We are about a week away from August camp opening and there is a lot to look forward to, as well as a lot to wonder about with Mike MacIntyre's third version of the Colorado Buffaloes. The team returns more depth since anyone can remember, but there are still a lot of questions remaining as to who will be making the plays on the field this fall. Here's a quick snapshot of each position group heading into the first practice August 5th.
Quarterbacks: This is probably the most straight forward group in that Sefo Liufau is the unquestioned starter, just needing to work on protecting the ball and continuing to execute the offense. Jordan Gehrke is the back-up, unless Cade Apsay or Steven Montez blow the roof off the doors. The only wild card is if Montez does anything but straight redshirts.
Running Backs: Coach Clayton Adams returns a trio of experienced runners in Christian Powell, Michael Adkins and Phillip "the Tasmanian devil" Lindsay, all expecting and deserving of touches. They will all get some, especially early, but there are also two true freshmen who still have a say in Dino "don't call me Donald" Gordon and, the name everyone seems to be talking about, the class of 2015's last signing day addition, Patrick Carr. Both the could likely help out on special teams as well, but one will likely redshirt. The intriguing wild card is Aaron Baltazar, who has yet to complete junior college work and enroll, diminishing his chances of making any impact this year.
Wide Receivers: We all know about Nelson Spruce, Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo, but this offense will utilize many more than just three receivers. At least three more, if not all of the following guys should get into the rotation: redshirt sophomore Devin Ross, So. Donovan Lee, redshirt freshmen Lee Walker and Jay MacIntyre, and true frosh Justin Jan, who hopes to jump into Tyler McCulloch's role. The wild card for this group is incoming freshman Isaiah Oliver, who is going to try out with the receivers and cornerbacks. All told, this is a very talented and versatile group that will get overlooked somewhat because of all of the other star power in the conference.
Tight Ends: Junior Sean Irwin is the probable first down starter here, but redshirt freshmen Hayden Jones and Dylan Keeney were expected to contribute last year, before injuries derailed their preseasons. Keeney's size and pass-catching ability make him the most likely to get involved. The wild card would have been Connor Center, but he has recently moved to offensive tackle, so true frosh Chris Bounds will have a chance to play this year.
Offensive Line: Sixty percent of this group is set with senior LT Stephane Nembot and juniors RT Jeromy Irwin and center Alex Kelley. The questions are at guard but it appears that Soph. Gerrad Kough is settled at one guard spot while fellow soph Jonathon Huckins will still battle it out with heralded transfer Shane Callahan for the last spot, the loser becoming the sixth man. Sully Wiefels and Sam Kronshrage are the other two that could possibly factor in.
Defensive Line: There are no less than SIXTEEN young men fighting for a place in this rotation that will likely use 10-12 on a regular basis, depending on how much 3-4 and 4-3 alignments they use. Without the suspended Josh Tupou, lone senior Justin Solis becomes the man in the middle at nose tackle and a lot will be expected of him. The new and improved Samson Kafovalu is listed as the other starter inside, with JC transfer Jordan Carrell expected to get a lot of work. JC greyshirt Leo Jackson and sophomore Eddy Lopez the next two likely to get decent reps. Clay Norgard could find his way onto the field for passing downs. Jase Franke provides depth.
At defensive end the team returns two starters in Derek McCartney and Jimmie Gilbert. Behind them is a stockpile of depth beginning with Tim Coleman and Jaleel Awini, who surprisingly has leapfrogged almost everyone after his position switch and a half (QB to LB to DE), including the versatile D'Jon Wilson, a hopefully healthy Tyler Henington and Terran Hasselbeck (currently listed ahead of Henington). The last of the JC guys Blake Robbins plus highly touted Michael Matthewes sit well down the depth chart and face a tough road getting on the field.
Linebackers: The two rocks here are Addison Gillam, who by all accounts is healthy and ready to go, and Kenneth Olugbode. Part of the answer as to who else plays is contained not just in how much 3-4 Jim Leavitt adds to the team's previous 4-3 alignment, but also how much nickel package is used (maybe more than anything else). The hope is that Deysean Rippy somehow finally makes a fraction of the impact his cousin did and starts to live up to a portion of his four-star national hype. Howeverm there is a ton of depth here even though most of the following guys will have to make their impact on special teams: Rick Gamboa, Christian Shaver, Grant Watanabe, Travis Tailanko, Ryan Severson.
