Spring Practice Update: Halfway

The Buffs completed the first half of Spring practices with a 30-play scrimmage on March 22.  After Embree took a short, but well-deserved vacation, the coaches have been evaluating all of the film from the first eight sessions.  They will all return in April for another round of six practices before the Spring Game on April 14. Do not be surprised if there are a few changes on the depth chart when they return from spring break.  Embree has said as many as 75% of the freshmen class may play, and nothing seems to have changed in that assessment.  Here is a summary of what we know at each position so far:

§  WR Paul Richardson has been the star of the Spring, from “Coaches’ Week” conditioning through the first half of camp, setting the example in intensity, work ethic and vocal leadership.  He is expecting big things from himself and seems re-dedicated to football and the Buffs.  He could be a junior captain candidate.  RFr. Nelson Spruce has gotten the most talk in post-practice interviews, along with Tyler McColluch.  Keenan Canty is supposedly improving, but DaVaughn Thorton does not seem to be making much of an impression. This is a position where at least one, if not two of the incoming frosh will contribute.

§  QB Connor Wood has been getting basically all the first team snaps and from all indications is taking advantage.  While the coaches will not formally anoint him the starter and will keep the competition “open” into Fall camp, to give a healthy Hirschman and frosh Dillon an opportunity*, most observers believe it is Wood’s job to lose.  He hooked up with P-Rich for two long scores in the first scrimmage. EB says he learns from mistakes and doesn’t repeat them.  John Schrock is taking advantage of his extra reps and may challenge the others for the backup job.

§  *Kansas transfer Jordan Webb will now also join the competition in August.  Although he has starting experience, he was very mediocre for Turner Gill and was told immediately by Charlie Weiss that he was not in the Jayhawk’s plans.  Can he really help or is he just another emergency insurance body (like Brent Burnette)?  With Dillon, Hirschman and Webb all splitting the extra snaps in August, it is doubtful someone can overtake Wood.

§  RB Tony Jones had 2 TDs in the second scrimmage and has played “exceptionally well” according to Bienemy, possibly locking up the starting spot.  Not much has been heard from Josh Ford (or DD Goodson or Justin Gorman for that matter), which makes at least one freshman playing here a likely possibility as well.

§  Walk-on (converted TE) Alex Wood appears to be holding down the FB slot so far, as Clay Norgard adjusts to college and a new position.  If Wood indeed earns the spot, it might allow them to redshirt either Norgard or Cristian Powell.

§  Nick Kasa has had more injury problems, but they are counting on him to be the main TE.  Walk-on Scott “Scooter” Fernandez knows the TE position the best and is an excellent blocker as a former lineman; although he is limited as a receiver, he should see the field quite a bit, especially in double TE sets.  Unfortunately, not much has been heard from Kyle Slavin.  Again, two or possibly even all three incoming recruits could end up seeing the field.

§  It appears that David Bahktiari will stay at left tackle and Alex Lewis will be the left guard, although each is practicing at the other position. Jack Harris should be the right tackle (although everyone would love for Stephane Nembot to emerge) and Gus Handler should hold down the center position, but the right guard is the biggest question mark.  Ryan Dannewitz and Kawai Crabb have been hurt some so far, plus with the D-line so thin, they have not been able to fully practice against them either; have not heard much about Daniel Munyer.  They would like to know their “best five” by the end of spring, but I think it will still be their best 7 or 8, trying to refine it in the fall.  This is the only position group that should not be affected by incoming recruits at all, leaving them to redshirt.

§  Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe have received massive praise throughout camp and have solidified their spots as starters on the D-Line and as leaders of the defense.  Juda Parker will certainly be in the rotation (as will the injured Nate Bonsu).  However, after that it is the unimpressive Eric Richter, Kirk Poston, converted TE/RB Cordary Allen and some walk-ons.  It is hard to believe, but probably FOUR true freshmen will be playing here on a regular basis.

