Defensive and Special Teams Positional Outlook

Here is a position-by-position look at where the defensive and special teams roster stands and projects for next year.  The defense will continue with a similar 4-3 base look, sometimes going 4-2-5, supposedly attacking a lot, but that is what we were supposed to do last year.  They don’t lose a ton on defense (Pericak, Major, Rippy, Polk-latter two injured much of the year) so they have many players with extensive game experience. The players in bold are my picks for the most important to watch in the spring and make a difference next fall.

D-Line: They lose the defense’s best player in four-year starter DT Wil Pericak, and although they will be young, they also return a decent amount of players with experience, including four true freshmen who played a lot this year, mostly on the inside: Josh Tupou, Tyler Henington, Justin Solis, and Samson Kofavalu.  Tupou especially was a 325-pound beast in the middle and the defense suffered without him in there when he was injured, specifically in the second half against Utah. It will be interesting to see who wins the other starting job from this group and if any new players factor in here.

-Senior-to-be Nate Bonsu is a huge question mark-he began last year as the starter, but his playing time dwindled throughout the season; he was banged up and did not play much the last few games. Before the season Bonsu admitted he had been given an ultimatum by Embree to show up and earn his keep or that he might be another one of those “early graduates”.

- Highlands Ranch standout and Buff legacy R-Fr. Clay Norgard quietly announced that he is moving back to defense shortly after MacIntyre was hired.  Norgard tried out FB for a year, after having played mostly defense in high school, but never cracked the lineup with Woods and Powell in front of him.

-On the outside they return playmaker Sr. Chidera Uzo-Diribe and two juniors, overachieving Kirk Poston and underachieving Juda Parker.   In the spring they will add redshirts John Stuart, Kory Rasmussen, and De’Jon Wilson, who was the star of the scout team defense the latter half of this season, as well as greyshirt and legacy Buff Derek McCartney, who has bulked up from 215 to 240 pounds. 

-On his conference call, MacIntyre said he wants his d-linemen in better shape and is asking most to lose weight, a couple as much as 25 pounds.

-2013 help? MacIntyre said he really hopes one of the new commits, Jimmie Gilbert or Timothy Coleman, can contribute right away on the outside.

LB: Sr. Derrick Webb will be the unquestioned leader of the defense and team, and will certainly repeat as a captain.  Jr. Brady Daigh will almost definitely flank him and is the player most likely to have a breakout season next year.  Fellow Jrs. Woodson Greer III or Kyle Washington (if he can stay healthy) or Sr. Paul Vigo, will be fighting for playing time at the other spot, the latter two specializing in passing situations.  KT Tu’umalo and Lowell Williams provide depth and special teams play. 

-2013 help? The Buffs signed five prospects that can play LB, and although a couple of those could end up at other positions (Ryan Severson could play safety or RB, George Frazier and Markeis Reed could end up at DE) at least one from this group, which also includes Kenneth Olugbode and Addison Gilliam, will likely end up playing as a true frosh.  Philip Lindsay could also end up here eventually.

CB:  One would think that So. Greg Henderson would have his spot locked up, but with a new staff who knows.  Now, “experienced” Sophs. Yuri Wright and Kenneth Crawley will battle it out for the opposite starting spot and the nickel slot.  Fellow So. Jeffrey Hall will also be in the mix along with redshirt John Walker, and maybe Jr. Josh Moten.  Everyone else has disappeared down the depth chart but may get a shot now. Whatever happened to Sherrard Harrington?

-2013 help? Chiodobe Awuzie probably has a chance to play right away, especially if he can contribute on special teams, and he will at least be given the chance to compete on defense.

S: The biggest wildcard on defense might be Sr. Parker Orms, who “if healthy” (that should be his middle name), will lead the defense.  Supposedly he is 100% right now, and has been working with Matt McChesney to be ready for a big senior season. When he is on the field, there is no question the defense is better. However, among a variety of injuries, Orms has sustained many concussions in his career, is a very big hitter and Embree even said he almost just sat him for the last three games.  Even in the last two games, he only played limited snaps, and always in the slot, not roving the outfield where he can lay the big hit.  He may be best suited as a nickel slot back to protect him, but even so, he is only a concussion, maybe two away from considering hanging it up (just like Harlos last Fall).

-So. Marques Mosley will almost certainly be the other starter, and is on his way to becoming a very dynamic player.  I believe that he will take a pick to the house next year.

-Otherwise, it might end up being big-hitting Sr. Terrell Smith, who has always managed to find his way on the field even though he is considered small.  Jr. Jered Bell may have passed his time.  They will likely need someone new here or a corner to move over especially if Orms has any injury problems.

-2013 help? Tedric Thompson could also factor in on special teams; Severson could end up playing here at some point, as well as possibly Philip Lindsay.

*MacIntyre believes that with the current state of offenses, especially in the Pac-12, you are playing 5 or 6 defensive backs more often than with only four, which is why he has hired two DB coaches.  This was one of the weakest areas for the Buffs last year, mainly because Greg Brown was so overwhelmed with trying to oversee the entire defense, that I don’t think he was able to be a good DB coach.

[Their overall depth in the secondary has been hurt as they have lost a bunch of DBs from the team the past two seasons, including Jermane Clark (just couldn’t handle it all), Wil Harlos (concussions), Vince Ewing (various injuries).]

My out-on-a-limb-with-the Death Star pointed-at-me opening day starting defensive lineup projection: Defensive Line: Uzo-Diribe/Tupou/Bonsu/Wilson; LB: Webb, Daigh, Washington; CB: Henderson, Wright; S: Mosley, Orms; (Nickel: Crawley).

Special Teams:  I am really excited that the team has a designated Special Teams Coach for the first time in…I don’t know how long.  This should give much more attention to the units and emphasizes their importance, which should lead to drastic improvement over the last seven or more years.

