Colorado State goes into Saturday’s homecoming game against New Mexico at Canvas Stadium with a 2-0 Mountain West Conference record fueled by the contributions of some of its blossoming young offensive players.

From sophomore receivers Caleb Goodie and Armani Winfield stepping up in place of the injured Tory Horton, to freshman running back Jalen Dupree making the most of his opportunities, the Rams’ depth has played an important role in their recent success.

“They’re doing all the things that help them prepare to play,” CSU head coach Jay Norvell said of his rising offensive stars. “So, it’s not a mystery that they play well, and that’s one of the things that we continually try to point out to the team is that when you do these things, you play well and it’s not a mystery why you play well. You prepare for it. So, I’m really proud of those young guys.”

Even before the conclusion was made that Horton would miss the rest of his last season with the Rams because of a knee injury, a pair of young receivers were starting to come into their own.

After making just one catch last year as a freshman, Goodie came into the season with high expectations among Norvell and his staff, especially after two of CSU’s top three receivers from a year ago transferred.

He caught three passes for 52 yards and his first collegiate touchdown against Nothern Colorado in the Rams’ second game of the season.

He had a 17-yard touchdown reception against Oregon State in overtime. But the most defining moment of his sophomore season came against the Falcons last Saturday.

Goodie made a one-handed grab at about midfield and ended up with an 85-yard touchdown reception. It was the longest of his career, and he finished the game with 103 yards — his first 100-yard receiving game.

The other young receiver making an impact this season is the redshirt sophomore Winfield, a transfer from Baylor. He had scored his first touchdown as a Ram against UTEP, but it was his performance two weeks ago against San Jose State that has been the most impressive.

He caught six passes for 108 yards, and his 62-yard touchdown reception late in the game sealed the conference-opening victory for CSU.

“We’re really excited about those young guys and the contributions they make,” Norvell said. “Those kids came in and really added to what we were doing.”

The younger standouts haven’t been limited to the receivers. Dupree has been making the most of his touches, as well.

He got into the game against UTEP but didn’t have a carry. Three weeks later, he rushed for 50 yards on six carries against San Jose State, and last week against Air Force, he had six carries for 40 yards and his first collegiate touchdown.

That touchdown against the Falcons finished off a series in which he carried five straight times for 23 yards, including a 1-yard run for his touchdown.

Winfield actually predicted Dupree would make an impact when his time came.

“I actually told him during fall camp, he was running the ball exactly how he ran today, and I told him, ‘I don’t know when, but sometime during the season, your name is going to get called and take advantage of the opportunity.’” Winfield said after the San Jose State game. “That’s exactly what he did.”

Even though Avery Morrow has been the most productive running back for the Rams over the past month, with four straight games of 100 yards or more, Dupree has been able to show he is just as capable of grinding out yards.

As the Rams continue to push for a conference championship and a bowl berth, that trio, along with other young players that may have to step in, will play a big part in whether the Rams play past the 12th game on their schedule.