State of the Program Part 4: December Recruiting Update

UPDATED: 12/29/11

This is the fourth in a series of posts about the status of the program, a positional look at where the projected 2012 recruiting class is so far. This will be Jon Embree and his staff’s first full cycle group to research in order to pursue the types of student-athletes they want enrolling in Boulder and set the tone for the future.  Many guys are recruiting each other, visiting in pairs, or coming to Boulder to meet up with someone they knew from high school. 

[See also: “State of the Program Part 1: Hawkruiting” (November), “Part 2: 2012 Positional Outlook” and “Part 3: Class by Class” at right in the Archives.]

December 19 marked the beginning of a “dead period” where coaches cannot have any face-to-face contact with recruits until January 3, although they can write or phone.  As of this post the team has 22 verbal commitments for the 2012 class and is ranked as high as 27 nationally.  They are hoping to sign up to 28 total recruits, in addition to a transfer and a “greyshirt” from last year, including some that will come in the spring and count against last year’s class, as well as a few that will be asked to “greyshirt” and delay enrollment until January 2013, counting against the next year’s class.  While it is impossible to project exactly how this group will actually turn out this early, the fact remains that many will need to play immediately.  Having graduated so many seniors, with such a small incoming senior class, numerous true freshmen, although hopefully not fifteen, will have to burn their redshirts and contribute right away. (Bold italicized names are committed recruits, italicized names are possible recruits with interest in CU, and small, regular font are players currently on the roster.)

§  QBs: While he doesn’t officially count toward this class (he was originally in the 2010 class at Texas), Connor Wood (Houston, TX), the transfer who is already on campus, is probably the most significant addition to the team and he is the supposed frontrunner for the job, even ahead of returning Nick Hirschman.  He has the size and all the physical tools scouts and coaches drool over and has impressed everyone who has seen him on the scout team in practice.

§  The Buffs also have Shane Dillon (El Cajon, CA) in the fold, a 3-star (at one point 4-star?) who is “solidly committed”.  He is supposed to enroll for the spring and will compete with Wood, Hirshman and John Schrock for the top spot of the depth chart from the outset.

§  There is also rumor that they are now recruiting another 3-star QB, Steve Donatell (Highlands Ranch) to possibly grayshirt and count towards the 2013 class (although he has been fully offered by Nebraska and Wake Forest).

§  RBs: Davien Payne (Perris, CA) and Terrence Crowder (Galena Park, TX), both 3-stars and physical runners, intending to add some size and power to the Buff rushing corral.  Crowder is recovering from a serious knee injury and might possibly redshirt, but Payne could get in there quickly, especially if he can pass block.  Donta Abron (Upland, CA) is more in the Speedy/Tony Jones mold, another two-star with a lot of upside and is being touted as the possible sleeper of the class.  The Buffs have actually lost two prospects here who de-committed and went somewhere else (Erich Wilson to Washington and Benjamin Catalon to Texas A&M) but I don’t think it will matter that much.  They would like to still get at least one more, and are in the running for a few big names including 4-star Wes Brown (Olney, MD), who is upposedly visiting sometime in January, and 3-star Jeffrey Coprich (Stevenson Ranch, CA).

§  The offense needs a fullback as they currently only have a couple of walk-on converted lineman/TEs able to man the spot (and maybe Cordary Allen?), so Clay Norgard (Mountain Vista-Highlands Ranch, legacy Buff-Dad Erik was DT, was first to commit last summer, DE/LB recruit also) will  play FB and is enrolling early to start learning the position better. Cristian Powell (Upland, CA, teammate of RB Abron and DB Mosley) is one of the higher profile FB prospects and still has CU on his radar.
§  WRs: A high area of need garnered CU 3 early commitments from 3 fast Texas prospects, all of whose speed could allow them to come in and compete right away, both on offense and special teams.  Gerald Thomas (The Colony, also an experienced kick returner) and Jeffrey Thomas (Duncanville, “blown away” by trip to Boulder), no relation, both enjoyed their visits and should compete for playing time in the fall.  Peyton Williams (Southlake) tore his ACL in the state semifinals and will likely redshirt.   I would expect to see at least one more signed here, if not two, especially with Williams’ injury.

