TWO Buffs Drafted!

[Updated 5/5]

§  In addition to Ryan Miller and Tony Clemons being drafted, Evan Harrington has joined Tyler Hansen and Rodney Stewart (both with Cincinatti) and Conrab Obi (Arizona) as undrafted free agent signings.  It is not clear yet if the San Diego Chargers plan on using Harrington as a FB or LB.  No word on anyone else.

§  Ryan Miller was originally a 5-star “blue-chip” high school recruit out of Columbine who was expected to become a possible first rounder.  At the start of last year, his fifth, he was expected to be “all-everything”.  Although he had a great career and a solid senior season, garnering a few recognitions, he was not overly impressive and his stock dropped to a “possible free agent”.  He rebounded with a decent combine and solid work since, to move up enough that he had a Friday draft party for rounds 2 and 3. (A little ambitious Ryan?)  He was finally was drafted late in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns.

§  The bigger surprise was that Tony Clemons, who finished the season strong and worked out well for scouts, was selected in the seventh round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, so he will return to his home state to try to play pro ball.

§  Others connected to the program who signed free agent contracts: Darrell Scott (who left school early) with the Cowboys and Taylor Embree (UCLA) with the Chargers.

§  Some Pac-12 stars who were not drafted but latched on with teams: Oregon’s bad boy DB Cliff Harris and Washington RB Chris Polk both signed with the Eagles and ASU’s Vontaze Burfict, whose late season swoon and terrible combine dropped him all the way from possible first rounder, signed with the Bengals.

§  On the recruiting front, the Buffs have received their fourth and fifth verbal commitments for the 2013 class, both from California, 3-star OG Colin Sutton of Orange County and (as of yet) unrated safety Kyle Trammel (Victorville).

Post Spring Depth Chart Notes

§  The Buffs wrapped up spring practices with the “official” Spring “Scrimmage” on April 14 (see the previous post for the details). 

§  The team released a “post-spring depth chart” right before the spring game (you can look at the whole thing here): http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/2012/depth_chart.pdf?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=600 )

It offers a little insight and provided some minor surprises…

§  Wide Receiver is the first position listed and is probably the most important group to watch on offense.  RFr. Nelson Spruce is listed as one starter across from So. Tyler McCulloch.  Interestingly, Jr. Jarrod Darden, a perennial silent underperformer, was actually listed as #2 behind McCulloch and then followed it up with a great spring game.  Former walk-on Sr. Dustin Ebner was second behind Spruce, followed by So. Keenan Canty, while Jr. DaVaughn Thorton (an even bigger disappointment than Darden) is 4^th.  I probably don’t need to write it again but at least one, if not two or all three of the incoming recruits will get into the mix here and play as true frosh.

§  Connor Wood has not yet been given the keys to the offense and all comers (So. Nick Hirschman, TFr. Shane Dillon and likely transfer Jordan Webb) will be given their shot in August.  Wood was solid, made good decisions and continued to develop but did not grab it for his own.  Embree said he still has a tendency to “press” and this showed with his overthrows in the scrimmage. John Schrock took advantage of his reps and will be a solid backup. Coaches have even left door open to play two but I doubt that will happen by design.

§  At TE Sr. Nick Kasa is expected to be the answer, but he is still raw, both blocking and catching, but has shown sparks of getting it.  Walk-on Scott Fernandez will end up playing and catching a few sneaky balls. Kyle Slavin has been silent in the spring. Nobody really stood out in the spring scrimmage, although Slavin had one 30-yard catch.  So…one, two or three of the frosh play here as well.

§  Tony Jones has “separated himself” from the other guys and has grabbed the starting RB job.  DD Goodson has actually moved up ahead of Josh Ford for #2. Although Ford’s running was great in the scrimmage, he lacks in other areas which are too important to EB and Embree.  There is absolutely room for a freshman to get some carries if they can pick up the offense, specifically the pass protection and pass routes that Ford Struggles with.

§   Walk-on Alex Wood is still listed as the starter at FB, with early enrollee Clay Norgard still 2^nd, leaving the door open for Christian Powell to compete in August.