-Team MVP punter Jr. Darragh O’Neill returns, along with kicker Jr. Wil Oliver, who should both be four-year starters.  Justin Castor will be a senior backup, probably battling for kickoff duty.  Jr. DJ Willhelm will backup at punter.  Zack Grossnickle is graduating and leaving the program.  The Buffs should be looking to sign a really good kicker in 2014 or 2015.

-Long snapper Ryan Iverson returns and was incredibly one of their best coverage guys as well, fourth or fifth in special teams points and recovered the fumbled punt vs. Utah. He is backed up by local product Keegan Lamar and Trevor Carver.

-In addition to Iverson, CB Josh Moten played well on ceverage down the stretch.

-Speedy sophomores will open as the incumbent returners but with no guarantees on their jobs: Kenneth Crawley will get a shot as punt returner with Nelson Spruce possibly serving as the “sure-handed fair catch guy”; S Marques Moseley who had big returns in the last two games including the 100-yard TD, and RB Donta Abron will get the first look in the spring at kickoff return.  I would think WR Gerald Thomas would also be back in the mix, and that some freshmen will get a look in the fall, including Lindsay and some of the wideouts and DBs.

-2013 help? They also still need another boost of speed for coverage and return units and many of those will be filled with true freshmen who were recruited specifically for their speed-Awuzie, Thompson, Lindsay, Adkins, Ross, Dunston, Bobo, Severson, some of the LBs. 

Facilities Upgrade, MacIntyre Conference Call and more offensive notes

Yesterday afternoon was a big one for CU in terms of media exposure, starting with Coach MacIntyre’s first ever conference call with season ticket holders, followed by the “official” announcement about the new facilities upgrades.

Conference Call: Season ticket holders were able to listen in and submit questions for a session facilitated by KOA’s Mark Johnson.  It was a pretty cool idea, although being in the middle of the day, most callers who participated were retired longtime Buff fans, as most people were trying to inconspicuously listen during work. Some of the questions were basic, stupid and the answers were already known (like “Will practices be open to the public?- YES!) and others were pretty good.  MacIntyre sounds very friendly and vivacious and is definitely winning over his boosters.

 “We’re going to start with the pistol, which will allow us to run downhill. You’re able to get the ball to your quarterback quick, then to your receivers quick, which will help out our offensive line”

When asked about a fullback, MacInytre said they will definitely use one at times, as well as an H-back type TE and double TE sets as well. It sounds like they will mix up a lot of looks for opponents.  He also reminded listeners that the San Jose TE had 50 catches last year and is going to be drafted so CU will also utilize the TE as a pass catcher as well.

He had great things to say about the WRs and their coach Troy Walters.

When asked about running backs he did not include Philip Lindsay who will likely be tried out on defense first.

MacIntyre addressed speed more than once, in regards to recruiting, offense, defense and special teams, as well as competing in the Pac-12.

MacIntyre clarified a little about the QBs in that everyone on roster will get reps first week of spring practice before break.  Coaches will evaluate and 2 or 3 will continue getting reps in the second week and the spring scrimmage.  Sefo Liufau will join the mix and get his chance in August.

Facilities Upgrade: CU and the Bohnhead followed up the conference call with announcements of a specific $170 million project to expand the Dal Ward, build a permanent indoor practice facility, improve and expand academic support facilities and the final piece (how long until this comes to fruition?) will be redeveloping the West Stands (but not the Fieldhouse?).

Of course, there is no real timetable yet, mostly because they are relying on $50M in private donations to start so who knows when this will actually begin.  I am also not entirely clear how where theu plan on getting the other $120M. If you really want to know more about nothing, Google it.  Needless to say, I am skeptical about the project as long as it is being led by the bohnhead and I doubt any current Buffs will see any of the fruits of it except maybe a little dirt being moved at best.

More on the o-line: William Gardner a local guy with extensive HS and college offensive line-coaching experience joined the Buff Stampede Podcast.  I added some of what he had to say to the offensive outlook also.  He has done a lot of work with Highland Ranch’s Ed Caldwell who came to CU as a preferred walk-on and redshirted.  He is now the second biggest offensive lineman on the team behind massive Nigerian Stephane Nembot.  Gardner said Caldwell can do anything in the weight room and on the field that four-star Auburn recruit Shane Callahan. 

Gardner said Daniel Munyer was their best lineman last year, so he should win either the center or one of the guard spots.  He is also excited to see how Nembot and Jeromy Irwin develop.  Jack Harris could play almost anywhere except center.

Alex Lewis will not participate in spring drills due to injury, which will allow lots of guys to get reps and for the coaches to try out guys in different positions and combinations.  Lewis will get his chance in August and I still think he will end up starting.

Gardner also really liked all of CU’s recruits and greyshirt Gerald Kough who will bolster the unit this year.  And he talked about a few Colorado linemen prospects for next year (what is it about Colorado and o-line guys anyway?).

Defensive Preview coming tomorrow (I promise).

Finally...Offensive Positional Outlook

[Update to offensive line.]
The University of Colorado football team followed a pathetic season by firing its coach and hiring a completely different personality and approach in Mike MacIntyre.  We fans now sit on the precipice of spring practices, wondering what the program will look like moving forward and who will emerge from a young group of players to lead this team.  I actually had this piece just about done before I went to the CU-AirForce men’s b-ball game the night the Embree news hit.  Needless to say, it had to be re-drafted after the new coaching staff was in place. 