§  TEs: Although there are a lot of bodies, there is not a lot of true depth at TE so this is another high need position and at least one or two freshmen TEs will be playing next fall.  Sean Irwin (Cypress, TX) was told he could come and play right away with his blocking ability.  Austin Ray (Columbia, MO) also cited early playing time as a reason for committing to the Buffs. The Buffs are still looking to sign one more ("the right TE" Embree said) and have some big names interested including 4-star Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (CA) who is visiting in January.
§  O-Line: This is a group that you are always stocking and hoping to redshirt most of the recruits. Jeromy Irwin (Cypress, TX, Sean’s twin), Gerrad Kough (Pomona, CA) was not a highly recruited or rated prospect, but seems to fit the bill of nasty run blocking guard that Embree, EB and Marshall covet.  C Alex Kelley (Vista, CA) signed last year as a 3-star prospect but was injured, decided to greyshirt and will be here in the spring.

§  DBs: This was thought to be one of the highest need areas, especially after this year’s exaggerated problems, and is always going to be a position of need in the Pac-12 as they will face so many prolific pass offenses.  Embree has stated he would like to sign five, but so far they only have two verbals. Safety Ma’ne Manaea (Lakewood, WA) committed in September but is considered “soft” as there are other schools he is still interested in, and now he has been asked to greyshirt and doesn’t seem happy about it.  ATH Marques Mosley (Upland, CA-teammate of RB Abron) is the most recent recruit to have given his commitment to CU and has been anywhere from unrated to 3-stars.  He could end up playing CB, S or WR, but definitely will contribute, maybe immediately, on special teams.

§  3-star CB Ryan Lewis (Redmond, WA) visited the weekend of 12/17; 2/3-star Jonavaughn Williams (San Juan Capistrano, CA) loved his visit to Boulder but will visit Oregon St. and Washington St. in January before making a decision.

§  A few big names (i.e. M. Rios-UCLA) have committed elsewhere and Yuri Wright (4-star from Tony Jones’ high school in NJ) was supposedly bored on his trip to Boulder, but is still in contact with Embree who is continuing to press hard.

§  At least one wide-eyed kid from this group will likely need to be playing on Saturdays right away.

§  D-Line: This is the highest need position, with many seniors having graduated and the switch of Nick Kasa and Stephane Nembot to the offense, there are only 6 scholarship players returning, with two walk-ons.   They are signing a lot of bodies to stock the roster (at least 8 so far-as many as are on the roster currently) and are still after a couple of big names, including 4-star DE Kyle Kelley (Irvine, CA). 

§  They have commitments from four 3-star DEs: John Stuart (teammate of Solis), De’Jon Wilson (DC), Kisima Jagne (Chandler, AZ-recent Pac-12 coup), Samson Kafovalu (Riverside, CA, could also play O-line).  Many of these guys have a shot to play on CU’s thin, inexperienced defensive line (or as “Jack”).

§  Tyler Henington (Mullen, was second to commit, still being pursued by many Pac-12 schools but is “solid”), Justin Solis (Westlake, CA, another early commitment), Josh Topou (Buena Park, CA) and Kory Rasmussen (Honolulu, Hawaii, could play outside as well) are big DTs for the middle.  Topou is one who most likely needs more time to develop (and could also end up on the O-line) and Rasmussen needs to add some weight.

[Some sites had reported that 2-star Zahir Webb (Lakewood, WA-teammate of S Manaea) had an offer contingent on his qualifying but this is unclear.]

§  Kyle Ringo of The (Boulder Daily) Camera has reported that there may be some academic risks on the D-Line list and that is one reason the list is so big.  None of the possible JC prospects looked to be able to qualify either.