§  The offensive line seems to be the strongest position group on this side of the ball, with most slots solidified.  The only surprise really was that Ryan Dannewitz, who was out with an injury for most of the spring, is listed as the co-starter at both RG (Daniel Munyer) and RT (Jack Harris).  David Bahktiari is set at LT, as is Alex Lewis at LG, and Gus Handler at center.  They also have a strong second line for the first time in years.  Dannewitz will end up as the utility lineman, backing up everyone except center (Brad Cotner), plus they have Marc Mustoe and Stephane Nembot at tackle and Kawai Crabb and Alex Kelley for the interior.  This is the one group where freshmen will not play, unless they are absolutely outstanding.  They are doing so well that I have not read one mention about the loss of highly touted G recruit Paulay Asiata who left the program in the offseason and led to some pessimistic predictions about the line.  They seem to be doing just fine now, but of course the true test will come on the field, during Pac-12 play.

§  The defensive line is obviously the biggest question area as it is so thin.  The starters are assumed to be Srs. Wil Pericak and the injured Nate Bonsu inside, with Jr. Chidera-Uzo-Diribe and So. Juda Parker on the ends.  After that it will be (I still can’t believe it even though I have written it a few times) at least FOUR frosh contributing here.  You want at least 8 if not 10 bodies rotating to stay fresh.  Unfortunately, Sr. Eric Richter just can’t seem to get up the depth chart or on the field, Kirk Poston is still too small (although he is temporarily listed as starter) and Cordary Allen can’t stay healthy enough to learn a position.  The walk-ons are just bodies.  Hopefully, this isn’t the primary reason the offensive line has looked so good.

§  On the flip side the LBs are in decent shape, certainly for this year.  Assuming that Doug Rippy makes a (close to) full recovery the starters will be him, fellow Sr. Jon Major and Jr. Derrick Webb.  We should also see a decent amount of Sophs. Brady Daigh, Woodson Greer III and Kyle Washington, who should take over in 2013-14, and because it may be hard to keep them off the field now.  No frosh to worry about here.

§  The defensive backfield will always be a question area because you also need at least 8 if not 10+ ready to go (we hate to but we have to remember last year). We know who two are for sure-Ray Polk and Greg Henderson- and likely a third in Parker Orms, who despite being injured during the first spring practice is still listed number one at strong safety-coaches believe he is a difference maker when healthy.  It remains to be seen who the other 5 or 6 will be. Safeties Terrel Smith and Wil Harlos will likely be in the rotation, and maybe Paul Vigo, who has been given a lot of reps is listed 3^rd behind Polk and Smith.  Josh Moten and Sherrard Harrington are still in the mix opposite Henderson, as are the recovering Jered Bell and at least three of the incoming frosh (definitely Kenneth Crawley and Yuri Wright).  Transfer Harrison Hunter (Ft. Lewis) also received some praise and is still in the picture for playing time. Almost any of the above could factor into the Nickel and Dime units so often utilized in the Pac-12.  This will be as interesting as the d-line in fall camp.

§  Kicker (Oliver), punter (O’Neill), and long snapper (Iverson) are all set;  Grossnickle and Gorman can both be holders it looks like, but the rest of the special teams units are in limbo, especially the returners, who Embree said are “still in their orange tuxedoes for prom.”  Unfortunately, this is still a huge area of need and they were not able, for various reasons, to focus much on it, which was the case last year, which scares me a little.

§  Embree expects to go with rotating, weekly captains, based on play, rather than a set group. This is at least partially because he has only 8 seniors, a couple of who don’t play much, and Ryan Dannewitz is the only offensive senior; plus, Paul Richardson had a good chance to be the offensive captain but that ship has sailed for a year anyway.  However, Embree has identified numerous leaders he expects to guide the team through summer workouts and into the season.  These include Jon Major (the only returning captain), Doug Rippy, Wil Pericak, Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Ray Polk, David Bakhtiari, Gus Handler, Nick Hirschman (or?) Connor Wood, and he also expects Paul Richardson to still be involved in that respect.

