Kinsey, who had to learn patience at this level. Lineman Jeff Taylor became part of the jumbo package the team used, and did see snaps in regular game action.

Wanting to play is crucial, Bobo said, but so is putting in the time and the work. Those who can continue to do that through the lean times are the ones who can make a difference down the road.

“Jamal Hicks is one of the examples I was thinking about. He came in and was very confident, hit a little bit of a wall trying to understand what we were doing conceptually,” Bobo said. “You saw there was some talent there, and then did what all freshmen do sometimes, started to pout a little bit, then realized that wasn’t getting him anywhere. He went back to work and continually made improvement after improvement each week, and put himself in a position where he makes plays for us, and really big plays in the last two ball games that helped us win ball games.”

With only two starters returning to the defensive unit, a path to the field was there from the start, but it could not be taken lightly. There were veterans on the team who were also looking to make their first big impact, but they were also encouraging to the freshmen.

The changes take shape gradually, and there is pride from their teammates in the growth they’ve seen since introductions were made over the summer and the dedication to task they’ve shown.

“It was always tough. When Rob came here, I thought he was going to play offense, then he started playing predominantly corner,” buck linebacker Evan Colorito said. “I’ve really liked the development of Rob and especially Jamal, because he plays safety and he’ll be right behind me a lot of time. I’ve really liked Jamal really getting better during the season. It really made me happy when he got that pick against San Diego State, because it shows his maturity and him recognizing different plays and schemes the offense has.

“All the freshmen are getting a lot better and have been since they got here in June, so it does make me happy.”

The thing about freshmen who play is it isn’t just about what they do their first year, but the potential they display for coming years. There is reason for the Rams to be excited about Hill and Kinsey on offense coming off their rehabilitations, but also Anthony Hawkins, who started four games at wideout with one touchdown.

The same goes for the defenders, with the Rams only seeing expanded roles for them as size, strength and recognition add to the package.

“There’s definitely a mindset coming in that you think you’re going to be it because you were it in high school, and that’s not really the case any more,” Bennett said. “You have to accept that and realize you can contribute in certain ways, and I think those guys have done that. Arjay coming in and getting sack, Jamal getting a pick. Young guys being role players now, but you see them definitely making bigger plays in the future.”

Mike Brohard: 970-635-3633, mbrohard@reporter-herald.com or twitter.com/mbrohard