FORT COLLINS – Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is not interested in chasing monster money.
After he showcased his intriguing potential for Colorado State last fall, NIL offers to leave were available. Coach Jay Norvell said in December that one school tried to poach his redshirt sophomore quarterback for $600,000.
In a world defined by the instant gratification of TikTok and filtered photos on Instagram, Fowler-Nicolosi stood on his business.
“I was raised that loyalty was the most important thing. Family is everything. Coach Norvell and (associate head) Coach (Matt) Mumme gave me my shot to be great and I don’t care how much money a school offers me to go there,” Fowler-Nicolosi told me after Tuesday’s spring practice. “Loyalty is important to me.”
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.
There is a point where stability and consistency matter over the highest bid. Especially in the development of a young quarterback. If you want celebrity, produce victories. For the Rams to reach their potential in Norvell’s third season, it starts with winning close games. Nobody cares about their problems — inexperience, injuries, bad luck, lack of resources. In fact, most schools are happy they have them.
However, the Rams possess a player capable of turning mascara-streaked disappointment into memorable moments. Fowler-Nicolosi, at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, makes throws that turn necks. He fires darts over the middle and looks capable of handling the entire route tree. The key is simple. He has to continue to evolve, to learn how to take chances while taking care of the ball.
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.
“Absolutely (I was trying to do too much). I felt like I had to win the game. That shouldn’t be the case. You can get a screen play to (receiver) Tory (Horton) and he runs it for 70 yards,” Fowler-Nicolosi said. “It’s the same thing as scrambling out of the pocket and chucking one deep and praying that he catches it in the end zone.”
The Rams’ ascent begins with more balance on offense. Last weekend’s windy scrimmage showcased a dynamic run game and fewer turnovers. It’s something Fowler-Nicolosi air dropped into his mental files as he reflected on his first season as a starter.
“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.”
In defense of Fowler-Nicolosi, he experienced a baptism by blowtorch. He began last fall as barely third string. Within a few weeks, he was starting against Colorado in Boulder in one of the sport’s most-watched games in 2023. He showed swagger, the ability to make plays. But the position, he realizes, is more about consistency than coloring outside the lines.
“That’s a huge thing I am trying to grow at — not getting bored by completions,” Fowler-Nicolosi said. “I have to take what the defense gives me.”
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.
It is a meat grinder, the type of stretch that can reward spring calluses or expose weaknesses that draw everything into question, including Norvell’s future. Watching the Rams on this sun-splashed morning showcased hope, hip and hop, especially if you like Drake tunes. There was a palpable competitive spirit and good vibes.
“I think the schedule is going to play a huge part in success. Everybody saw the flares last year. But, it was like a roller coaster. We would come out of nowhere and be up and then go right back down,” Fowler-Nicolosi said. “The flares make it obvious that it’s there. If we are able to stay on the plateau and avoid the ups and downs, it’s going to be a pretty (darn) good year.”
At this practice, the Rams used the helmet communication from coach to quarterback for the first time. It should create more options at the line of scrimmage, even though it “felt like a video game,” Fowler-Nicolosi said.
The former Texas high school standout talks with infectious energy and growing confidence. He’s The Man now. It’s his turn, his time, something he’s been preparing for since he switched from defensive back to quarterback when he was 9 years old.
Fowler-Nicolosi is where his feet are. He’s not going anywhere.
“Ever since I committed in high school, this was my home. There’s no leaving,” Fowler-Nicolosi said. “I am sticking it out because we are going to be great and build a great team here.”
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