§  Program Notes: S Wil Harlos, who played early in the season last year, on special teams mostly, but then struggled with concussions, was granted a medical redshirt, so he will be considered a freshman next season with four seasons to play.  He is a kid who, if he can stay healthy, could have a major impact, having gotten that early experience, and still getting to play five years.  He was told by Greg Brown last spring to worry about technique and watching the receiver, “because you’ve got the speed to catch up.  I’m not worried about that with you.”  Hopefully, the Buffs can at least get a whole season between him and Parker Orms at one of the safety positions.

§  Embree said he expects little if any attrition to the roster over the summer.  However, he also said that he expects to sign 16-20 (much higher than the generally reported 12-15) recruits in the 2013 cycle.  This is with only 8 seniors on the roster, and not a whole lot of extra scholarships.  He also said he didn’t expect much attrition to the roster in the near future, or maybe none at all, as everyone is “doing what they are supposed to do” and no one has mentioned leaving.  It will be interesting to see how the recruiting cycle develops.  So far they have 3 commits, including two who have “4-star” ratings.

§  Pericak has been found not guilty of the charges stemming from a bar incident in January.

§  Former CU player Austin Vincent pleaded guilty to some level of his indecent exposure charges.  He said he would only return to CU if he could play football.  So long Austin!

§  TC McCartney and Cha’pelle Brown will join the coaching staff as graduate assistants July 1.  Otherwise there are no other coaching changes, marking only the second time since McCartney’s day that the staff has had no turnover.

§  Monarch senior Trevor Carver will join the team as a preferred walk-on in August.  Although he excelled as a cornerback in high school and could have played in Division III, he will be brought in here as a long snapper.  The “preferred” tag allows him to start practicing when the team starts, not waiting until classes start. (I am not sure how many of these each team is allowed.)

§  Most of the coaching staff has hit the road to recruit.  EB and Greg Brown are putting a little work in on there offense and defense respectively, before they too hit the road.  Embree cannot do visits until December, but he he will be maxing his cell phone minutes calling recruits.

§  Mike Bohn made an announcement… that there will be an announcement… in September…about the facilities upgrades at Folsom, which have been rumored for some time.  They are currently seeking more donations before finalizing the plans.  The scope should eventually be quite extensive as most Pac-12 schools have recently, are currently, or are planning new stadiums or major renovations.  Since everyone is about to get an influx of Pac-12 Network, TV and other monies, everyone is forced to keep up with the Joneses.

§  However, the lesser publicized announcement was that the new video boards at Folsom will go up over the summer and be in place for the season.  They will be much bigger, clearer and just plain better, which is so needed as the current ones are awful.  One was fading with many “holes” in the picture at the spring game.

Spring Game/Scrimmage

Overcast and cool, feeling a little like a fall afternoon, over 7,000 black and gold clad Buff fans showed up to Folsom Field as the Buffs wrapped up spring practices with the “official” Spring “Scrimmage” on Saturday.  It all began with a great run from Ralphie V, which also ended up probably being the highlight of the day.  The scrimmage was limited in form and time due to the depth issues, especially on the defensive line, and was truthfully not that exciting outside of a few plays.

§  There were many key players who were not dressed and were roaming the sidelines.  Embree’s main goal for the day was to keep everyone else healthy with no new injuries and he appears to have succeeded in that at least.

§  These players did not participate in the scrimmage at all: QB Nick Hirschman, WR Paul Richardson (looked pretty upbeat on sidelines), RB Malcom Creer, OL Ryan Dannewitz and Kawai Crabb, LB Doug Rippy, DT Nate Bonsu, CB Jered Bell, S Parker Orms, DE Cordary Allen, K Wil Oliver, and a few other walk-ons. Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe (really acted like an extra defensive coach on the sidelines) sat out the scrimmage for precautionary measures while Greg Henderson was at a funeral.  Ray Polk only participated in the 7-on-7 drills and LB Jon Major hardly got into the action.

