Anyone who has watched Rams wide receiver Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins already knows he’s a rising star. Now, CSU is making sure the rest of the country knows about the flashy All-American.

CSU’s athletic communications department has launched a first-of-its-kind campaign (at CSU) to get the word out about the dynamic junior receiver. The campaign – which includes a website and encourages fans to use the #HollywoodHiggins hashtag when using social media – was launched this week to coincide with the annual Mountain West meetings in Las Vegas.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness of Higgins to better position him for major national awards – including the Heisman Trophy. Higgins already has been named to the preseason “watch” list for several national awards.

“I think it’s great,” first-year coach Mike Bobo said. “Rashard has put himself in position to be considered for major national awards. It takes more than one person to win a game, and he’s a team guy, but he’s going to bring exposure to our football team, our university, to our conference, and I think that’s a good thing. It helps to promote our brand, and that’s what we want to do.”

Big sophomore year

Although CSU has produced numerous All-Americans over the years, Higgins last year became the first Ram in more than 120 years of football to earn All-America honors as a sophomore. He was a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s best receiver, and is the leading returning player in the country at his position.

Higgins, majoring in human development and family studies, led the nation last year in receiving yards (1,750) and receiving touchdowns (17), and helped lead the Rams to a 10-3 record and a berth in the Las Vegas Bowl. This week he was named the 2015 preseason Mountain West offensive player of the year in a vote by media members who cover the league.

‘Get your popcorn’

The campaign will continue throughout the season. Among the promotions is a package of microwave popcorn with the phrase, “Hollywood Performances Are Best Enjoyed with Popcorn.”

Higgins, known for his upbeat and fun personality in addition to his football skills, is happy to participate in the campaign.

“It’s great to be part of this, and great to put my team and my university on the map with ‘Hollywood Higgins’ popcorn,” he said. “Get you some.”

CSU opens the season Sept. 5, hosting Savannah State in a 2 p.m. game at Hughes Stadium. Tickets are available online or by calling (970) 491-7267.