The Buffs will actually return a relatively experienced group and should not have to rely on a ton of true freshman from the incoming class, although some will certainly play.  CU has a decent sized senior class of about 18, led by sure-fire captain LT LB Derrick Webb, in addition to S Parker Orms, DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe, OL Jack Harris, C Gus Handler.  Other senior contributors will include S Terrel Smith, LB Paul Vigo, TE Scott Fernandez, LS Ryan Iverson, RB Josh Ford, FB Alex Wood, possibly DT Nate Bonsu, plus K Justin Castor, WR Jarrod Darden, QB Jordan Webb and a few other walk-ons.

However, they will also have a huge group of important experienced junior starters including WR Paul Richardson (yes, he still has two years!) , CB Greg Henderson, LB Brady Daigh, offensive lineman Alex Lewis, not to mention a large group of experienced sophomores.  Last season, their freshmen also accounted for more starts – 57 – more than any other program in the nation, with guys like DT Josh Tupou, DBs Kenneth Crawley, Yuri Wright and Marques Mosley, RBs Christian Powell and Donta Abron, WR Gerald Thomas getting lots of experience.

However, keep in mind that MikeMac said that they will try guys out at different positions and we will probably see numerous switches.  There will likely be a few surprises when the final spring depth chart comes out (most likely on the lines, or between DB and RB/WR).

Of course, there is also speculation that at least a few guys will still opt out of the program after the March and April practices, especially since CU over signed.  MacIntyre also said that “a couple of players may have to medical” redshirt because of concussions.  He wouldn’t specify who, but said that Parker Orms was not one of them.  Christian Powell and Vincent Hobbs missed the Utah season finale with concussions.

Here is a position-by-position look at where the offensive roster stands and projects for next year. The players in bold are my picks for the most important to watch in the spring and make a difference next fall.  They will run a versatile offense, tailored to the personnel and somewhat to opponent.  Although they will use some Pistol formation to mix it up and keep defenses “honest”, if they don’t have the right guy, they won’t use as much of it. (David Fales threw the ball a lot more out of a traditional pocket set than he ran the ball out of the Pistol at San Jose St. last year.)  They have a relative amount of experience coming back, especially on the offensive line, but outside of P-Rich, there are no other true “locks” to start against csu.

QB:  In an ideal world, redshirt freshman Shane Dillon comes out and wins the quarterback battle in the spring hands down.  He has the size none of the rest of them do (6’6” 220), the strongest and maybe most accurate arm, is probably also the fastest and most mobile of the group, and the best suited to run some zone-option read from the spread formation. He supposedly was excellent running the scout team, getting to practice a lot as a spread QB in preparing for many of the opponents and also got to work a lot with WR Paul Richardson down the stretch after he was cleared for full practice.  Dillon was overheard commenting “Two weeks” to Embree as he passed him in the Dal Ward right before the Washington game and has no qualms talking about being the starter next year.  Dillon is ready physically to lead this team, and appears cocky enough to be a great QB if he can put together the mental side of it, which a Colorado QB has not been able to do consistently for a long time.

-The 2012 season showed us that none of last year’s trio (Nick Hirschman, Connor Wood or Jordan Webb) is the answer moving forward in Division 1, FBS, Pac-12 football.  None of them ever made you think that they could really be the “guy” except for the internet hyperbole.  All three have their obvious major shortcomings, specifically making really bad decisions under pressure, and hopefully we won’t really need to see any of these guys on the field.  Maybe they’ll get a fresh chance with a new staff and improve with some coaching, maybe one will bail after the spring, maybe all three will languish on the bench.

-Although Hirschman had by far the best game of any of them this season against Utah, he was also responsible for FOUR interceptions, all leading to Utah touchdowns, except the last which just ended the game.  Each of the picks were terrible decisions, either telegraphed, thrown directly into coverage, or both.   Hirschman will graduate in June and could technically do what Webb did, and transfer with two years of eligibility, but he said in December, “That hasn’t even crossed my mind.” I wonder if it has now.

-Wood has been a total bust, never seizing the opportunity that was basically handed to him last spring, and it is now clear why he never made it anywhere on Texas’ depth chart. 

-Likewise, I doubt that John Schrock or Stevie Joe Dorman (that’s our redshirt frosh while our opponents are fielding the likes of Brett Hundley, Marcus Mariota and Kevin Hogan, not to mention some guy named Johnny F. Manziel, from that same class) will be able to suddenly blossom into reliable players either.

-My guess is Dillon, Webb (remember, he practices really well) and maybe one other emerge as the leaders after the spring.

-2013 help? Sefo Liufau will be given the chance to compete in August, according to both Lindgren and MacIntyre, although we will see if he can really overtake anyone.  In all reality, though he likely redshirt.  He is supposedly the best athlete of the entire bunch, but if we have to rely on a true frosh at QB with five others on scholarship, the short-term could be rough.

RB/TB: The biggest revelation of this past season was probably running back Christian Powell making the switch from fullback to tailback and subsequently becoming the second leading CU freshman rusher of all time, behind only Lamont Warren and ahead of the likes of Rodney Stewart and Eric Bienemy. However, there is no guarantee that the new staff will utilize a back that big and Powell might be one of the concussion cases that could possibly redshirt.  Ironically, the guy Powell blocked for in high school, Donta Abron, became his backup and a very effective one at that.

-What type of back will the new coach want?  Sr. Josh Ford, Jr. Tony Jones and Sophs Malcolm Creer (should be fully recovered from knee surgery) and DD Goodson (too small?) all have shown their flashes, both good and bad, and may have lost their chance under the last group, but all will be given a new shot now.  There will be a lot of people pulling for Ford, as he has always dominated in scrimmages, and had some nice runs in games, but could not get on the field consistently. Redshirts Terrence Crowder (recovered from knee surgery) and the bigger Davien Payne will certainly get their chance as well.

-Someone from this group deserves to be in bold, but I am not sure who will emerge.