§  That’s NINE possible defensive starters (with Bell and Major) who were not out there and only DE Juda Parker (4 solo tackles) and LB Derrick Webb actually playing.  Often the defense consisted entirely of players who may (should) never even see the field this year.  So, overall they probably did pretty well.

§  As to be expected then, the Offense basically dominated and moved the ball generally well.  However, with the defense so depleted, it felt like the offense should have dominated even more, especially the offensive line, who really should have never had any trouble against that defensive front.

§  Josh Ford was dubbed “All-time leading Spring rusher” by former teammate (CU and Mullen) Curtis Cunningham, as Ford rushed for 141 yards on only 8 carries and 2 long TDs.  Ford has been phenomenal against Buffs backups but has rarely cracked the field and shown what he can do against the big boys.  He has had some fumble problems in the past, is not a crisp route runner on passes, and has never been a great blocker, but was once again a huge fan favorite in the stands.  He is listed 3^rd on the depth chart.

§  Tony Jones was limited, but 4-23 rushing with a very nice run after a screen catch as well.  DD Goodson and even Justin Gorman all ran the ball well also, but remember who it was against.

§  Likewise, QB Connor Wood looked relatively sharp, going 7-10 for 142 yards, 2 TDs.  However, his passes were not always that crisp and receivers rarely had the ball hit them in stride in their hands.  All 3 incompletes were pretty bad overthrows.  He did have one very nice scramble.  By no means did he look bad, but you can definitely see why they are not ready to hand him the reins yet and will give the others, specifically Hirschman, their chance in August.

§  The receivers, no surprise, had their ups and downs, but the most pleasant surprise of the day was probably the Jarrod Darden sightings.  He has always had the look and size of a prototypical wideout (6’5”, 210) but until recently could not break through.  This week he was listed as the number 2 “X” receiver behind Tyler McCulloch.  Darden had numerous opportunities Saturday and made the most of them.  Although he did have one drop, he had 2 nice catches, including a long TD he had to work for. He also had some nice grabs in the 7-on-7 work.

§  Dustin Ebner also had 2 catches (and a drop) and a TD, plus some more in 7-on-7s; Nelson Spruce also had 2 receptions; McCulloch and Canty one each; Thorton was relatively quiet but had a TD in 7-on-7. 

§  Nick Kasa looks the part at TE but is still not fully comfortable.  He had a great TD grab in 7-on-7s but a bad drop in the scrimmage.  Kyle Slavin also looks like he should be a stellar TE with a nice 3o-yarder but again had a bad drop.

§  Just looking at them, with McCulloch, Darden, Thorton, Kasa and Slavin, the offense should have an unbeatable “tall” red zone lineup as all these guys are 6’4” or taller and have shown the ability to catch.  In a short red zone situation, they just have to go up and get it!  We’ll see how EB and the boys use them down inside the 10.

§  There is not a lot to say about the defensive line.  They did not get much pressure, although they did stop the RB for short gains a few times. Hopefully, very few of these guys ever see the field.

§  Sr. DT Eric Richter did record the only sack of the day on John Schrock (who looked more like a walk-on backup this year).  Richter is going to need to do something or be quickly passed by the frosh in August.

§  FB Clay Norgard had a nice catch and run and seemed to get more reps than Alex Wood.

§  Brian Cabral was able to shuffle his LBs in and out a lot and get the young guys reps.  Brady Daigh and Woodson Greer (Embree said, “you could hear him playing”) both had some nice plays.

§  The defensive backfield also consisted mostly of guys who won’t see the field during the season and had a lot of shuffling. The tackling was not very good on the second level, allowing a few of the touchdowns to happen on what should have been shorter gains.  The receivers were not challenged much in the scrimmage part, although they were in the first segment of 7-on-7s.  Sherrard Harrington had a nice breakup here, although he only played a little with the 3s in the scrimmage.

§  Justin Castor got to try 6 FGs (whenever they scored a TD instead of PAT) and hit 4.  However, his misses were bad: a 48-yd attempt that he shanked badly and 52 that he swung too hard and the ball never had a chance to go 50.  Grossnickle, not Gorman did most of the holding and had a nice catch and place of a high snap.