Defensive backs: You know this group is deep when sixth year senior Jered Bell (who was expected to be one of, if not the leader of the defense last year) is listed third on the depth chart at free safety, behind sophomores Evan White and transfer Afolabi Laguda (can also play corner). Tedric Thompson is the starter at strong safety and could actually be the key to this defense. Many forget that not only did he have the team's only three interceptions last year, but when he got injured late against UCLA, the defense lost their mojo and the game, and then never really regained it the rest of the year. They still have achievers (over) Ryan Moeller and (under) Marques Mosley to provide further depth.
At cornerback, we know Ken Crawley will start on one side, probably opposite Chidobe Awuzie, who is also the #1 nickel and could conceivably line up anywhere in the secondary if needed. Akhello Witherspoon and John Walker are right behind them both, leaving Yuri Wright, redshirt frosh Jaisen Sanchez plus true frosh Oliver (see WR) and Nick Wilson fighting for some field time. The ones that can best support on special teams will also get to back up the defense.
Special Teams: This whole group is a wild card and overall a scary prospect, especially with the coverage woes that Toby Neinas' previous units have produced. The only piece set in virtual stone is true freshman Alex Kinney being anointed the punter. The placekicking duties are completely wide open and make go right up to kickoff in Hawaii between Kinney, Mexican Diego Gonzalez and Chris Graham, who was recently awarded a scholarship. Punt return is currently listed as Nelson Spruce OR Shay Fields, but some freshmen will certainly be given looks here, as well as at kickoff return, which is "TBA". I am surprised that Phillip Lindsay is not listed here and would be more surprised if he was not one of the two guys lined up for the first kick.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Burn the Redshirt?
One of my favorite things to follow in August camp and the beginning of the season is how the true freshmen are doing and who is going to get a shot at playing time. Fortunately, this is a year where the Buffaloes should not have to rely on a on of freshman help, barring (everyone knock on nearest wood) the dreaded injuries; however, this is a year where there appears to be a decent amount of depth at most position groups (see https://colorado.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=894&CID=618951
for full positional chart by "years"). No matter how good and deep the team is though, there will be a few brand new young faces who end up taking the field right away. Granted, there is sure to be a few redshirt freshmen with a year of being on the team who are new to the field, but here's a look at the true frosh who have the best chance of contributing in 2015.
There are a few positions at which, unless there is a dire need or an unbelievably exceptional talent, all incoming freshmen will redshirt- offensive and defensive line (especially the first), and quarterback-and that should be the case here, where the two-deep is pretty set across the board with experienced players. Guys like QB Montez as well as homegrown o-linemen Lynott and Middlemiss will almost certainly redshirt.
The one incoming frosh who is definitely being counted on is punter/kicker Alex Kinney, who is all but assured of the punting gig, and will compete with returners Diego Gonzalez and Chris Graham for the kickoff and FG/PAT duties. If he wins all the jobs and holds them down for all four years, he could become one of the all-time Buff greats, but no pressure or anything.
The other guys most likely to play and make an impact right away are WR Justin Jan and athlete Isaiah Oliver, who is going to be given shot at both DB and WR. Jan is basically the biggest receiver the Buffs will have and hopes to learn the playbook and perform well enough to take over Tyler McCulloch's role of big-slot-not-quite-tight-end receiver. Oliver is immediately one of the fastest guys on the team and has a great shot at playing special teams and either of the above position groups, depending where he looks best and is needed most.
RBs Patrick Carr and Donald Gordon each have a shot at playing time (but not both) as the offense could easily use a fourth back with the trio of Powell, Adkins and Lindsay, all of whom have had injury woes in the past. Each frosh could also contribute on special teams. Boise St. transfer Aaron Balthazar was also thought to be in the mix for action, but has yet to complete the necessary junior college coursework to enroll at CU and will be late to camp at best, making it that much more likely that one of the true frosh will play.
Linebacker Grant Watanabe is an interesting case as he greyshirted last season and delayed enrollment until January, not because they needed him to or he needed to put on weight, but because of injury. He is back healthy with some spring ball under his belt, albeit amidst a pretty crowded LB depth chart. He is the type that could make an impact (young LBs often do) on multiple special teams units.