-2013 help? Philip Lindsay is recovering from knee surgery and may even lineup elsewhere. RB Michael Adkins is a wild card but likely redshirt just because of the logjam here (if he does, he should have two degrees for sure when he finishes five years).

FB:  Who knows if this position will even be utilized that much, depending on the direction of the offense.  Sr. Alex Wood, appears to be “starter” for now, or we could see Powell here, or either or both could switch to TE. Walk-on Jordan Murphy is also here or RB.  (Highlands Ranch standout and Buff legacy R-Fr. Clay Norgard has already made the switch back to defense).

TE:   While the TEs were not really a focal point at SJSU last year, or really in any Pistol offense, they are utilized; we’ll have to see how these guys fit the mold.  Jr. Kyle Slavin and So. Vincent Hobbs are hopefully ready to take the next step. Two redshirts will join them, Austin Ray, an all-around guy who will be hard to keep off the field, and Sean Irwin, who is more of a blocker and could even end up flanking his twin brother at a tackle position.  Sr. Scott Fernandez will still be a blocking TE in jumbo formations and the threat to bust a big play like his 71-yarder against Arizona. Could the FBs even end up here? 

-2013 help? Nope-MacIntyre deemed the unit stocked and didn’t even really bother to talk to Chaparral’s Mitch Parsons, who ended up at Vanderbilt.

WR: The return of Jr. Paul Richardson will be a huge boost to the entire offense and team, no matter who is leading it at QB.  The receiving corps was really the weakest link on the team last season, but their production should benefit greatly with just a little improvement from everyone else: the offensive line (who won’t have to block for so long-they gave up a lot of “coverage” sacks last season), the QBs (who will have someone to throw to), the RBs (won’t have the box stacked with 8 or 9 defenders) and even the defense (who shouldn’t have to be on the field so much if the offense can move the ball a little).  The competition for the slots behind P-Rich will be more wide open than the QB race, with the group looking drastically different and hopefully way faster than last season.

-Greyshirt Jeffery Thomas will begin the infusion of speed in the spring and is itching to play after having to sit out last season, after having been expected to contribute and maybe start, in order to get his shit together.

-So. Gerald Thomas should actually be more involved as was promised all of this past season.  His experience for game speed should help him.

-So. Nelson Spruce should only have to be a possession receiver, a role for which he is perfect, and not have to be the “guy”.

-Former “starter” Jr. Tyler McColluch could have a hard time getting on the field, although I have a feeling his size, “potential” and “experience” will keep him in the rotation early. I will say that he did make a few nice grabs in traffic in the last game, but also just didn’t bother to compete for a couple of balls that were near him, including one of the interceptions; he is generally so timid going after the ball that I think he will eventually disappear down the depth chart.

-Redshirt Jr. Keenan Canty has proven to be too small, not that great at route running and not fast enough. DaVaughn Thorton, who never found a home between WR or TE, saw the writing on the wall and is not bothering to try and come back, but Jarrod Darden, who never really got on the field will take one more free year of classes and a perpetually clean uniform.  [Both these last two were big receivers who were huge disappointments, and two of the many busts that leave us in the predicament we are in at WR.]

-2013 help? Three fast receivers from California join the team in the Fall-Bryce Bobo, Devin Ross and Elijah Dunston-and all will bring another infusion of speed next fall.  One of these three will probably make an impact immediately and at least one could end up redshirting.  TE Vincent Hobbs could move to WR unless he can put on some weight. 

-Someone else after P-Rich will need to earn bold status as well for this offense to be successful.

O-Line: William Gardner, a local coach and offensive line guy, was on the Buffalo Stampede podcast and talked about a few guys.  Incredibly, for better or for worse, this group returns a lot of experienced contributors, losing only LT David Bahktiari to the NFL draft and two seniors (Richter and Dannewitz) who did not really play that much. They are especially deep on the inside. With Bahtiari gone to the NFL, Jr. Alex Lewis is the one other guy on offense that would really surprise me if he didn’t earn a starting position (although he will NOT participate in spring practices); Lewis will likely eventually slide over from guard to LT, with Sophs. Alex Kelley or Jeromy Irwin at LG, Sr. Gus Handler or Jr. Daniel Munyer at center, Munyer or Jr. Jack Harris at RG and So. Stephane Nembot or possibly Harris at RT. Obviously, there is a lot of versatility as well. Gardner said Munyer was the best all around lineman at the end of last year.  He is excited to see how Nembot and J. Irwin develop.  
-Gardner talked very highly about Ed Caldwell, who walked on last year after suffering a knee injury his junior year and not being recruited much. Gardner said Caldwell could do anything in the weight room or on the field that Shane Callahan (4-star recruit to Auburn) could.  He is "explosive", athletic, has tremendous work ethic and will be second biggest lineman on roster.

-However, it will be a clean slate to start, a new staff and o-line coach to evaluate talent and a lot of bodies with at least some experience.  Without Lewis they will shuffle a lot in the spring to see who can play. In reality, the line could look very similar to last year, or it could look completely different.

-The Buffs have even more depth in the interior with C/Gs Jr. Kawai Crabb and So. Brad Cotner.

- On the outside they are not as deep, with only really So. Marc Mustoe waiting in the wings.

-2013 help? The Buffs got five new recruits plus one greyshirt Gerald Kough on the offensive line, and all will almost certainly redshirt unless they surprise off the charts in fall camp.  Gardner likes all these guys, especially Colin Sutton (who was overshadowed by a HS teammate).

My out-on-a-limb-with-the Death Star-pointed-at-me opening day starting offensive lineup projection: QB: Dillon; RB: Josh Ford; WRs: Richardson, Spruce, Jeff Thomas; TE: Hobbs; Offensive Line: LT Lewis-LG Jeromy Irwin-C Handler-RG Harris-RT Nembot.