§  O’Neill and Grossnickle each had 2 decent punts, but there were no live returns.

§  The scrimmage entailed 10 or so plays of 7-on-7s followed by 20 plays of scrimmaging for each “half”, sandwiched around a short break and an interesting kickoff coverage drill, which was the most animated portion of the afternoon.  They lined up going across the width of the field for 7-on-7 kickoffs and the guys were really into it.

§  Overall, the pace was fast-coaches and players alike commented postgame on that often-and the attitude and energy were great.  There was not nearly as much yelling this year as the players know what is expected of them.  There were very few penalties called.

§  It was a good effort with spirited enthusiasm.  The team seems like it plays for each other and most of the guys sitting out were involved in cheering and/or coaching their teammates.  It appears they have developed some strong chemistry.  Now they just have to blend in 28 freshmen personalities.

§  I love watching Embree coach this team.  He is right in the middle of the action, hands on, involved in everything.  He is yelling at kids, both positives and constructive criticism, talking to individuals after almost every play.  His predecessor usually just stood around talking to people and laughing.

§  EB also is fun to watch and really gets into guys’ faces or jumps all over them like a kid after a good play.

§  There were many former players in attendance, including CJ, Alfred, Chad Brown, Cunningham, as well as 50+ junior prospects from all over, incoming recruit QB Shane Dillon and even a few basketball players.

Spring Practice Update-April 13

§  The Buffs are wrapping up Spring practices with the last of 15 practices with the “official” Spring “Scrimmage”.  CU's annual spring game will be the second in a row at night, starting tomorrow (Sat. 4/14) at 5:00 p.m. at Folsom Field. 

§  The format at present, due to mostly injuries on the defensive line, will be 30 or so plays of standard offense versus defense scrimmage (1's vs. 1's, 2's vs. 2's, 1's vs. 2's, 3's vs. 3's, etc). In general, with the smaller roster and injuries, the team scrimmaged minimally this spring (three short sessions instead of extended ones).  There will also be some 7-on7 passing drills, some red zone work and even some kickoff coverage.

§  There will also be “Coach Mac’s BBQ” at 2:00, an alumni flag football game at 3:30, as well as a CU men’s lacrosse game at 8:00PM.

A few more notes from practices this past week:

§  Obviously the huge news, that even made numerous headlines across ESPN’s college network, was the loss of Paul Richardson, the brightest star on the offense, for the season to a torn ACL and cartilage damage (surgery Monday).  Although Embree said it is conceivably possible that he could return in November if all rehab went perfectly and he recovers completely in 6 months, that is doubtful and not in the player or team’s best interest (unless they were in the title picture).

§  It sounds like RFr. Nelson Spruce had leapfrogged Tyler McCulloch, Keenan Canty, Dustin Ebner and everyone else to be considered the #2 receiver after Richardson, leaving him now as the frontrunner to be Connor Wood’s main man this fall.  He is “deceptively fast” with good hands and solid route-running.

§  This gives everyone else a little more opportunity to see the field, particularly two big targets who have been disappointing performers, DaVaughn Thorton and Jarrod Darden, as well as the three incoming freshmen.

§  P-Rich was also working as their main returner (huge upside, scary downside with his injury history for when he returns in 2013) so it is all but assured that the returners are not on campus yet.  They could very well come from that same group of three frosh wideouts, who I believe all have return experience.

§  Tony Jones becomes the leading returning receiver with 27 catches for 168 yards.  Assuming he does win the starting job and can provide solid blocking, he could blow Speedy’s receiving numbers out of the water.

§  QB Coach Rip Scherer stated that the QB competition could possibly linger into the season to give everyone, freshman Shane Dillon and especially Nick Hirschman, a fair shot. He also said this is not an indictment on Wood at all, that he finished strong but still has some things to work on, specifically not pressing.

§  Gus Handler has received great praise from Coach Marshall and it sounds like he has the starting center spot wrapped up.  The “veteran” offensive line is shaping up to be a strength, which is that much more important without P-Rich.  They will need to open up some space for Tony Jones and give Wood (or whomever) time to throw.