§  LBs: Even though they should be in good shape for next season, there is not a lot of long-term depth and Brian Cabral always is looking for a few capable bodies each class. Surprised no one has committed here yet but there will be 1 or 2 come February; one of the DEs could end up at LB as well, which includes the hybrid “Jack” position.  The one name they are targeting is 4-star PA product Deaysean Rippy (yes, a distant cousin of current LB Doug but they are not close).

§  Overall All in all it looks to be a solid class so far, loaded with 3-star athletes, lots of speed and a heavy dose of California (9) and Texas (6) players.  They won out many (and lost a few) battles with their conference brethren for recruits from other Pac-12 states like Arizona and Washington.  Only 2 Colorado players but a lot from across the country, from Hawaii to the East Coast, including a few from non-targeted recruiting areas who showed the first interest in the Buffs.  It would be nice to sprinkle in some 4-5-stars but that may have wait until late in the cycle, or even next year’s class. 

§  So how much will this group impact the Buffalo program?  Hopefully significantly down the road, however, we can predict that at least a few WRs and TEs, and possibly an RB will be touching the ball right away.  A few bodies will definitely need to get into the rotation on the defensive line and at least one DB will get into the mix.  Some freshmen, like this year, may be asked to play just for special teams purposes and one is likely to fill at least one of the return positions. Anything beyond that will be a blessing, or another crazy year.

§  I will update any new, important information within this post and/or in the "Recruiting Rumors" box at right, as well as updating any new recruits as soon as I confirm them in the “2012 Commitments” box.

State of the Program Part 3: Class by Class

This is the third in a series of posts about the status of the program. I examine the roster by breaking down each of the program’s classes (not necessarily the “recruiting classes” since some redshirt, but the seniors, juniors. etc.).  How will each class affect the roster depth, what contributions will they make next year and beyond, as well as whom from each class originally signed but is no longer with the team? [See also: “State of the Program Part 1: Hawkruiting” (November) and “Part 2: 2012 Positional Outlook” at right in the Archives.]

§  Rising Seniors.  This is actually a very small class of only 11 players, only 5 0r 6 that have actually contributed in the past.  While usually a team wants a strong senior core, I maintain that for now it is better that we have fewer players that were heavily influenced by the losing culture here under Hawk.

§  The team and the defense will be led by the dynamic duo, hopefully both completely healthy going into the season, of LBs Jon Major and Doug Rippy (will miss spring ball).  Major (should be fully recovered from a variety of minor injuries) will almost assuredly continue as a captain and Rippy could very well join him in that leadership role.  The other very important senior players on the defense are DT Wil Pericak (another potential captain) and safety Ray Polk, who must be the leader of the secondary, set the example and reign in some of his reckless play.  This core must lead the defense physically, emotionally and vocally to slow down the dynamic Pac-12 offenses they will face all year long.

§  This is the final chance for DT Eric Richter, DB/LB Vince Ewing and DB(WR?) Makiri Pugh to get on the field outside of special teams.  While all of them will surely play on special teams, if one or more of them could make a difference, be next year’s “Conrad Obi-feel good” story as senior, that would be a nice bonus for the defense.  On the other hand, it wouldn’t bode well for our overall talent level if all of them end up playing larger roles on the defense.

§  Offensively, RT Ryan Dannewitz looked to be only senior to get a lot of playing time, until blue chip defensive line recruit Nick Kasa moved to TE in the latter part of the season.  Dannewitz will compete with Jr. Jack Harris and any others for the right tackle spot, but is more likely to be the utility tackle, backing up both sides, as he was originally set to do this season, before injuries led to him being the right tackle for most of the year.  Kasa says he will be ready to challenge for the starting job at TE next year, providing a little more senior presence and leadership on offense. 

§  WR Dustin Ebner will compete with his younger brother Drew among others for playing time as a possession receiver in multiple wideout sets.  QB Brent Burnette is just a body brought in for depth and insurance (before finding John Schrock) and is now just earning a free ride.