Comments?  Predictions?

Defense coming soon!

Coaching Staff Complete!

Finally, the coaching staff is complete with Toby Neinas being tabbed as special teams coordinator.  While this is a little bit of a “good ol’ boys network” hire, the son of Chuck Neinas (coaching/AD search guru), Toby brings knowledge of Boulder (native), a wealth of experience in his short career, and recruiting ties in all the right places.  He has coached all over the defense, including last year at Montana with the secondary, 2011 as New Mexico’s DC, plus previously also at LBs, special teams and even some offense with RBs and TEs also on the resume, so he can assist all over the field as well. He has recruited California, Texas and Colorado, the three biggest areas for CU. I really like having someone designated specifically and only for ST.

Rifle athlete Ryan Moeller, who was the 3A player of the year, has accepted a slot as a preferred walk-on to CU choosing the Buffs (duh?!) over the lambies (and some FCS schools).  I have never exactly understood what this means, but he will be in Boulder, not Fort Collins.

Coach MikeMac was on CBS4 with Vic Lombardi last Monday night and reiterated much of what he has been saying since he got here.  He did say they will likely move some players around in the spring and try people out at some different positions. 

He also said without qualm that true frosh QB Sefo Liufau will be given the chance to win the job.  They hope to narrow the field to two or three guys during the spring from the six they already have, so at least one of Hirschman, Wood or Webb will be done playing as a Buff by the end of spring ball.

As for the offensive approach: We will run the pistol formation. I like being able to run downhill, have play-action pass, also be able to get the ball out of your quarterback’s hands quick for the spread-type offense…(it will) depend on how well out quarterback can run with how much running we’ll do with it.”  If Sefo ends up winning the job, they run a decent amount, if its Webb hardly at all.

It doesn’t sound like there are any academic worries with the new recruits.  I like the way MacIntyre talks about and emphasizes academics.  He and his staff did an amazing job of turning around San Jose State’s APR by completely changing the attitude around that program.

Rumors coming to fruition on jobs for former Colorado coaches: Bobby Kennedy was officially named WR coach at Iowa and dan hawkins will indeed become the coach of the Montreal Alouettes.  We still haven’t heard anything on DL coaches Tuiasasopo or Kanavis McGhee, not o-line “coach” Steve Marshall.

Seriously?: According to the Rivals’ USC site (http://usc.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1471049), Eric Bienemy is supposedly a candidate for the Trojan Offensive Coordinator job?!  “Kiffin made a run at Bieniemy before, so there is no reason he wouldn't again. It would give Bieniemy a chance to call plays with legitimate offensive talent, a much different situation than he had in Boulder.”  I can’t imagine that SC fans and boosters would settle for an inexperienced OC who has had so little success.

And, yes, seriously, the offensive Positional Outlook post is coming soon, later today or tomorrow, really.

February Doldrums

We now enter a month-long lull until Spring Practices begin March 7.  I know I have been promising it for while but my full position-by-position breakdown of the roster is almost done.  Meanwhile, there are a few items of note…

The biggest news this week besides the recruits was the Bohnhead announcing that CU would renew its rivalry with Nebraska, albeit not until 2018. Colorado will head east in 2018 and 2023 to play at Memorial Stadium (I will definitely be at one of those games if not both!) and the Shuckers will play in Colorado (either Folsom or possibly in that big stadium in 

Denver where the Broncos play) in 2019 and 2024.  MacIntyre said that was great, but he would rather meet them sooner in the Rose Bowl.

Almost there…the Bohnhead was also feverishly trying to raise cash for all the things he has blindly promised and was able to bring in $93…thousand.  Yippee now it’s only…a lot more.  This will probably cover an interest payment for when they have to borrow huge amounts for something stupid.

Both TE Nick Kasa and early draft entree OT David Bahktiari have been invited to participate in the Combine in Indianapolis

Recruiting: The day Mike MacIntyre was hired he said that he would blanket the state of Colorado and treat California as if it was in-state.  Preliminary indications are that he is following through on those promises. Thirteen of the twenty recruits who sent in their letter of intent are from California, one of the largest groups ever to come from any one state besides Colorado.  In May, MacIntyre will dispatch four coaches to "hit every high school" in Colorado. Six coaches will be assigned to California, with some of them also working Colorado if necessary.”  He also said at his 2013 class presser, “We’ve been to 52 high schools in Colorado since I’ve been here.  We have already offered five juniors.  The in-state number will go up.”

At his luncheon to introduce the class MacIntyre pleased the crowd with his announcement that WR Devin Ross was pursued by Nebraska late but he shunned them!

After LB Markeis Reed was told he could only walk-on to USC, he called MacIntyre, who basically snuck Reed onto campus, offered and got the commitment before anyone else jumped on him.

He mentioned a few players that could change positions, depending on how they develop: S Tedric Thompson is 205 and could end up 215+ and play some outside linebacker; 255 pound LB George Frazier, who also played QB as well, was told he was “one biscuit from being a defensive end”; Philip Lindsay and Ryan Severson habe the ability to play many positions.

Rivals ranks CU with the 67^th best class in the country, giving 13 of the players three stars.  ESPN also has them at 67^th, also last in the Pac-12, even with 14 three-star players and one four-star in Sefo.  

The Saturday Blitz website deemed CU the “whipping boy” of the conference, with “the consensus, clear-cut worst class”, adding that it is “hard to determine what is a position of need considering Colorado was beaten nearly every week last year at every phase of the game.” They said the three players you should know from the class are 

QB Sefo Liufau, LB George Frazier and WR Devin Ross.

ESPN’s Pac-12 blogger Ted Miller gave his “guess at one (true freshman) per team who will get playing time next season” and he didn’t bother with or remember Colorado.  I doubt he thought there were no players that would get playing time because it’s obvious some will have to play. Not much respect coming this way nationally.