§  TE Nick Kasa had an up-and-down spring but finished on a high note and has shown the ability to make some difficult catches.  If he can actually put it all together, he could end up being the biggest surprise on the team.  Of course, he could also continue to be a disappointment as well as he has never been able to really step up and is still learning the position.

§  Converted RB-TE-now DE Cordary Allen continues to disappoint as he missed most of the spring with a shoulder injury and “didn’t get much done” according to Embree, likely losing his last opportunity to make an impression.

§  Embree mentioned that numerous players will sit out Saturday’s scrimmage, including Wil Pericak, Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Ray Polk, and Greg Henderson (whose positions are solidified so, they don’t want to risk injury and the younger players will get some reps).  This also means the offense should come out looking pretty good.

§  There will be upwards of 50, yes fifty, junior prospects making unofficial visits, at the scrimmage Saturday, including as many as 35 from out of state.  This group includes 3 QB prospects (4-star Sefo Liufau from Tacoma, WA, and 3-stars Connor Manning from Lake Forest, CA and Johnny Stanton from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), three of Stanton’ teammates, players at all positions, plus their two verbal commitments, RB Phillip Lindsay of Denver South and TE Mitchell Parsons of Chapparal.

§  Incoming frosh QB Shane Dillon has been in town and attending practice this week and will also be at the game Saturday.  He will be back in June to work with teammates.

§  Sonny Detmer will also be in attendance to watch his former player and nephew QB Stevie Joe Dorman.

§  Program notes: Embree said that 3 assistants were approached by NFL teams but that all decided to stay (that’s only the second time since 1989 that the staff has stayed intact).  I am guessing EB and Greg Brown were two of the three that got looks.

Richardson out for season

            Just when things were starting to look up for the CU Buffs, the team took a huge hit Tuesday when it was reported that WR Paul Richardson is out for the season with a torn ACL.  It was originally thought to be just a slight ankle sprain and Embree said as much after Monday’s practice.  Everything positive that could be said about P-Rich had been throughout the spring so far.   The offense’s only returning skill position starter seemed poised for a breakout year as Connor Wood’s number one man.  However, in one hard cut during a non-contact drill, everything changed, especially for Richardson, but also for Bobby Kennedy and the entire receiving corps.

            One of the best pieces of news out of the spring had been that RFr. Nelson Spruce had basically solidified himself as the number two wideout after P-Rich.  He is now really expected to step it up and everyone else is back in the picture for the number two.  Tyler McCulloch, Keenan Canty and Dustin Ebner bring the “most” experience, have received the most praise during the spring and will most certainly be part of Kennedy’s six-man rotation with Spruce.  Those last two slots are really wide open. The almost forgotten, except for their size, DaVaughn Thorton and Jarrod Darden have had their window re-opened and the three freshmen have that much more opportunity to earn some playing time in the fall.  I have said that at least one would play, maybe two, and all three burning their redshirts is a distinct possibility.

            This really hurts the Buff offense as there is no one that defenses need to be scared about and they can focus on the run and tee it up on Wood until someone emerges.  The first three games against weaker teams will help get everyone much needed experience, but every position group on offense from the line to the TEs to the RBs must step it up to help fill some of the void.  It also makes defense and special teams a little more important.

            Fortunately, Richardson has a redshirt year and will be back with two years of eligibility in 2013 with some serious hunger.  If he can rehab this knee the way he worked this offseason, he should come back a beast. Incoming frosh Peyton Williams is also recovering from an ACL so he can give advice and support.  Plus, Embree pointed out that an ACL in his day to a wideout likely meant career, while now he can actually come back stronger and faster.

Spring Update- April 7

The Buffs completed a third scrimmage last Thursday (41 instead of planned 30 plays) and there were positives from both sides of the ball. Embree had told players that this one would likely be more important than the “official” Spring Game next week.  The team will take the weekend off before returning for practices Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, followed by the culminating Spring Game on Saturday.