§  The LBs have the potential to be a strong position group when Doug Rippy is healthy. Jon Major and Derrick Webb provide the experience and Brady Daigh lead a talented group of redshirt freshmen, which also includes the speedy converted safety Kyle Washington, who is adapting well, and Woodson Greer III, of whom I have not seen much about.  Doug Rippy is watching and salivating from the sideline, still receiving praise from Greg Brown, who called him a possible All-America candidate.

§  At safety Parker Orms once again lasted only a few days before being injured again.  When healthy he will definitely play, but how often that will be remains to be seen.  Wil Harlos is also seemingly always injured.  Paul Vigo has not been heard from much. With Washington at LB and no true safety prospects coming in, the often overlooked Terrell Smith may just very well earn the starting spot alongside Ray Polk, giving us a BIG hitting secondary which could also be prone to giving up the big play.  RFr. Sherrard Harrington has been practicing here some also.

§  Greg Henderson is supposedly improving even more and will most certainly start at one cornerback.  Harrington and Josh Moten have both received a lot of praise and should factor in somewhere, with Harrington practicing at all secondary positions.  Of course, both of the big freshmen names, Crawley and Wright, should contribute also and possibly even start; same for the recovering Jered Bell. All of these guys will also be in play for the nickel slot, which actually got like five starts in 2011.

§  Remember how many bodies they used back there last year.  They burned most redshirts (except the injured Harrington and S/LB Jermane Clark, who actually did suit up for a few games but never got thrown in) and played every available body plus two from offense.   In the passing Pac-12 every team needs to go at least 9-10 deep on DBs they are comfortable playing: Henderson, Polk, Harrington, Moten, Orms, Harlos, Smith, Bell, Crawley, Wright would make 10.

§  There has been very little reported on Special Teams.  I had hoped that this would be a bigger focus this spring.  However, with K Wil Oliver limited with shoulder surgery, and the expectation that again many freshmen, especially at the returners, will have to contribute here, I don’t believe there has been a ton of time devoted to this area.  Punting was supposed to be a bigger focus than kicking but I haven’t heard much about that even.

Spring Practice Update - March 21

The Buffs will complete the first half of Spring practices with a 30-play scrimmage (still closed to public) on Thursday.  Embree stated on Tuesday that he would give the team a “B+” so far, but that could change with the scrimmage.  The coaches will evaluate film of the first sessions and then return in April for another round, before the Spring Game on April 14.  Look for some depth chart changes before they resume practice.  Currently, there is really nothing major or breaking to report, but there are a few minor tidbits to share:

§  Paul Richardson continues to impress with highlight reel catches, strong leadership, and is now is being singled out for his outstanding blocking as well, with Bienemy even stopping a practice to point out a block and say, "That's what I'm talkin' about!"

§  Nelson Spruce and Tyler McCulloch both have received praise opposite P-Rich as they try to make a statement before the three speedy freshmen enter the competition in August.  Disappointing that we still haven’t seen or heard much of anything about DaVaughn Thorton.

§  Tony Jones seems to be taking hold of the #1 RB slot.

§  All 3 TEs are also working hard to make an impression before the frosh show up.  Nick Kasa missed some time with a concussion, but should be good to go for the next scrimmage.

§  Although they have each practiced at both left guard and tackle, it is sounding more and more like David Bahktiari will be the LT and Alex Lewis will move inside to LG.  I haven’t read much about either the center or RG battles, but Bienemy said the unit is “becoming cohesive.”

§  A lot of attention on Connor Wood, who from all reports, is generally looking good, but nothing really specific outside of the 2 TDs to P-Rich in the first scrimmage. John Schrock also continues to receive praise (I think he will eventually earn a scholarship and be a solid backup as an upperclassman).

§  The defense has been working a lot on defending the zone-option-read offensive styles that are becoming so prevalent (i.e. Oregon).

§  The safety spot alongside Ray Polk is completely up for grabs as top candidate Parker Orms is out for the rest of the spring with a hamstring, Wil Harlos is also nursing a hammie and Kyle Washington is practicing at LB. After Greg Brown mentioned that he is "understanding his reads" and "tackles well" I will re-state that the 5’9” Terrell Smith will ultimately end up winning the job.  He has the most experience and might be the biggest hitter.  The only worry is that both he and Polk can go for the big hit and instead give up a big play, and that can be dangerous to have both your safeties vulnerable in that way, especially in the pass happy Pac-12.