As was predicted here and elsewhere when CU ignored him, Windsor’s Joey O’Connor, who couldn’t cut it at big boy Ohio St., will indeed head to fort collins and “enroll” at csu.

More interesting2013 class stats: Of 20 total new recruits, 13 players were honor roll or had at least 3.0 GPA in high school and 17 won some level of high school championship.

From the Dave Plati Files: I had wondered but doubted…but Elijah Dunston is actually a distant cousin of former Cub shortstop Shawn Dunston.  Also, Sefo is nephew to Washington St. QB Jack “the Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson. Other athletic connections: Jimmie Gilbert’s dad played in the NBA, Nigerian LB Kenneth Olugbode has two brothers playing football at Stanford and Idaho, and Colin Sutton’s sister is Chloe Sutton who swam for the USA in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

2013 Recruiting class signs

There were actually two surprises on Signing Day yesterday as both DBs who were in question, Chidobe Awuzie and Tedric Thompson, chose to become Buffs. 

CU received faxes from all the other 16 expected verbally committed prospects (LB Markeis Reid has already enrolled).  Sam Kronshage was the first one to get his fax in.  If you want more information on the whole group check out Stuart’s comprehensive coverage and “bios” at http://www.cuatthegame.com/2013/class-of-2013-signed-loi/ and/or Dave Plati’s offerings at CUBuffs.com: http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=206214066&DB_OEM_ID=600

Recruiting Guru Tom Lemming did give QB prospect Sefo Liufau four stars (like ESPN but not Scout or Rivals).  He also likes RB Philip Lindsay a lot and says WRs Bryce Bobo and Elijah Dunston are “good” but not necessarily great.  He also said he likes Mike MacIntyre and the staff and thinks they can have success.

Interesting class stats: Of the 20 total members of the 2013 class (including greyshirt Addison Gilliam)…nine of them attended private high schools…only three were in-state Colorado kids, with 13 from California, three from Texas, one from Washington. Positional breakdown: 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 5 offensive linemen, 2 DEs, 5 LBs, 2 DBs (although many can play multiple positions).

The first film MacIntyre watched was the Valor Christian vs. Mullen season opener from last year and he immediately noticed Timothy Coleman wreaking havoc, and then they went out and got him.  Coleman said it was an easy decision to flip from csu once he was offered by Colorado; he was never recruited by the previous staff or really anyone after blowing out his knee in game 2.

Denver South’s Philip Lindsay could play RB, WR, will probably return kicks and even play on defense. Ryan Severson has been listed as RB, DB, LB and could end up almost anywhere on the field.  Many other guys are versatile as well and we could definitely see some position switches down the road, even this Fall.

The one area really lacking in this group is big defensive tackles.  Let’s hope Embree’s group from last year is talented enough and can put on enough weight to effectively play the middle.  They should be fine on defensive ends.  There are no tight ends but the roster is decently stocked at a position that is not that has not been utilized a ton in Lindgren’s Pistol offense.

Not a single five-star recruit was signed anywhere in the entire Pac-12 conference.  Many programs lost players down the stretch, including USC who lost three on Tuesday, or Oregon who lost a four-star to Ohio St. flipped one from Cal.

MacIntyre said he did not go after players who had committed to him at SJSU, only recruiting them to Colorado after they had de-committed and reached out to him.  The San Jose Mercury News reported that new coach Ron Caragher’s class at SJSU suffered in the coaching change, ranked near the bottom of the nation. FOX Sports/Scout national recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman said. "They had some jewels in the class, and Colorado has taken them."  They also lost some players to other schools.

Highlights from Mike MacIntyre’s press conference, the first time he could speak about specific recruits: “This is always like Xmas to me, even growing up”  “I like LBs that play tailback, too…or even QB “ “We needed to get some receivers with a lot of speed and we did that”  “I like kids with chips on their shoulders”  “Early commits were bombarded by other schools”  “all freshmen will have an opportunity to compete” (This last one definitely includes Sefo, about whom he raved “a phenomenal young man that will hopefully be a bell cow for this class.”  Kyle Ringo of the Camera wrote: “No true freshman has ever started the season opener For Colorado.  Few have had better chance of being first than Sefo Liufau.)

Other Colorado notes: BG Brooks at CUBuffs.com wrote that DaVaughn Thorton has decided not to come back for a 5^th year, which “re-opens” a scholarship as it was thought he would take up MacIntyre on his offer to stay/come back. However, I guess Jarrod Darden will milk one more year out of CU.  I still don’t see where they get everyone under the 85 limit without more greyshirts or some transfers. I wonder if a few guys know they might be asked to greyshirt come August?

Longtime Buff Jashon Sykes has landed the “Director of Football Operations” at San Diego St.  Good luck Jashon!  Former TE coach JD Brookhart is leaving college football, probably for good, to work with a foundation he previously has supported.

Boulder Buff Club is hosting a Farewell party for Brian Cabral at Boulder Country Club this Saturday.

Congrats to former Buff and Super Bowl Champion Jimmy Smith!

Go Buffs!

Last minute pre-signing day notes

Congrats to former Buff and Super Bowl Champion Jimmy Smith!

CU 2013 Recruiting Class- Here a few last notes before signing day tomorrow:

Adam M. from Rivals talked to six of the 17 verbals on the Buffalo Stampede Radio show (also podcasted on itunes). 

Denver South RB Philip Lindsay is definitely pumped to be a Buffalo and plans on signing his letter-of-intent and faxing it in at 7:01.  

RB Michael Adkins (San Diego area), who chose CU over Air Force, Yale and Harvard, actually decided earlier than it was announced.  He had been expected to announce his decision right after his visit but he only told coaches.  Both RBs talked about Adrian Peterson as a model.