A few more notes from the scrimmage and practices this past week:

§  It sounds like QB Connor Wood had a solid scrimmage, “except for two plays”, according to Embree.  Other than that no stats were given, although a few receivers did have TDs.

§  QB John Shrock is not conceding anything and is competing hard with Connor Wood and making the most of his reps, but it was not reported how he did in the scrimmage.

§  One of Wood’s bad plays was an interception by Terrell Smith, who also sounded like he had a strong performance; the coaches say he is not just hitting anything that moves now, but understands his assignments within the defense and is getting to the ball.  He has been practicing at the safeties and nickel.

§  Paul Vigo is getting the most snaps at safety while Parker Orms is out, but no word on how he did in the scrimmage.

§  Embree pointed out that LB Derrick Webb is “"starting to play like a man. He had a couple of huge hits (Thursday) - one on the goal line to keep the offense from scoring on fourth down. He's playing fast; he's always been able to run, but he hasn't always been able to play fast. His mind hasn't been freed up. He's always thinking . . . he seems to be using his speed a lot better than he has in the past because I don't think he's thinking as much. I've seen a lot of good stuff out of him."  Webb also wants to be more of a vocal leader in his last two years. 

§  Soph. Brady Daigh has also been praised quite a bit, provides depth and will be hard to keep off the field.  If they can stay healthy, the linebacker corps could be one of Cabral’s best in a long time.

§  Kyle Ringo reported that Greg Henderson is “competing” with Brandon Brisco and Harrison Hunter at the left cornerback.  This is quite humorous to me, but if were to be true, I think it would mean Henderson was being complacent, which would be contradictory to previous reports.

§  Henderson is also getting a lot of reps at the nickel slot with Smith and others.  Remember that this is like a 12^th starting spot on this defense in this passing conference.

§  S Ray Polk sat out the scrimmage for precautionary reasons from his multiple injuries last year (sternum, wrist).  Although they said it made a big difference not having him out there, it also allowed the coaches more looks at some of the other safety candidates.

§  In general the defense is playing much better, especially in getting to the ball and finishing tackles as a team. And this is without four starters (or at least major contributors) in Rippy, Bonsu, Orms and Polk.

§  RB Tony Jones had 2 TDs, including another long one down the sidelines.  He looks like he might have a little more breakaway in him than Speedy.  We’ll see how he does inside the tackles.

§  The staff wants to use the TE more than it did last year, but walk-on Scott Fernandez is their best all-around TE at this point.  Nick Kasa is still developing but had a few nice catches in the scrimmage, including a TD grab and another where he was just out of the endzone.   Unfortunately, nothing on Kyle Slavin from the scrimmage.  It still seems that they will be relying on at least one freshman here.

§  WR Keenan Canty had a TD as well in his quest to beat out Tyler McCulloch, Nelson Spruce and the yet-to-arrive freshmen for the starting slot opposite P-Rich (Oddly there was no mention of him anywhere in the scrimmage reports).  Again, nothing on the disappointing DaVaughn Thorton, or Jarrod Darden, who have just a few more chances to make a lasting impression before those freshman arrive.

§  We finally got a little update on Special Teams this week.  Coach JD Brookhart said that the punt team is way ahead of last year and that Darragh O’Neill is getting better everywhere, especially the rugby style kick which could become a really nice weapon for CU this year if he gets proficient at using it.

§  Wil Oliver did practice the first half of the spring, doing well, but then underwent shoulder surgery and is out the rest of the spring.

§  Justin Castor is leading for the kickoff competition right now, and can kick it to the endzone most of the time.  However, coaches are still unsure how they will approach the new kickoff rules (from 35 and touchbacks out to 25), especially with the speedy returners across the Pac-12.

§  They have said repeatedly that freshmen will factor into the kick and punt returner competitions and that will mainly wait until the fall.  Likewise for coverage teams.

§  OL Ryan Dannewitz and Kawai Crabb will miss the rest of the Spring, along with DB Orms and K Oliver.

§  Program notes: TJ McCartney (son of Sal Aunese, grandson of Coach Mac and half-brother of recruit Derek McCartney) will join the program as a graduate assistant in August.

