2013 Recruiting Sneak Preview

§  [Updated 2/19/12]
Well, the 2012 recruiting class is signed and we are looking forward to spring practice only a few weeks away.  However, it is a year-round business and coaches are not idle as they have already begun to recruit the next class, having extended at least 30 offers to current high school juniors for the 2013 class (and they are even looking at some sophomores for 2014).  Some of the most highly rated prospects have already committed to some of the big name programs like USC, Florida, LSU, Texas, Alabama (has 7 already!).

§  There are four homegrown Colorado juniors that CU started recruiting much in the same way that Coach Mac recruited Embree and other Colorado standouts in his first full year: “Come here together and make CU great again-you can be the foundation.”  This group is led by Ponderosa offensive lineman Chris Fox, ranked as one of ESPN’s hot 100 for 2013, being recruited by everybody in the country, was considered the “must get” of this class for Embree, but actually committed to Michigan early.  The other three who become the focus of CU recruiting are: Dan Skipper, a monstrous offensive lineman from Ralston Valley, Chaparral tight end Mitchell Parsons and Denver South RB Philip Lindsay. 
§  Embree has a philosophy of identifying his top prospects and keying on them, going after them hard.  This last cycle, the Buffs had only 53 main names on their board and they focused on those, recruiting them strongly, and getting 20 (including their top 4 cornerbacks), backing off some and only losing out on some of the biggest names. [Not sure who the 8 that signed who weren’t originally targeted?]  Coaches are assigned 3 different regions to focus on, with many overlaps; then 3 coaches are also assigned to each prospect to “effectively recruit them”.

§  Embree (from 2012 Signing Day): "We're able to get a head start now, so I've evaluated some 2013's in-state and in some other areas, and a couple of 2014's. I feel like we're kind of catching up. I think as we continue to move forward and everyone gets in their areas, we can start getting ahead. Not only is recruiting year-round, but identifying people early is key, especially for us when you're talking about the number of kids you get from out-of-state because we have to get the 'Colorado' brand out in front of them so they have an idea of what we're about and start following us. I feel good about what we've done and how we've gone about doing it."

§  The Buffs will have much fewer scholarships to offer next year, with a very small senior class, probably 15-18, depending on attrition, so they will be very little margin for error with their priority targets.  Embree explains: “If you don’t want the kid to come, don’t offer. Don’t extend an offer, and then he calls the next day [to commit] and you have buyer’s remorse. That’ll be the first criteria. We, our position coaches, better be sure. If you only get one [player at a position], you better be sure that’s the kid you want with that one. That will be how we go along building it.”

§  I think the staff would like to continue to increase team speed and special teams depth, and with their “standing” nationally increased, and the roster with so much more depth, they can go after those specific players they really like.  They will need to go heavy on OL (4-5) and LB (2-3), as those areas were somewhat neglected this year, due to needs elsewhere (D-Line, DBs, TEs).  In the Pac-12 they will need to get a few good D-linemen and DBs in every cycle. Next year, the offensive skill positions will not need to take as many slots: they will almost always take a QB; they got 3 RBs this year but will also always take at least one, although FB should be fine for at least one cycle; WR could use a little more depth so we should see 2-3; if this year’s TEs work out they won’t need more than one.  Lastly, it is doubtful they will need to worry about a kicker/punter until 2014, but they are always looking at how others, especially DBs, RBs and WRs can add speed and contribute on the coverage and return units.

§  CU has already offered a few scholarships to some highly rated recruits out of state as well, including a bunch from ESPN’s 2013 150: Concord, CA’s 5* LB Mitchell Hutchings, 4* CA safeties Su’a Cravens and Max Redfield, 4* Don Bosco/NJ DE Alquadin Muhammad, 4* Texas RBs Adam Taylor and Dontre Wilson, QB Jarret Solomon (Las Vegas), WR Ra’Shaad Samples (Dallas), OT Patrick Kugler (Wexford, PA), DEs Kylie Fitts (Redlands, CA) and Marcus Farria (Peoria, AZ), OT John Lopez (Orange, CA).

§  There are numerous other members of ESPN’s 150 who list Colorado as a school they are “considering”: QB Zack Greenlee (Stockton, CA), RB Terrell Newby II (West Hills, CA), WR Drew Wolitarsky (Canyon Country, CA), TE Marcus Baugh (Riverside, CA).

§  They are also recruiting others from schools that are becoming part of the Buff  “pipeline”: Muhammad/Don Bosco (above), 4* DE Joe Mathis/Upland, CA (2012 recruits Powell, Moseley, Abron), TE Standish Dobard (name of the class so far) & CB Lowell Ellis/Edna Carter, New Orleans (Keenan Canty). 

§  Luke Del Rio, son of new Bronco defensive coordinator Jack del Rio, will be a senior quarterback and has decided to attend Valor Christian, a powerhouse private school stocked with pro’s sons (the McCaffery boys, Brian Dawkins Jr.) over Dave Logan and Cherry Creek.  He will be highly sought after college recruit and I wonder if Embree has already made contact, especially since he probably knows del Rio from his NFL time.

§  Other prospects that CU has offered or is recruiting: WR Eldridge Massington (West Mesquite, Texas), WR Darrell Daniels (Freedom, CA), OL Dane Crane (Santa Margartia, CA, but former neighbor of 2012 WR signee Peyton Williams) and possibly 2 teammates, QB Ellis Jefferson (Denton, TX), LB Isaac Savaiinea (Honolulu), Olney, Maryland’s LB Reggie McGee and ATH Marcel Ngachie, ATH Kyle Queiro, Oradell (Bergen) NJ, QB Richard Lagow, (Plano, TX).