WR Bryce Bobo (CA) has already formed a strong bond with new WR Troy Walters; the receiver has huge hands as he can barely find gloves that fit! 

WR Eljiah Dunston is good friends with and helped convince WR Devin Ross to come to Boulder after the pair visited Fresno St. together.  Dunston also runs track and considers his speed his greatest asset with a 10.9 100m, a 4.49 40m (“not really that fast” in his words), specializing in the 400m with a 47 flat.  He liked the overall upbeat attitude to work really hard by most of the the players he met.

OT Jonathon Huckins loved the first view of Boulder coming over the hill on US 36 and it made a big impression on him. He will be coming with friend, teammate and fellow offensive linemen OG Sam Kronshrage.

Mullen DE Timothy Coleman originally only visited CU to have something to compare his visit to csu and instead he came away impressed and flipped his commitement, saying everything was just “overall better” in Boulder, especially the atmosphere around campus.

Adam put the chances of DB Chidobe Awuzie becoming a Buff at 75% over a Spartan or Cougar.  He is not nearly as confident in Tedric Thompson.  They will both officially announce their decision (although Awuzie has supposedly already notified coaches) sometime Wednesday.

Adam said that two-star Ath. Ryan Severson from San Jose is the most under-rated player on the commit list, a very fast, versatile prospect, and whether he plays RB or LB or S or special teams, he will make an impact immediately.

Adam, Wil Whelan and a caller discussed how many scholarships are “available” and settled on the descriptor “fluid” as it is up in the air.  If they get someone to commit they will find a way, and they don’t officially have to until August practices start.

John Henderson did a decent piece on the class: http://www.denverpost.com/cu/ci_22519424/cu-buffs-fill-gaps-recruiting-class-that-has

There have been no rumors of academic concerns, but we won’t know for sure until August practices start.

I guess there were quite a few walk-on candidates who visited in the last weeks and MacIntyre will have a strong walk-on program, with more bodies on the team than we have seen the last few coaches.

Check in with Stuart at http://www.cuatthegame.com/ all day Wednesday for updates-he takes the day off so we don’t have to!

Go Buffs!

Musings for a Super Bowl Sunday

I don’t have a prediction for Super Bowl XLVII-I can’t really stand either team really, but I will be watching.  If anything, I will be rooting for Jimmy Smith, former CU cornerback, who plays CB and Nickel for the Ravens, to bring home a ring.  Plus, 49ers are 5-0 all-time in Super Bowls and their smug fans need to learn the pain of losing one.

Stuart of CUattheGame.com did piece on Buff Super Bowl Trivia. I only got about 3.5 out of the 10 questions, but of the total possible 17 answers I did get half or 8.5 (if I take .5 if for the 3^rd choice on #10) and I should have gotten two more with the Pittsburgh guy! How did you do?  http://www.cuatthegame.com/2013/colorado-daily-6/

A few more Colorado football notes since kickoff isn't until forever:

CU Recruiting: The number of verbal commitments is 17 and counting?

Some clarity has come out around indecisive three-star prospect CB Chidobe Awuzie’s “busy and confusing week”: He was visited last Monday night by Mike Leach and some other Wazzu coaches who “pressured” him into committing to their “last scholarship”, but he immediately de-committed Tuesday morning.  Supposedly, there has also been interest from Wisconsin and Oregon St.  He told Brett Sobleski of ESPN that he is “leaning to Colorado” but I am not sure exactly when that was.  Awuzie met with Buff coaches Tuesday night and said that he would decide over the weekend and notify coaches, but will not announce his decision until Wednesday.  He sounds very confident and wants to be clear that he is not egotistic, but just wanted to make the right decision for himself and then make a formal announcement at his school and “let everyone get excited.” Well, at least we get a little drama and anticipation with Signing Day.  Here’s Adam M’s full story via Ralphie Report: http://www.ralphiereport.com/buffaloes-football-recruiting/2013/2/1/3939664/san-jose-cornerback-chidobe-awuzie-college-decision-saturday

Still no official word either from S Tedric Thompson, who was reportedly deciding between the Buffs, Fresno St. and Minnesota.  However, the Fresno Bee reported that he had committed to Fresno St., possibly even from his visit to Minnesota (read: not sure which weekend he visited Boulder but doesn’t really like the cold?).

WR Coach (and recruiting coordinator according to CUBuffs.com) Troy Walters tweeted that he went to LA from Southeast Houston to “finish this recruiting season off right”.

Stuart of CUattheGame.com did a piece on the greyshirts (WR Jeff Thomas, DE Derek McCartney, LB Addison Gilliam via SJSU) and the one early enrollee (Markus Reid) who are already on campus and will be practicing in January.  I am not sure why he left off OL Gerald Kough, but he did include returning-from-school-suspension walk-on WR Austin Vincent:  

 http://www.cuatthegame.com/2013/dont-forget-about-us/

Coaches are also working on the 2014 class as Adam M. from Rivals reported that Mike MacIntyre and two other CU coaches (Lindgren and Walters?) have gone and watched HS junior QB Morgan Mahalak throw in Kentfield, CA.  Former QB coach had already been recruiting him previously.

Adam also did a piece on WR/TE Jason Gaines, almost-brother to QB Shane Dillon, who is attending JC and hopes to join his friend in Boulder next January.

Other Program Notes: Andy LaRussa was originally listed as one of the San Jose coaches following MacIntyre to Colorado, but then was not included when they announced most of the staff.  Now it appears he is indeed the “corners” coach as Adam M. of Rivals reported that LaRussa and Charles Clark (Safeties coach) visited Awuzie.  That would leave only a “special teams coordinator” slot vacant on the coaching staff.  Weird.