§  The Athletic Department sent out season ticket renewals and is giving us until next Friday, April 13, to submit them before the Spring Game. 

§  CU's annual spring game will be the second in a row at night, starting at 5:00 p.m. at Folsom Field, this Saturday, April 14.  The format at present, due to injuries on the defensive line, will be a standard offense versus defense scrimmage (1's vs. 1's, 2's vs. 2's, 1's vs. 2's, 3's vs. 3's, etc). There will likely be quarters, or at least halves; with the smaller roster and injuries, the team scrimmaged minimally this spring (three short sessions instead of extended ones).  There will be an alumni flag football game at 3:30, also on the stadium floor, as well as a CU men’s lacrosse game at 8:00PM.

§  Pac-12 Note: Rick Neuheisel has been hired as an analyst for the Pac-12 network.  As much as Buff, Husky and Bruin fans might cringe as having to continually see his face, he does bring some charisma and experience to the table (he has coached at those 3 conference schools-25% of them!).  At least we can all probably make his life miserable with a barrage of emails, texts and tweets (whichever you participate in) to his accounts and appearances.

Spring Practice Update- April 3

The Buffs returned from Spring Break (“with no issues”) Monday and had “good energy” according to Embree. The Athletic Department sent out season ticket renewals and is giving us less than 2 weeks to submit them before the Spring Game.  The team will run some sort of minor scrimmage on Thursday.  

A few notes:

§  We finally got some clarity on the offensive line when Steve Marshall declared that Alex Lewis and Daniel Munyer would be the starting guards if they had a game this week, along with tackles Bahktiari and Harris and Handler at center.

§   The unit is working on its cohesiveness and depth, especially as it already has some injuries: Ryan Dannwitz is out for the spring, Stephane Nembot did not do much in the first half of practices and is still limited by an offsesason conditioning knee injury, Alex Kelley and Kawai Crabb have also been limited.

§  BG Brooks wrote that recruit Jeromy Irwin could be called upon to provide depth in the interior if the team cannot stay healthy.

§  DT Nate Bonsu returned to practice but only for individual drills and no contact.

§  Eric Richter appears to be just a big body as he has been called out yet again; he has had more “downs than ups” and has “6 practices left” to show his stuff.

§  It is unclear if Kansas transfer Jordan Webb is actually joining the team or not.  He is finishing up his semester and degree at Kansas and I guess we will know later this Spring.

§  Embree said he is pleased with Connor Wood, but that you always want to have some experience and depth.  He is “excited” to see Nick Hirschman in August. [It sounds like Mack Brown is still unsure who his QB at Texas will be with David Ash still holding an edge over Case McCoy.  Wood would likely be in the mix there if he was still around; he might have even gotten in last year amidst all their struggles.]

§  DD Goodson has gotten some praise for his play at RB, catching the ball, having good instincts, “He’s just a football player.”

§  I heard one rumor that Cabral is a little worried about depth at LB with so many young players and injuries in the older players (Rippy still rehabbing his knee and Jon Major is dealing with a variety of unreported nagging injuries). 

§  Embree joked that speedy converted safety Kyle Washington was struggling but then, with Washington within earshot, said he was “pleased with him so far.”

§  DB Parker Orms remains out for the entire Spring with a pulled right hamstring.  Over his three years in the program right leg injuries have kept him sidelined for more games, and even practices, than those in which he has participated.

§  Bleacher Report made a list of the most important player for each D1 team and had safety Ray Polk listed for the Buffs.  I would have thought P-Rich or one of the LBs, Rippy or Major.

§  Still nothing on Special Teams.

§  Pac-12 Note:  It has to be reported that Rick Neuheisel has been hired as an analyst for the Pac-12 network.  As much as Buff, Husky and Bruin fans might cringe as having to continually see his face, he does bring some charisma and experience to the table (he has coached at those 3 conference schools-25% of them!).  At least we can all probably make his life miserable with a barrage of emails, texts and tweets (whichever you participate in) to his accounts and appearances.