§  Signed but no longer with the team: The 2008 class (would be fifth-year seniors like Doug Rippy and S Ray Polk) is littered with names that never played-LB Lynn Katoa (legal), TE Ryan Wallace, S Steven Hicks, WR Chance Blackmon-as well as players that didn’t work out but could have really helped-of course RB Darrell Scott (at some geographical Florida now) as well as two guys who were supposed to be blocking for him, OG Max Tuoti-Mariner (injuries) and OT Bryce Givens (general screw-up).

The 2009 class also had some players expected to contribute right away but ended up leaving the program, the highest profile being DE Forrest West, who could have been a senior leader on the d-line but chose to transfer after spring ball wasn’t his cup of tea.  WR Andre Simmons was a JC transfer member of that class, never did much, struggled academically, and faded into the night.

§  Rising Juniors. This is not a huge class either (only about 17 plus walk-ons), but does include some guys who have already played significant roles and will be probably be counted on to be the core of the squad for the next two years.  It will be interesting to see how many of these guys hold on to their spots and see significant playing time, and how many are surpassed by younger players and fade down the depth chart.

§  The headliners of this group are WR Paul Richardson and DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who are also the only two who are true third year juniors, having come in and played right away as freshmen, while the rest of their class redshirted.  They both need to have huge years and not disappear during games (as both were wont to do), for the Buffs to be successful. 

§  Other major contributors on defense will be: DB Parker Orms, likely the nickel back when healthy; S Terrell Smith, a big hitter who has been very inconsistent, but who has also been asked to play every spot in the secondary (he has a lot of potential but it would be dangerous to have him and Polk back there together-both for us giving up long plays, but also to opposing receivers); Paul Vigo has never really taken advantage of any opportunities given him so far but he should be in the mix for playing time in the secondary; DT Nate Bonsu should finally be healthy and ready to make some noise inside with Wil Pericak.  LB Derrick Webb showed some great promise toward the end of the year and could really solidify the LB corps alongside Major and Rippy.  

§  2009 was actually a solid year for the offensive line as LT David Bahktiari has been a mainstay, first at right and now left tackle, OT Jack Harris looks to come back from his broken leg and win the right side from Dannewitz, and C/G Gus Handler will compete for two spots with two sophomores and a freshman, at a minimum serving as the top middle of the line backup.

§  RB Josh Ford will be looking to crack the lineup, fighting for time against Tony Jones and any younger backs.  He has definitely shown some nice flashes running between the tackles, but has also had some fumble problems and is not a consistently good blocker.  Another player who could play a big role, but one we’d probably rather have overtaken by a more talented freshman.

§  DaVaughn Thorton has switched from TE to WR and could make a splash right away with his size opposite Paul Richardson.  If he can take some attention from opposing DBs, it will let P-Rich have the space to do his thing.  Jarrod Darden has never done much but certainly has the opportunity now.

§  Looks like Ryan Iverson has the long-snapper duties for two more years, until Embree stumbles across someone else.

§  K/Ps Zack Grossnickle & Justin Castor (although he handled most kickoffs) will continue to earn honorary “Aric Goodman” scholarships for lame kickers.

§  Walk-ons Alex Wood and Scott Fernandez could factor in at TE or FB.

§  Signed but no longer with the team: The 2009 class had numerous other players who never contributed: C Shaun Simon, DT Edward Nuckols, WR Terdema Ussery did abosolutelt nothing; QB Clark Evans tried to convert to TE then disappeared; DB Deji Olatoye and LB Liloa Lobriga were expected to earn some playing time this year and next, but neither had the work ethic nor could they keep out of trouble, and both have been dismissed from the team this season. 

§  Rising redshirt/third-year Sophomores.  I separate this group for two reasons: 1) they bring a full extra year of experience, including an extra set of spring and fall practices, and more game exposure, if not experience; 2) this group consists of recruits from Hawkins’ lame duck year and are very different from Embree’s new crew.  However, it actually does include a fair amount of talent that will be counted on heavily next year and beyond. 