§  Likewise the other CB spot opposite Henderson (who supposedly has improved!) is still wide open, with Sherrard Harrington trying to solidify a foothold on the depth chart before the five freshmen arrive and Jered Bell returns completely recover from his knee injury.  Josh Moten has turned some heads recently.

§  Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe have repeatedly been named throughout the spring. , but not much beyond them.  Greg Brown called the versatile Uzo-Diribe "the best player on defense this spring."  He has put on 15 pounds up to 250 without losing any speed.
Nate Bonsu will contribute when healthy, but this position groupwill be a huge focus in Fall Camp, to find out which freshmen can contribute right away.

§  Embree kind of called out D-linemen Juda Parker, Eric Richter and Kirk Poston, reminding them via his post-practice Tuesday interview that there are nine guys coming to Boulder in August.

§  I have not read that much about Brady Daigh, but a little more about Derrick Webb at LB, as they try to take advantage of extra reps without Doug Rippy.  The loser of this position battle will be the utility ‘backer, likely Daigh.
Kyle Washington seems to be taking well to the switch to linebacker and is picking it up well to add some depth there.

Spring Practice Update-March 18

The first week of practice is in the books and the Buffs conducted their first scrimmage.  Since no one outside the program, besides a group of visiting high school juniors, was allowed to watch, there is limited information.

§   The highlight being reported is that there were two long TD connections (a 70-yard bomb and a 35-yard screen) from Connor Wood (took the majority of QB snaps) to Paul Richardson (being singled out daily for his hard work and production).  The two have been focusing on their timing and it seems as if they might be getting it!

§  The defense supposedly had a string of 10 or so snaps where they shut down the offense.

§  There were no turnovers: good for O, bad for D.

§  Other names that were mentioned by Embree were: DL Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe, RB Tony Jones, LB Derrick Webb, CB Greg Henderson, S Terrell Smith (who I think will end up starting at the other safety).

§  QB John Schrock has said he definitely has a “chip on his shoulder” and is not conceding anything. 

§  Mountain Vista QB Isaac Archuleta joined the team as a walk-on along with 3 defensive lineman and a few others.

§  Clay Norgard is learning the FB position but walk-on converted TE Alex Wood is holding his own there.

§  RFr. CB Sherrard Harrington has looked good and fast.

§  RFr. WR Nelson Spruce has gotten a lot of attention and accolades the first week.  Keenan Canty and Tyler McCulloch got some praise early in the week, but unfortunately no mention yet of converted TE DaVaughn Thorton.

§  Because of the lack of depth on the defensive line the coaches have been doing a lot of situational work, putting the offense in a lot of specific down and distance spots that favor the defense.

§  Darragh O’Neill has been watching a lot of tape of himself and trying to improve his punting.  Special Teams coach JD Brookhart said about the competition with Zach Grossnickle (and maybe transfer DJ Wilhelm), “It's open. Darragh's to lose, but it's open.”

§  Injuries: Unfortunately, S Parker Orms pulled a hamstring and will be out for ALL of the Spring.  As much as everyone, especially locals from Wheat Ridge, have been hoping for him to finally break out, I am beginning to wonder if he can ever stay healthy enough to contribute on a regular basis. I don’t see how the team can count on him as more than a nickel or dime back when he is able.  That is the main reason for the Smith prediction.

§  S Wil Harlos has also been dealing with a hamstring and has also been quite injury prone in his first year in the program (he had multiple concussions, some of which he kept hidden from staff last year, in addition to multiple leg issues).

§  TE Nick Kasa was held out of the scrimmage, but should be back this week.

§  QB Nick Hirschman has been watching on crutches, while DT Nate Bonsu and CB Jered Bell have only been participating in non-contact drills.

§  There have been numerous position switches and experiments going on.  Stephane Nembot is up over 300 pounds and happy he switched to OT from DE. 