There are a few others that have a chance to make the traveling team and get on the field. LB/DE NJ Falo is guy that just might fight his way onto the field. Nick Fischer, if he can display some speed and instinct could break into the defensive secondary where, dare I say it, there seem to always be some injuries. Lastly, especially since everyone's intriguing sleeper tight end pick Connor Center moved to o-tackle, Chris Bounds absolutely has an opening to earn some playing time in an offense that needs tight ends, often can employ two, and desperately needs some pass catching there.
I am going to put the over/under on redshirts burning on 4.5 and am inclined to take the over. Starting with the Hawaii game (or in the morning if I fall asleep) I will tweet out each true frosh getting on the field with a #BurnTheRedShirt. I am hoping it is just five or six at the most this year.
for full positional chart by "years"). No matter how good and deep the team is though, there will be a few brand new young faces who end up taking the field right away. Granted, there is sure to be a few redshirt freshmen with a year of being on the team who are new to the field, but here's a look at the true frosh who have the best chance of contributing in 2015.
There are a few positions at which, unless there is a dire need or an unbelievably exceptional talent, all incoming freshmen will redshirt- offensive and defensive line (especially the first), and quarterback-and that should be the case here, where the two-deep is pretty set across the board with experienced players. Guys like QB Montez as well as homegrown o-linemen Lynott and Middlemiss will almost certainly redshirt.
The one incoming frosh who is definitely being counted on is punter/kicker Alex Kinney, who is all but assured of the punting gig, and will compete with returners Diego Gonzalez and Chris Graham for the kickoff and FG/PAT duties. If he wins all the jobs and holds them down for all four years, he could become one of the all-time Buff greats, but no pressure or anything.
The other guys most likely to play and make an impact right away are WR Justin Jan and athlete Isaiah Oliver, who is going to be given shot at both DB and WR. Jan is basically the biggest receiver the Buffs will have and hopes to learn the playbook and perform well enough to take over Tyler McCulloch's role of big-slot-not-quite-tight-end receiver. Oliver is immediately one of the fastest guys on the team and has a great shot at playing special teams and either of the above position groups, depending where he looks best and is needed most.
RBs Patrick Carr and Donald Gordon each have a shot at playing time (but not both) as the offense could easily use a fourth back with the trio of Powell, Adkins and Lindsay, all of whom have had injury woes in the past. Each frosh could also contribute on special teams. Boise St. transfer Aaron Balthazar was also thought to be in the mix for action, but has yet to complete the necessary junior college coursework to enroll at CU and will be late to camp at best, making it that much more likely that one of the true frosh will play.
Linebacker Grant Watanabe is an interesting case as he greyshirted last season and delayed enrollment until January, not because they needed him to or he needed to put on weight, but because of injury. He is back healthy with some spring ball under his belt, albeit amidst a pretty crowded LB depth chart. He is the type that could make an impact (young LBs often do) on multiple special teams units.
There are a few others that have a chance to make the traveling team and get on the field. LB/DE NJ Falo is guy that just might fight his way onto the field. Nick Fischer, if he can display some speed and instinct could break into the defensive secondary where, dare I say it, there seem to always be some injuries. Lastly, especially since everyone's intriguing sleeper tight end pick Connor Center moved to o-tackle, Chris Bounds absolutely has an opening to earn some playing time in an offense that needs tight ends, often can employ two, and desperately needs some pass catching there.
I am going to put the over/under on redshirts burning on 4.5 and am inclined to take the over. Starting with the Hawaii game (or in the morning if I fall asleep) I will tweet out each true frosh getting on the field with a #BurnTheRedShirt. I am hoping it is just five or six at the most this year.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Under the Radar Return
I can't believe that I have yet to make a post in 2015, so I have entitled my return to the blog as an "Under the Radar Return" and will give my thoughts on a few players that I believe to be under the radar for the Buffs, a little more than a month before August camp for the 2015 season begins.
There has been a lot written lately (CU at the Game, the Camera) about the CU defensive line, how even amidst the news that would-be anchor tackle Josh Tupou has been lost for (at least) the season due to undisclosed disciplinary reasons, the group still has excellent depth and potential to improve this defense overall. There is certainly reason for optimism with a new defensive coordinator who has a solid dozen (or more) guys who could be part of the rotation. Line coach Jim Jeffcoat brings back most of the other main players from last year (Derek McCartney, Justin Solis, Jimmie Gilbert, Christian Shaver), adds three junior college players (Jordan Carell, Blake Robbins, Leo Jackson), plus Samson Kafovalu (personal) and Tyler Henington (injury), and still has junior D'Jon Wilson and a slew of younger players itching to get on the field.