§  It will be interesting to see what happens with QB Nick Hirshman.  Can he compete with Texas transfer Connor Wood, (who technically belongs in this group as well)?  Hirschman got some experience this year and looked neither great nor awful in his limited time.  However, everyone around the program is talking about Wood, who truly looks the part and seems to have all the intangibles.  However, he played at a very small lower division Texas high school, and was fourth on the depth chart at Texas before transferring here.  The winner of this battle will be very important to the team, but the loser could end up being just as important down the line.

§  C/Gs Kawai Crabb and Daniel Munyer both have a good chance to play a lot and could each win a starting job, competing with Handler at center and guard, as well as freshman Asiata at guard.  Alex Lewis, who played some tackle and TE this season (not sure where he settles), was also originally in this class, but grayshirted and will be a “true” sophomore.

§  RB Tony Jones could be the man to carry the rock for a few years, or he could be passed up by younger players, especially if he doesn’t improve his pass blocking.  Cordary Allen has some size but has not been heard from much; he was moved to TE at least for while, but is indeed still on the roster and we will have to see where he ends up or if he can contribute at all.

§  Kyle Slavin is the last of a huge group of TEs (see below and since Thorton has switched to WR).  He got a little playing time but needs to step it up. Keenan Canty provides depth at WR and maybe kick returner, but it would be better if incoming frosh could overtake him with size, speed and talent.

§  CBs Josh Moten and Jered Bell are two of the more interesting cases on defense: Moten, a speedy, natural athlete who has played quarterback and many other positions, is also coming off a suspension (however, he was the first one re-instated as soon as he took care of some community service), but will be in the mix in the secondary; meanwhile Bell was in line for a starting job in the preseason, and obviously would have played a lot this year, before blowing out a knee in fall practices. 

§  It would be nice if DE Kirk Poston made a splash as the depth is thin.  [DT Eric Richter is a senior but was recruited from JC with this group.] 

§  LB Lowell Williams has really only seen spot special teams duty and may have a hard time cracking the lineup with the true freshmen who have already passed him on the depth chart.

§  Justin Gorman can hold, return kicks, backup at DB and be emergency QB.

§  Signed but no longer with the team: This 2010 group was supposed to bolster the offense but has had 3 TEs, 2 RBs and a WR basically do nothing and disappear already.  This is the reason our TEs are so thin, as Justin Favors never made it here while Harold Mobley and Henley Griffon, both who had great size and athleticisim, were told their attitudes were not needed after spring ball.  RB Trea Jones and WR Donnie Duncan couldn’t qualify, while RB/LB Justin Torres burned his redshirt, looked decent in his first action at RB, then abruptly bailed on the program and went home to mama.

§  Rising Sophomores. This is Embree’s first recruiting class and I think he has a certain bond with these guys on whom he will build the foundation of the future.  The promise this group showed with 15 of them (including Alex Lewis) getting thrown into the fire this year, along with the solid group of players from the class before them (above), is why many are already pointing to 2013 and 2014 as years for the Buffaloes to make some noise in the Pac-12, when this large group will be juniors and seniors.

§  CB Greg Henderson leads this group and should man one side of the defense for three more years.  Kyle Washington, Wil Harlos and KT Tu’umalo all were called upon to play some safety in the wake of so many injuries this year and will compete with each other for a starting spot next year. 

§  Tu’umalo could also put on some weight and re-join Brady Daigh and Woodson Greer III at LB.  The latter two should be sharing some time backing up the various linebacker positions and should play alongside each other for years to come.  High school All-American Juda Parker also got some game experience this year and should earn some playing time at either DE or outside/Jack LB.

§  On offense, hopefully WR Tyler McCulloch steps it up next year and shows more of the receiving skills on Folsom that he has flashed on the practice fields.  OG Paulay Asiata is primed to take over a guard spot for years to come and has earned the praise of both coaches and fellow players alike.

§  DD Goodson started as an RB, was expected to help in the return game but never did, and ended up helping out (when healthy) as a defensive back.  No idea where he ends up, except that he should factor into the return game somehow and will be on coverage teams as well because of his speed and tenacity.