§  As expected David Bahktiari has been practicing at both LT and LG.

§  S Kyle Washington has been practicing at the Will LB spot, trying to add some more speed to the defense.

§  The Buffs have now used 5 of their allotted 15 practice days.  They will practice Tuesday and Thursday this week before taking Spring Break off and coming back for 7 more practices and the Spring Game on April 14.

Spring Football is Here!

 [Updated 3/11]

§  Spring Practices started Saturday, March 10!  The Buffs released a pre-spring Depth Chart, with a few surprises, most of which are due to injuries, but there have also been a few position changes.  Numerous players will also audition at more than one position.  Here’s an overview of the most recent developments (for a little more see the previous post in the archives at right). 

Here’s the current Depth Chart: http://www.cubuffs.com//pdf8/831041.pdf

§  The position of note is QB as So. Nick Hirschman, who appeared to be complete recovered from his right foot injury, has now injured the exact same bone on his other foot and will miss all of spring ball.  This appears to make So. Connor Wood almost a shoe-in for the job, although Embree said there will definitely be a competition with Wood, Hirschman and TFr. Shane Dillon.  The other beneficiary of the foot injury is RFr. John Schrock who will get a lot more reps, says he is competing for the starting position, but could very well be the third QB next season.  RFr. Stevie Joe Dorman can use this spring to improve with his extra reps as well. 
***NEW There will be a fourth QB on the roster as former Mountain Vista (played with Clay Norgard) signal caller Isaac Archuleta donned the green jersey (along with 7 other walk-ons.)

§  So. Tony Jones is expected to maintain his spot atop the depth chart, and will most certainly be in the rotation next season no matter what happens.  Jr. Josh Ford should get a lot of reps to try to stay in the coaches’ eyes; he has shown flashes running, but not as a blocker, and has fumbled some. Two Sos. were moved to RB from DB to provide depth until three freshmen arrive in August: DD Goodson moved back and Justin Gorman, who is mainly the holder for place kicks, will try   Jr. walk-on Alex Wood, former TE, is officially the number one FB going into the spring, but TFr. Clay Norgard is already here and expected to move up as he learns the position.  He will still have to battle and likey will share time with fellow incoming frosh Cristian Powell in August.

§  At “Z” WR Jr. Paul Richardson is a likely captain and is officially backed up by So. Keenan Canty and Jr. DaVaughn Thorton.  The “X” “starter” is listed as So. Tyler McCulloch, backed up by RFr. Nelson Spruce.  Behind them, interestingly, is Sr. walk-on Dustin Ebner, ahead of Jr. Jarrod Darden, who looks like a receiver when he is just standing there, but not really on the field, and he’ll probably drop further when the three incoming freshmen arrive.

§  Sr. Nick Kasa is set to finally be of some value to the team and is listed as the first TE, ahead of So. Kyle Slavin and some walk-ons.  However, if they do not solidify themselves with their spring reps, there are also three recruits coming to compete in August.

§  The offensive line might be one of the more interesting position groups to follow as there is a lot of talent but very few spots are solidified.  RT might be one of the most solid slots as Jack Harris is healthy and ready to regain his starting spot from the beginning of last year. He will be backed up by mammoth RFr. Stephane Nembot, who is probably not quite ready to play, but up over 300.  At this point JR. David Bahktiari is listed number one at LT, but he is definitely going to get a shot at LG, where Sos. Daniel Munyer and Kawai Crabb are listed 1-2, so that So. Alex Lewis, currently number 2, can try to earn the starting LT spot (#3 is RFr. Marc Mustoe).  Jr. Gus Handler was the starter at center for the entire season and looks to keep it.  He is officially backed up by So. (must have played some on special teams last year) Brad Cotner, but Crabb or Munyer would take over if Handler went down.  The starter at RG for now is Sr. Ryan Dannewitz, who I think will end up being the utility back-up for everything but center, but he is better suited for guard than tackle, where he was mediocre at best last year.  Number 2 is greyshirt TFr. Alex Kelley.  The 2 frosh will most likely redshirt when they get here.  My projected lineup when it is all said and done, from L-R: Lewis, Bahktiari, Handler, Munyer/Crabb, Harris.

