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.
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