§  We will have to see how RB Malcolm Creer recovers from his severe knee injury.  He definitely contributes if healthy but could actually redshirt.

§  The kicker specialist positions look to be set for awhile with P Darragh O’Neill and K Wil Oliver performing well all year.  Oliver handled some of the kickoffs when Castor was ineffective, but O’Neill has the strongest leg and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win this spot as well.

§  Redshirting Freshmen There were a few freshmen who actually did redshirted and did not have to play this year, and some do look to contribute in the future.  Stephane Nembot is hopefully the next Nate Solder at offensive tackle.  CB Sherrard Harrington would have likely played if it hadn’t been for a strange preseason hip injury and hopes to be a mainstay in the secondary.  Nelson Spruce has the potential to be a great possession receiver and had looked to play after fall camp but never broke into the lineup.  Jermane Clark is another speedster who will likely end up in the secondary and could be a special teams stalwart.  

§  Not sure if QB Stevie Joe Dorman (Detmer) will ever do much here.  Brad Cotner was brought in to provide depth when Mike Iltis bailed but has slid down depth chart with emergence of Crabb at center.

§  Only Ath. Rashad Hall did not qualify from this class, although Austin Vincent’s shower antics will likely punch his ticket out of Boulder.

§  True Freshmen? While it is impossible to project exactly how this group, nowhere near completion, and none of whom have even signed yet, will actually turn out, the fact remains that many will need to play immediately.  Having graduated so many seniors and having such a small incoming senior class, numerous true freshmen, maybe (hopefully) not fifteen, will have to burn their redshirts and contribute right away.   We can predict that at least a few WRs and TEs, and possibly an RB will be touching the ball.  A few bodies will definitely need to get into the rotation on the defensive line (this help could come in the form of JC players also) and at least one DB will get into the mix.  Some freshmen, like this year, may be asked to play just for special teams purposes and one is likely to fill at least one of the return positions.  Anything beyond that will be a blessing or another crazy year like this one was.

§  I will get more into this class with a few updates as we approach signing day February 1 (JC players can actually sign December 19 if they are going to enroll for the spring.

§  Keep your eye on the “Recruiting News” box on the right hand side of the website, where I periodically provide information on recruiting, prospects, scheduled visits, verbal commitments and other rumors as I find them.

State of the Program Part 2: 2012 Positional Outlook

The Camera’s Ryan Thornburn said on 10/16 that the CU coaching staff is putting together the blueprint for a Pac-12 championship-Rose Bowl contending team by 2015, which would be Embree’s fifth season.  This year’s few true freshmen who actually did end up redshirting and next year’s true freshmen that play next season would be seniors.  However, right now I am more interested in how this team will stack up in 2012, with a year of the Pac-12 under their belts, some familiarity with the teams, and a much more forgiving start to the schedule.  Embree and Jon Major have come right out and said that a bowl game is the expectation next year.  The 2012 recruiting class is coming together but this post focuses more on who is returning, and how they might contribute next season.

                           

§  Interestingly, after a year with 28 seniors, there will be only 11 seniors on the team next year, and around half of them will garner significant playing time- LBs Doug Rippy and Jon Major, S Ray Polk, DT Pericak, OT Ryan Dannewitz, TE(DL) Nick Kasa.  While it is in the realm of possibility, it would be a pleasant surprise if any of the rest of the seniors-DB/LB Vince Ewing, DT Eric Richter, DB/WR Makiri Pugh, WR Dustin Ebner-could break into the two-deep and contribute.

§  Besides losing 28 seniors, with some attrition of players leaving the program and some injuries that will persist, some positions might be thin on bodies, limiting what they can do in spring practices.  However, a few recruits, including one “grayshirt” (OL Alex Kelley), will join the team in the spring semester.  They are recruiting a few Junior College kids who might be able to come right in and there are a few other freshmen who could be in Boulder early.