However, there is one of these young players of whom we have heard surprisingly little about-redshirt freshman Michael Mathewes, a recruit originally heralded by coaches Jim Jeffcoat and Mike MacIntyre, as well as the Rivals' boys and others, as the freshman that could play right away last year, yet he never got on the field and was able to redshirt instead. I am not sure how much he weighs these days, but he is likely one of the guys that could play some outside linebacker when the team goes 3-4. At the minimum he should factor into special teams. Two other names to watch for on the defensive line will be end Markeis Reed, who lost most of last season to a back injury in camp, and Eddy Lopez, a big sophomore tackle who will have to be counted on to offset the loss of Tupou.
One more defensive player that is going slightly under the radar in my opinion is S Jered Bell, a sixth year senior who was expected to be one of the leaders of the defense last year before suffering the second preseason year-ending knee injury of his career. As he watched from the sidelines though, the Buffaloes developed a deep stable of defensive backs and Bell does not have a guaranteed spot in the lineup, although it is hard to see a rotation without him. Part of his role will depend on where the coaching staff decides to use the versatile Chidobe Awuzie, who could truly play any of the DB positions. Ken Crawley is a consensus pick to man one corner, but after those two it is wide open with many players vying for or even expecting playing time this season: Tedric Thompson, Evan White, Akhello Witherspoon, John Walker). The most likely place would be for Bell to be fifth man, coming in at safety when Chido moves to nickel, which could actually be the starting line up for more than a few games. [Interesting fact on Bell: this summer, he took a Master's level class on bilingual education.]
I don't know if K Diego Gonzalez is really under the radar, but it seems that most people expect incoming freshman Alex Kinney to win not just the punting job but also the place-kicking duties. Maybe I am just pulling for Gonzalez because of his awesome story, how as a very under the radar recruit out of Monterrey, Mexico, he had shown a very powerful leg and garnered himself a scholarship offer at a big school in the United Sates. He was given a couple chances at kickoffs last year, but may have tried a little too hard and did not get off the greatest of kicks. I am hoping he will win at least that kickoff job this year, and maybe get a shot at some points kicks as well.
On offense, QB Sefo Liufau has many returning weapons, with three of the top RBs ready to fight it out for carries and a slew of wide receivers from known commodities Nelson Spruce, Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo, to young guns Devin Ross, Donovan Lee and Lee Walker of whom we have only seen flashes. However, the most intriguing offensive position for me is the tight end, which could be deadly in this system, especially taking advantage of the attention defenses have to pay to the above names. Sean Irwin will almost assuredly be the starter, but I don't think he will be the main pass catching target at tight end. Redshirt freshmen Hayden Jones and Dylan Keeney will garner a lot of attention, but I am really curious to see if the coaches find a way to work the raw size and talent of Connor Center into the lineup. If he has developed any touch with his hands and learned some basic routes and blocking responsibilities, he could be an excellent target over the middle and in short yardage and goal line situations. If not, could incoming true freshman Chris Bounds make enough of an impression to burn his redshirt?
Lastly, though none of these guys are currently "under the radar" by any means, the four candidates for the two vacant offensive guard spots could be the most crucial cogs in how good this offense can be and how far the team can go. Last Fall, it was widely speculated that newcomers Shane Calllahan and Sully Wiefels would take over for the two graduating seniors, Kawaii Crabb and Daniel Munyer. However, when Jeromy Irwin went down, it was Gerald Kough came from under the radar to overtake everyone else and become the sixth man for the line last year, and he therefore looks to be one of the new starters. That last spot is wide open, but my gut feeling is that Jonathon Huckins is going to end up grabbing it ahead of the higher profile, older transfers.
If all of these highlighted mentions can reach their potential and make an impact this year, they just might be the difference in Mike MacIntyre's third Colorado team getting over the hump and squeezing out the necessary seven wins to earn themselves a bowl game. There, I've said it, not sayin' its probable, but it is possible.