Tom Kensler of the Post received a glowing endorsement of Mike MacIntyre in an email from a San Jose fan/booster: http://blogs.denverpost.com/colleges/2013/01/31/passing-email-letter-colorado-coach-macintyre-san-jose-st-supporter/26635/

Keenan Canty tweeted out Friday morning “Workouts was serious this morning”.

Go Buffs!

Happy 50th Anniversary to Judy and Bob Dippo, long-time Buff faithful, season ticket holders who have rarely missed a home game in over forty years at Folsom Field!

February is here and signing day is just around the corner!

            Happy 50th Anniversary

to long-time Buff faithful, season ticket holders for almost that long, who have rarely missed a home game in over forty years of Folsom Field Tailgates, road warriors to support their Buffs at least once a year…

            Judy and Bob Dippo!

A few Colorado football notes to pass the time in between the weekend’s festivities:

CU Recruiting: RB Michael Adkins became the 17^th verbal for MacIntyre, committing to CU over Air Force.  He is a two-star running back who was being recruited at SJSU as well.  The team will have something like 10 scholarship RBs now so I wouldn’t be surprised at all if a couple of them switch positions between now and August.  Next Wednesday is signing day and MacIntyre will host the CU Recruiting Luncheon the following day, which will also serve as Macintyre’s grand introduction to the CU faithful.  [I am at a conference in Denver that day and was trying to sneak in a quick lunch trip across town but it will be too far.]

While this 2013 recruiting class is not star-studded or eye-opening in any way, it is stocking the roster with lots of lower rated prospects with potential, increasing team speed and includes many versatile players that could end up at more than one spot or even on with side of the ball.  Ironically, this is almost the exact same thing we heard from Embree in his first season.  Tom Kensler of the Denver Post wrote that the group could be a “pleasant sureprise” just as the first classes of Barnett, Hawkins and Embree were when they took over late in the cycle.  Only time will tell.  The class currently consists of 17 players, mostly two and three star players, and could end up with 1 or 2 more.

Coveted three-star prospect CB Chidobe Awuzie must have had a great visit from Leach 

(hasn’t anyone warned him about the shed?) or has gotten a new offer as Adam M. of Rivals tweeted that Awuzie said he had a “busy and confusing week”.  I have no idea what that means since I am too cheap to subscribe and see if Adam has any further inside info.

Still no word either from S Tedric Thompson, who was reportedly deciding between the Buffs and Minnesota.

The Denver Post has an article on QB recruit Sefo Liufau. He says part of the reason he chose CU is because of the heritage of a star Samoan QB-Sal Aunese; his son, TC McCartney, who was a grad assistant last year, helped host Liufau.  http://www.denverpost.com/cu/ci_22469809/cu-buffs-recruit-sefo-liufau-could-ignite-offense

ESPN still has S Kyle Trammel listed as a Buff verbal, even though I believe he dropped out of school and has been off the recruiting radar for awhile.

Other Program Notes:  CUBuff.com lists the coaching staff and has Klayton Adams in charge of both running backs and tight ends. It was originally thought he would focus on TEs only and someone would be hired for RBs, however, with the TE a much smaller part of this offense, it probably doesn’t make sense to have both.  The open positions are for the secondary/corners and special teams. 

There are actually a few holdovers on the staff as at least three of the graduate assistants: TC McCartney, Jeff Smart and Chapelle Brown are still on board.  Darian Hagan is listed as “Director of Player Development” and there are still a few other familiar names on the admin staff, although they are revamping the department, adding positions and moving people around still.

Dave Forman is not the new “Strength and Conditioning Coach” at CU, he will be called…”The Director of Sports Performance” instead.  The title is trending and he says “it better reflects the all-encompassing aspects of performance and what we’re trying to do. We’re more than just running around and lifting heavy weights. There are the aspects of recovery, there’s crossover with what the athletic training staff does – and not just in a rehab setting but in reconditioning, where maybe you’re out of rehab but not quite full-go, there’s a whole spectrum of function there.”  He will actually head the entire CU team, with all other sports reporting to him.  It sounds like he will be emphasizing functional strength that can translate directly to game situations, rather than raw strength and big numbers (very similar to Blacken).  He has also focused on general conditioning and health to keep players on the field and limit number of injuries and “player games” lost.  He kept two from the former staff, Steve Englehart and Troy Ramsey, and brought Kerry Johnson from Duke as well as Isaiah Castilleja, who previously volunteered at CU to get his start. 

Players found this quote from Merlin Olsen in their lockers: “You can take the best team and the worst team and line them up and you will find very little physical difference. You will find emotional difference. The winning team has a dedication, it will have a core group of leaders who set the standards and they will not accept defeat.”  Their winter workout schedule has them lifting weights in two groups M-W-F and running as a whole group T-TH.

Here’s what Kevin Gemmell answered in his Pac-12 chat when Bill from Denver asked…“Time for a token CU question..... Can you say something nice about the Buffs?”  KG: “Best mascot entrance in college football -- hands down. But in all seriousness, I like the young QBs, I like the move to the pistol and I like that the coaching staff -- though they are new -- has worked together for a few years. The Embree crew was still learning to work together. I think four wins next year is realistic and a bowl game in three years makes sense.”  I don’t know if I can stomach two more years without a bowl?!  So ready for a road trip!

Gemmell and another poster wondered how the Buffs will sign so many players (17 plus 4 greyshirts who cannot count back to last year) with so few players leaving.  My only guess is they are counting on at least some attrition after spring ball.

Don’t read the following if you can’t handle pain as Colorado show up on the low end of even the highs, especially in the team category, surprisingly not as much as I expected on the players post: 

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/53182/pac-12-2012-team-highs-and-lows

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/53194/pac-12-2012-player-highs-and-lows

Go Buffs!