CSU’s bruising, big-play back who still owns a bowl-day legend
In the 2008 season, Gartrell Johnson was the heartbeat of Colorado State’s run game, rushing for 1,191 yards and 10 touchdowns on 251 carries while earning first-team All-Mountain West honors[3]. His calling card was power with pop: CSU’s own records note a 6-foot, 227-pound back who could grind out tough yards and then flip a game with sudden explosiveness, highlighted by a 285-yard, 375-yard-from-scrimmage bowl explosion that set an NCAA bowl record[3][8][11]. If your team wants a physical, high-motor runner who can carry volume and deliver in the spotlight, he’s your kind of hammer[3][8].