§  The defensive line (they are calling themselves a “4-3” so there will be four linemen, but the right end is still called the “Jack” and will be more hybrid again) is especially thin this spring so that will somewhat limit what they can do.  So. Juda Parker is listed number one at left DE, backed up by walk-on Casey Walker, who is listed ahead of RFr. Kirk Poston. The right DE/Jack is led by Jr. Chidera Uzo-Diribe, backed up by walk-on Andre Nichols and journeyman (former RB and TE) So. Cordary Allen, who will try to contribute and provide some depth, at least for the spring.  Some of the incoming frosh will definitely factor into the outside slots.  Inside, the DT starters are listed as Srs. Wil Pericak and Eric Richter.  Jr. Nate Bonsu is injured and out for the spring, but expected to surpass Richter if he can get and stay healthy. Providing depth inside are RFr. walk-ons John Tuso and Kyle Koch.

§  While top of the LB depth chart is fairly clear, the backups are not and that is where the competition will be. So. Brady Daigh will get lots of reps as he fills in for the injured Doug Rippy alongside Jr. Derrick Webb in the middle, backed up by RFr. KT Tu’umalo and Jermane Clark. Outside will be captain Jon Major, backed up by Sos. Woodson Greer III and Lowell Williams, and S Kyle Washington is supposedly going to get a look here also.

§  We all knew So. Greg Henderson would be listed number one at one CB, but the other side is a big question mark.  So. Josh Moten will enter the spring listed number one ahead of RFr. Sherrard Harrington, who everyone is excited to see get on the field finally.  Transfer Harrison Hunter is listed behind Henderson and this is his chance to make an impression.  Everyone, even Henderson, will be challenged by So. Jered Bell, when he fully recovers from his knee injury, as well as three highly rated incoming corner recruits in the fall.
*Bell's recovery is going well and he is participating in invidual drills, can run and cut but no contact.
*Walk-on Jordan Marquez is not participating in spring practices due to academics.

§  Sr. Ray Polk is a probable captain and will start at one safety slot but after that this position group is wide open.  Jr. Parker Orms opens as the other starter and his health, not ability, will dictate how much he is on the field. Therefore, his backup will be key, currently listed as Jr. Paul Vigo then So. Kyle Washington (also getting look at outside LB), but could just as easily end up with one of Polk’s listed backups, Jr. Terrell Smith, or So. Wil Harlos, who I believe will end up on the field a lot this year.

§  On Special Teams, Embree said that punting, coverage and punt returns will be a heavier focus on the spring than kickoffs, whose units are expected to include more freshmen.  However, with the new kickoff rules, that might change as Embree will want to see who can kick it out of the endzone and who can kick it high and deep inside the 10 from the new spot at the 35.   The intriguing and versatile So. Darragh O’Neill returns at punter, but Zach Grossnickle and transfer DJ Willhelm will be given their shot.  Incumbent kicker So. Wil Oliver is recovering from shoulder surgery and is limited, so FGs will not be an emphasis; he is also listed as number one kickoff, but Jrs. Justin Castor and Grossnickle will practice and compete here for the spring, with the winner battling Oliver in the fall.   
*Brookhart held open tryouts for kickers after the first practice.
-They are not listing anyone as punt or kickoff returner.  Ryan Iverson will be the long snapper, with walk-on Keegan Lamar listed as his backup, but TE Kyle Slavin has also practiced here previously and offers much better size.   Justin Gorman will be the holder, backed up by Hirschman.

§  I will update as information is released.  Unfortunately, the practices are not open so I cannot attend and give any firsthand reports until the April 14 Spring Game/Scrimmage.

Spring Practice Preview

§  It’s been slow on the football front, but busy elsewhere.  However, as Spring Practices are just around the corner, beginning next Saturday, March 10, it’s time to put on the pads and start hitting.