§  The coaching staff appears that it will stay intact unless someone gets an incredible offer, which is unlikely.  With a year under their belt I think both coordinators will improve and they will all know their players a lot better.  This group of players should have a little more discipline and be able to understand and do more of what the coaches ask them, as they hopefully have not ingrained as many of the bad habits from the past regime.

§  The heart of the Buffalo defense returns, having finished the year on a high note shutting down Utah, even without it best player.  LB Doug Rippy will return, hopefully full go from his knee injury by summer camp, to play alongside Jon Major (hopefully recovered from any and all ailments) and Derrick Webb who came on late, D-linemen Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe, safety Ray Polk and cornerback Greg Henderson.

§  In general, if everyone is healthy, the LB corps under Brian Cabral should be in fairly good shape next year.  Besides the aforementioned three, true freshmen Woodson Greer III and Mullen’s Brady Daigh got some great experience this year and should be regulars for the next few.  RFr Lowell Williams will look to get into the mix.  We’ll have to see where TFr. KT Tu’umalo and Sr. Vince Ewing settle.  Cabral will have some coaching to do, but will have two experienced seniors leading his unit, with some great young talent around them.

§  Besides Boulder High’s Wil Pericak on the inside and Chidera Uzo-Diribe on the outside, CU has few other decent defensive lineman returning, but this is definitely an area of concern as they relied on a lot of seniors were just not very strong this year.  TFr Juda Parker got his feet wet and needs to grab hold of the other starting slot outside next year.  Nate Bonsu should be fully recovered from an offseason knee injury that bothered and limited him throughout the season and will look to solidify himself in the middle.  Super strong Eric Richter will be a senior next year but has never been able to actually get on the field and use his strength.  RFr Kirk Poston has not played this year, but will need to be in the rotation next year.  They will almost definitely need to rely on a couple of true freshmen to man the line; as of posting there are two DTs committed and two DE/LB types, likely suited for the “Jack”.  They are also recruiting a couple of JC guys here as well.  The move of underachieving Nick Kasa was surprising because of their lack of depth where they need 8-9 bodies a game moving through the d-line.

§  One of the biggest questions of spring and summer camps will be: Who will win the second cornerback spot opposite incumbent Greg Henderson? Additionally, in the Pac-12, we will also need to identify the number one nickel back.  Parker Orms will almost assuredly be in one of those two spots, when he is healthy, with a large group battling for playing time including: redshirting Sherrard Harrington, the injured Jered Bell, Josh Moten, Paul Vigo, Harrison Hunter (walk-on transfer from Fountain, CO and Ft. Lewis) or maybe another true freshman (Embree wants to sign 5 more DBs).  With the passing offenses we will face, most of those will play some, especially if this year was any indication.  Obviously this is a position of concern, but I think it might end up being a pleasant surprise when it’s all said and done.

§  The next question on defense then will be: Who takes Anthony Perkins’ place next to Ray Polk in the back of the defensive backfield at safety? Terrell Smith has the most experience but TFr. KyleWashington impressed the coaches this season and might have the inside track; if Wil Harlos can get healthy and add a little weight I think he will be hard to keep off the field; KT Tu’umalo or Vince Ewing could also factor in here. 

§  However, probably THE biggest question of camp will be on offense: Who will win the starting QB job? It looks to be a three-horse race with Texas transfer Connor Wood vs. current backup Nick Hirshman vs. probable recruit Shane Dillon (and coaches always mention walk-on John Schrock).  Although some might think Hirshman’s experience this year would give him the inside track, he didn’t do a whole lot with his time.  It sounds like Wood’s size and arm make him the frontrunner-he is prototypical size with great mechanics and was rated the #4 “pro-style QB” in his 2010 recruiting class.  He has already been working some with the top receivers some in practice and everyone has raved about him.  Supposedly he is also very fast and athletic, not a “runner”, but definitely able to move around the pocket and get outside or run if he needs to do so.  Brent Burnette will hang around and throw some balls in drills.  Hopefully, Dillon gives a good run but ends up redshirting.