There has been a lot written lately (CU at the Game, the Camera) about the CU defensive line, how even amidst the news that would-be anchor tackle Josh Tupou has been lost for (at least) the season due to undisclosed disciplinary reasons, the group still has excellent depth and potential to improve this defense overall. There is certainly reason for optimism with a new defensive coordinator who has a solid dozen (or more) guys who could be part of the rotation. Line coach Jim Jeffcoat brings back most of the other main players from last year (Derek McCartney, Justin Solis, Jimmie Gilbert, Christian Shaver), adds three junior college players (Jordan Carell, Blake Robbins, Leo Jackson), plus Samson Kafovalu (personal) and Tyler Henington (injury), and still has junior D'Jon Wilson and a slew of younger players itching to get on the field.
However, there is one of these young players of whom we have heard surprisingly little about-redshirt freshman Michael Mathewes, a recruit originally heralded by coaches Jim Jeffcoat and Mike MacIntyre, as well as the Rivals' boys and others, as the freshman that could play right away last year, yet he never got on the field and was able to redshirt instead. I am not sure how much he weighs these days, but he is likely one of the guys that could play some outside linebacker when the team goes 3-4. At the minimum he should factor into special teams. Two other names to watch for on the defensive line will be end Markeis Reed, who lost most of last season to a back injury in camp, and Eddy Lopez, a big sophomore tackle who will have to be counted on to offset the loss of Tupou.
One more defensive player that is going slightly under the radar in my opinion is S Jered Bell, a sixth year senior who was expected to be one of the leaders of the defense last year before suffering the second preseason year-ending knee injury of his career. As he watched from the sidelines though, the Buffaloes developed a deep stable of defensive backs and Bell does not have a guaranteed spot in the lineup, although it is hard to see a rotation without him. Part of his role will depend on where the coaching staff decides to use the versatile Chidobe Awuzie, who could truly play any of the DB positions. Ken Crawley is a consensus pick to man one corner, but after those two it is wide open with many players vying for or even expecting playing time this season: Tedric Thompson, Evan White, Akhello Witherspoon, John Walker). The most likely place would be for Bell to be fifth man, coming in at safety when Chido moves to nickel, which could actually be the starting line up for more than a few games. [Interesting fact on Bell: this summer, he took a Master's level class on bilingual education.]
I don't know if K Diego Gonzalez is really under the radar, but it seems that most people expect incoming freshman Alex Kinney to win not just the punting job but also the place-kicking duties. Maybe I am just pulling for Gonzalez because of his awesome story, how as a very under the radar recruit out of Monterrey, Mexico, he had shown a very powerful leg and garnered himself a scholarship offer at a big school in the United Sates. He was given a couple chances at kickoffs last year, but may have tried a little too hard and did not get off the greatest of kicks. I am hoping he will win at least that kickoff job this year, and maybe get a shot at some points kicks as well.
On offense, QB Sefo Liufau has many returning weapons, with three of the top RBs ready to fight it out for carries and a slew of wide receivers from known commodities Nelson Spruce, Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo, to young guns Devin Ross, Donovan Lee and Lee Walker of whom we have only seen flashes. However, the most intriguing offensive position for me is the tight end, which could be deadly in this system, especially taking advantage of the attention defenses have to pay to the above names. Sean Irwin will almost assuredly be the starter, but I don't think he will be the main pass catching target at tight end. Redshirt freshmen Hayden Jones and Dylan Keeney will garner a lot of attention, but I am really curious to see if the coaches find a way to work the raw size and talent of Connor Center into the lineup. If he has developed any touch with his hands and learned some basic routes and blocking responsibilities, he could be an excellent target over the middle and in short yardage and goal line situations. If not, could incoming true freshman Chris Bounds make enough of an impression to burn his redshirt?
Lastly, though none of these guys are currently "under the radar" by any means, the four candidates for the two vacant offensive guard spots could be the most crucial cogs in how good this offense can be and how far the team can go. Last Fall, it was widely speculated that newcomers Shane Calllahan and Sully Wiefels would take over for the two graduating seniors, Kawaii Crabb and Daniel Munyer. However, when Jeromy Irwin went down, it was Gerald Kough came from under the radar to overtake everyone else and become the sixth man for the line last year, and he therefore looks to be one of the new starters. That last spot is wide open, but my gut feeling is that Jonathon Huckins is going to end up grabbing it ahead of the higher profile, older transfers.
If all of these highlighted mentions can reach their potential and make an impact this year, they just might be the difference in Mike MacIntyre's third Colorado team getting over the hump and squeezing out the necessary seven wins to earn themselves a bowl game. There, I've said it, not sayin' its probable, but it is possible.
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