§  Unfortunately, the general public will not be allowed to attend and watch at all this year (except the "Spring Game").  The media will only be allowed to view small portions, probably the most boring.  Embree had warned that with starting against CSU they were less likely to allow open practices.  He has also cited that since it is such a young team he does not want them put under the scrutiny and judgment that the media and fans can create.  I also think it is so people outside the program won’t see anything new, and will continue to look down upon and overlook the young Buffaloes.

§  The team just finished “Coaches’ Week”-basically a week of intense 6AM conditioning sessions under the motto: “Do Work All Day”.  They worked and competed (tug-o-war) in position groups throughout Balch Fieldhouse and on the steps of Folsom Field.  Embree singled out numerous guys stepping it up as models and leaders, including seniors Nick Kasa, Ray Polk and Wil Pericak, juniors Paul Richardson and Chidera Uzo-Diribe, and sophomore Juda Parker.  For video of each day got to: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/spring-practice-primer/ and scroll down for the links.

§  The team will practice about 2 of every 3 days March 10-23, take spring break off, then come back for a few more practices, finishing up with some form of spring game (depending on injuries) on April 14 (which will be the only practice session that is open to the public.

§  Shortly after the season began last year, a large flagstone sign was installed at the entrance to the practice fields engraved with the following motto: “This program will not been entrusted to the timid or the weak.”  This statement, always painted previously somewhere in the Dal Ward, completely disappeared during the previous regime, but now has finally been restored to the program.  In talking to the mother of a senior player last year, she commented that after spring practice her son had told her, “This is what I thought Division I football would be like.”  It’s time for the returning players, who know what this mantra means now, know what the coaching expectations are, to now set the example and lead the team toward the future, starting with some very hard and focused practicing March and April.

§  Embree's early goals are to get the quarterback competition off to a good start, improve fundamentals in every area of the team, improve communication and understanding of responsibilities throughout the defense, and finding out who the “best five” are and build some continuity with the offensive line, all while trying to stay relatively healthy.

§  There will definitely be some depth issues for practicing during spring practices that will certainly limit full 11-on-11 scrimmaging.  Between losing 28 senior bodies and a lot of people recovering from injuries, some positions like D-Line will be very thin and can’t afford more injuries.  While it will limit some of the things they can do, Embree said it will allow or force them to do a lot of 7-on-7, which will be great for the quarterback competition.  Unfortunately, one area this teams needs to improve in is tackling and with so few bodies they will have to be careful with how much tackling and full-contact they do, which is a big part of the “physical” game they want to employ.  There will likely be more early and less late.

§  Here are the reported injuries, some of which will affect how the team is able to practice and how much they can decide in certain position battles.

§  QB Nick Hirschman had been listed as "questionable" for spring practices with a lingering foot injury, possibly to only participate fully in the second part.  However, he has recently tweeted that rehab is going well and he might be full go at the start!  Numner 8 is the one everyone will be looking for when the media is allowed their brief glimpse of the first few practices.

§  Listed as OUT for Spring: Sr. DT Nate Bonsu, who should compete for a starting job IF he can get healthy-he has never been the same after a great freshman season followed by the knee injury; Sr. LB Doug Rippy and RB Malcolm Creer will still be recovering from their knee surgeries.

§  It had been reported that Soph. CB Jered Bell would be back from his knee injury, but that does not appear to be the case as he will also not be “full go”.

§  Listed as "Probable" for Spring: RFr. CB Sherrard Harrington has recovered from his strange hip injury; Soph. LB Brady Daigh's wrist should be ready to go; O-tackle Jack Harris' broken leg is healed and he is good to go.

§  Two more players have left the roster.  Sr. QB Brent Burnette, who really didn’t factor in at the position, will graduate in May and not participate in football any longer.  Also, oft-injured S/LB Vince Ewing will retire from football due to chronic knee injuries, although he will remain “helping” the team as some type of a assistant or intern.