§  It will be very difficult to replace Speedy at RB, but Tony Jones offers a very similar running style, can be effective catching the ball (some drops though) and looked generally good when he got in there, especially against Utah to close the year when Speedy’s ankle greatly limited his production.  Jones will still need to improve his pass protection and blocking to be really effective in this offense.  Josh Ford, when he can hold onto the ball, has also shown some flashes but also needs to block better.  Malcolm Creer looked strong and offered more size before he blew out his knee, could actually end up redshirting next year.  Any incoming frosh will be given a shot here.  Whoever the QB is, they will need help from the RBs.

§  It looks like Alex Wood moved from TE and is the only possible FB on the roster at this point.  They are recruiting this position, which is even less common at the high school level these days, and may still convert someone on roster or coming in, or even phase it some out and use more TEs/“H-backs”.

§  As anyone who has read any of my blog, I had been waiting for DeVaughn Thorton (since moved to WR) and Kyle Slavin (no catches) to break into the lineup and gameplan, but neither did much this season.  Therefore, TE has become an important position of need.  TFr. Alex Lewis (who split time at tackle as well) was actually listed third on the depth chart to close the year, the highest of the returnees.  Nick Kasa thinks he can make an impact here as a senior.  Scott Fernandez provides a little size for the jumbo package and could possibly replace Matt Bahr as the blocking TE 9or FB?).  I am not sure whatever happened to converted RB Cordary Allen. They seem to be recruiting this position pretty hard and wants to sign three, so I would expect someone new to get in the rotation as well.

§  Another important camp question on offense will be: Who steps it up opposite Paul Richardson at WR?  Keenan Canty and Tyler McCulloch (excellent blocker) both played a lot this year but didn’t do much.  They will both have their chance but everyone will be given a shot in spring and summer.  The move of DeVaughn Thorton bolsters the position with his size. There are a lot of young players waiting in the wings like TFr Nelson Spruce, So. Jarrod Darden, Drew (the younger) Ebner.  They already have a few Texas speedsters committed so this is another position where I would expect to see some frosh play next year.

§  The offensive line actually returns some depth, especially inside.  They will have to decide who will play center and who moves to guard between Gus Handler, Daniel Munyer and Kawai Crabb.  TFr Paulay Asiata should be one guard (Ethan Adkins said he was very physical and would be very good there) with one of the above three at the other.  David Bakhtiari is obviously the starter at LT and should start to garner some national and NFL attention.  The right tackle will come from the group of Jack Harris, Ryan Dannewitz, and TFr. Alex Lewis (sometimes a TE) and possibly Fr. Brad Mustoe.  They are looking at a couple of JC guys as well.  I doubt that massive specimen Stephane Nembot will be developed enough to play yet.  With all of those bodies, unless we surprisingly land some super frosh, most of next year’s o-line recruits should redshirt.

§  On Special Teams, the Kicker and Punter positions would look to be set for three more years with K Wil Oliver and P Darragh O’Neill, who have both had fabulous freshman campaigns and should only continue to develop and improve.

§  But what about return guys?  Both return spots should be wide open in camps with Canty, Goodson, and some new true freshmen competing (incidentally, the Buffs used close to 20 guys total this year on punt and kickoff returns).

§  I would expect that they do a lot more work in the spring on special teams and that JD Brookhart will make sure that their coverage teams and overall numbers are way better next year.

§  Who is Captain material?  You have to figure that Jon Major continues, with Rippy, Polk or Pericak also representing the defense; from the offense it could be juniors P-Rich or maybe David Bakhtiari?  Does Connor Wood have the moxy to win the starting job and a captain’s spot as a sophomore in his first year in the program?  Boy, it sure would be nice if he did!

§  For a look at how and why we have such a thin roster, see the “Part 1: Hawkruiting” post, at right in the November folder of the “Archives.” 

§  Coming soon: A “Class by Class” look at the roster and how it shapes up for future seasons.