§  Most position battles will be wide open, with very few spots already taken and earned by incumbents.  There are only maybe 7-8 guys who are basically assured a starting spot.  There is another group that is very likely to earn some playing time, but how much remains to be seen.  There are a lot of redshirt frosh itching to play-See Stuart’s CuattheGame post about them: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/spring-practice-primer/

§  LB is the closest position to having a “set” lineup as Jon Major, Doug Rippy and Derrick Webb are all returning starters, leaving only the “Jack” wide open (which could be filled by some DE candidates); So. Brady Daigh and Woodson Greer, along with (possible safeties) Jermane Clark, KT Tu’umalo and Kyle Washington, will provide back-up.  Cabral should know exactly where he is at for the season by the end of spring ball.

§  D-Line: There are only 10 or so healthy bodies here and many are non-scholarship, with one who just switched positions.  The trio of Sr. Wil Pericak (appears to be no major repercussions from his barroom transgression), Jr. Chidera Uzo-Diribe and So. Juda Parker figure to be regular members of the rotation (the latter 2 possibly at Jack LB), but after that it is thin.  

§  Sr.Eric Richter has always been touted as strong, but has barely made his way onto the game day field; the defense needs his presence and his size and strength inside, and the team needs every bit of senior leadership it can find.

§  So. Kirk Poston has got to get noticed before the wave of freshmen arrives. 

§  So. Cordary Allen has just made the switch to DE – he was never able to do much as RB or TE, but at least can be a body here.

§  The rest of the walk-ons will get more reps this spring, with lack of depth, they could ever hope to get again the rest of their careers.

§  This is an area where at least 3 or 4 of the EIGHT incoming frosh will join the playing rotation in the fall.

§  DBs: Ray Polk will be one of the starting safeties, and has been singled out for his work and leadership by Embree during “coaches’ Week”, although opposite him could be a number of players: Jrs. Terrell Smith, Paul Vigo or Parker Orms (latter two could end up at CB and/or the Nickel slot as well), or So. Wil Harlos, or LBs Clark,Tu’umalo or Washington could end up back here.

§  Super Soph Greg Henderson will man one side of the field while numerous others will compete for the spot opposite him, as well as at the nickel slot; RFr. Sherrard Harrington is a player everyone is waiting to see on the field; unfortunately, we will still have to wait to see So. Jered Bell, who does not appear to be recovered from his knee injury and has not been cleared yet. So. Josh Moten and transfer Harrison Hunter are two other intriguing cases who could use this spring to get some reps and exposure before the frosh arrive. Orms or Vigo could end up back here if needed. There are also a bunch of walk-ons for depth.

§   Of course, the trio of highly touted incoming freshmen will immediately compete, and are all expected by many and expecting themselves to earn playing time in August: Yuri Wright, Kenneth Crawley and Jeffery Hall.

§  The nickel slot will fall to the best of those left, and the sixth and seventh (and maybe more) will need to be ready to play.

§  O-line:  Embree has stated he wants the best five offensive linemen on the field, so David Bahktiari will start somewhere on the line, it just may not be at left or even right tackle, as he will get a long look at LG.

§   So. Alex Lewis, who played a lot of New England style third blocking TE last year, will get a long look at LT; Jr. Jack Harris, fully recovered from a broken leg, will get the first look at RT; with Ryan Dannewitz being the utility tackle; massive RFr. DE convert Stephane Nembot has put on 30 pounds (up to 310) will get reps to continue his development as the right tackle of the future; RFr. Marc Mustoe will have to fight for his reps.

§  The other two interior spots, center and RG, will be won from the group of Jr. Gus Handler and Sophs. Daniel Munyer and Kawai Crabb, with the “loser” being the utility back-up for the middle.  Greyshirt Fr. Alex Kelley could factor in the middle but RFr. Brad Cotner is odd man out and scout team C.  Neither of the incoming frosh should affect the depth chart.

§  It would be nice to be solid on the top five starters and their positions, and the top few backups at the end of the spring.

§  QB: This is always the most watched position regardless of circumstance.  But so much depends on the quarterback, especially with so little experience coming back to surround a brand new signal caller.  It has been a foregone conclusion to many that Texas transfer Connor Wood will win the job running away.  Coach Embree thinks that should make fellow So. Nick Hircshman “ecstatic”, if all the pressure is on the newcomer, while he is the returning letterman with a start under his belt.  Of course, coaches loved John Shrock so much last year that he was the #3 behind Hansen and Hirschman if anything had ever happened at QB like it did at DB.  Fellow RFr. Stevie Joe Dorman will lead the scout team.  Brent Burnette has wisely left with his degree.

§  Whoever is leading here after Spring ball will still have to fend off incoming frosh Shane Dillon in the fall.

§  RBs: There is a lot of uncertainty here actually, even though #2 and #3 backs are returning. Jr. Tony Jones is the most experienced tailback, but he needs to make the most out of his status in the early Spring, especially as a blocker and “all-around” back, because many could overtake him. So. Josh Ford needs to show he can block and hang on to the ball.  DD Goodson is back at this position to provide depth.  The rest of the tailbacks are walk-ons.

§  Clay Norgard is already enrolled and will get lots of reps at FB in the spring. He can get a leg up on Cristian Powell, who will challenge him in the fall and with whom he will likely eventually share playing time.

§  Fall camp will bring in the rest of the competition: So. Malcolm Creer, who looked great in his limited action before blowing out his knee, and three freshmen: bruiser Davien Payne and the smaller Donta Abron and Terrence Crowder, also recovering from a knee injury.

§  WRs: Paul Richardson is a given at one WR spot, but the QB and the offense need (at least) someone else to step up opposite P-Rich and make defenses account for both.

§  Coaches really liked So. Tyler McCulloch last year and he played as a true frosh, blocked well downfield, but was not really productive catching the ball (even though he had some highlight reel catches in fall camp).  They also really liked Nelson Spruce, but ended up redshirting him, so he might be ready to break out.  Jr. DaVaughn Thorton switched over from TE, has great size and has shown flashes of greatness, but very little consistency.  It’s now or never for him.  Likewise for So. Keenan Canty, who has also had a few nice catches, but nothing substantial.  For Jr. Jarrod Darden this is really his chance to get on the field.  The Ebners and a bunch of other walk-ons round out the scout team end of the depth chart.

§  If someone from that group doesn’t take advantage of this the opportunity in the Spring, then one of the three speedy incoming frosh-Peyton Williams (recovering from knee) or Jeffery or Gerald (no relation) Thomas-will likely seize it instead. 

§  TEs: This is another wide open position and all three incoming frosh will be given every opportunity to break into the 3-4 deep in the Fall, so everyone needs to take advantage of their reps in spring.

§   So. Kyle Slavin brings the most TE experience, but never even caught a pass.  Nick Kasa switched from DL towards the end of the season, even catching a pass vs. Utah and he has been mentioned as a leader and working very hard in offseason work; both are players who have to use Spring ball as their chance to shine or disappear.  Two walk-ons, Fernandez and Wood, provide depth.

§  Special Teams:  The punter and kicker, Darragh O’Neill and Wil Oliver (shoulder), along with the long-snapper/holder combo of Ryan Iverson and Justin Gorman, are probably all set; however, there will always be competition as last year unheralded walk-on O’Neill won the job from scholarshipped Zach Grosnickle.  Iowa transfer DJ Wilhelm also joined the team as a walk-on, sat out the year and could add some spice to the mix at punter.

§  Justin Castor handled kickoffs for most of the year, but had to be relieved a few times by Wil Oliver, and this job should be wide open; Grossnickle has been told he can compete here.

§  The rest of the units will be open to lots of competition, as lots of return and coverage work needs to be done.  Although numerous freshmen will be asked to play on this unit, the Buffs need to concentrate on this area and force the younger players to come in and work to earn their spots against some veterans.  The team largely ignored this phase last year in spring in order to get everything else in place, but it showed during the regular season.  JD won’t let them be that bad again.

§  With the shoulder injury to Oliver, there will be overall more work dedicated to the punting game during the spring.

Stuart at CUattheGame.com also previews each position: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/spring-forward/