§  Other highly rated players from the state of Colorado: QB Ryan Novak, Heritage; DL Stanley Gilbert and Carlos Aviles, Valor Christian; DE Austin Berk, Grand Junction; OL Jake Bennett; Lakewood (Bear Creek HS), ATHs Tanner Gentry, Grandview & Dyan Nelson, Lakewood; DBs Chase Thurgood, Fort Collins & Christopher Alban, Falcon; RB Shahid Hoover, Denver East;K Daniel Carlson (Colorado Springs) is a 6’5” athlete who is refining his kicking skills but could be #1 kicker come Signing Day.

Post Signing Day Positional Breakdown

Now that the Buffaloes have completed (unless there is a surprise that takes their “last scholarship in the pocket”) the 2012 recruiting class (ranked as high as #29 nationally by Scout), the focus shifts to Spring practices and the 2013 class (more on both in future posts). But how will these 28 new recruits fit into the roster and depth chart, especially since Embree said 75-80% have a chance to play (that’s 21 or 22, even half the class brings them up near last year’s 15 true freshmen played)?  This post will breakdown each position group and look at how the new influx of freshmen talent will mix in with the returning players to affect the team come Sunday, September 2, 2012 against CSU (who signed 10 unrated players in Coach McElwain’s first class-don’t even get me started on what Lamb fans are trying to call their new coach!).

For a full Bio on all 28 go to: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/cu-recruiting-class-of-2012/

QB: Even when you have an undisputed senior starter going into a new season, quarterback is still one of the most scrutinized and discussed positions.  This year it will be THE main topic of discussion as the battle is wide open.  It will be interesting to see where the players stand after Spring Ball.  Soph. Nick Hirschman has the most time in the program and experience on the field; Soph. transfer Connor Wood impressed everyone with his arm on the scout team and throwing the first team receivers in drills; coaches loved unheralded walk-on Fr. John Schrock and how fast he picked up the offense that they made him the #3 QB last year and was only one more injury away from taking the field.  No matter who wins the spring battle, if anyone, incoming recruit Shane Dillon (CA) also has his sights on the starting job.  He has the size, and supposedly arm to be taken seriously.  Whoever wins the backup job will likely be very important.  However, if Hirschman doesn’t make the top two, I can’t see him sticking around in this day and age. Oh yeah, they also have Brent Burnette and Stevie Jo “not really a Detmer” Dorman, to help give the receivers lots of reps in practice.

RB: While the Buffs have three (or maybe four) returning players, Soph. Tony Jones bring the most experienced and hype, Jr. Josh Ford who always impresses when he gets a chance to run the ball, and Fr. Malcolm Creer, who briefly looked awesome before blowing out his knee, the three true freshmen will all get their shot in the Fall. (The fourth returning rusher is possibly DD Goodson who switched to DB out of necessity last year, probably needs to provide depth here at least during the spring.)  Donta Abron, (of the Upland, CA trio) already dubbed “Speedy 2” will either overtake the similar-sized and styled Ford or Jones or redshirt; Davien Payne (CA) is the biggest of the group and has the best chance to add his bruising approach; Terrence Crowder (TX) is coming off an ACL, but it was early in his season and he is planning on running spring track so barring any setbacks, he should be fully recovered by August.  Although I doubt we will see all six of the above names, it will probably be some type of rotation and we will see at least 3 or 4 of them, those that can do the other things (catch and block), carry the ball during the season, and at least one of the frosh will end up redshirting. 

FB: This was a quiet priority, not one spoken or written about as much, but a position that the staff targeted hard to land not just one, but two strong three-star prospects to help solidify the middle of a pro-style offense-which used two linebackers as fullbacks last year, and currently only has walk-on tight ends on the roster.  Highlands Ranch standout and Buff legacy Clay Norgard (Highlands Ranch) enrolled early and will begin Spring practices as the likely starter.  Christian Powell (Upland, CA) flipped his commitment from UCLA at the last minute and will solidify this position for the next few years.  Many people have wondered if one of these guys will switch to another position, but I doubt it as Bienemy and Embree are committed to a bruising, physical run game that necessitates a good fullback.

WR: Across Paul Richardson (maybe one of the only solidified returning starters), the other wideout slot is up for grabs and all three of the Texas 3-star recruits will compete with DaVaughn Thorton, Keenan Canty, Tyler McColluch, Nelson Spruce and others for major playing time. WR Gerald Thomas might be the fastest Buff now and looks to see the field on special teams and offense; Jeffery Thomas (no relation) has great leaping ability and a lot of upside and could use a redshirt year to polish his skills; Peyton Williams tore his ACL in the Texas state playoffs but expects to be ready to go and in the mix come August.

TE: Sr. blue-chipper Nick Kasa has one last shot to show his worth at a new position and it’s time for Soph. Kyle Slavin to step it up or he will disappear down the depth chart (with some walk-ons and Cordary Allen). All three of the recruits here are likely to get on the field as true freshmen.  Sean Irwin (TX) is an exceptional blocker and has been told he will play, at the minimum in a similar fashion to the way the Buffs used tackle Alex Lewis in certain packages as a third TE last year.  Vincent Hobbs (TX) is just the opposite as a converted WR and will challenge Pac-12 safeties and linebackers to keep up with him.  Austin Ray (MO) is an all-around guy who will be hard to keep off the field.  

O-Line: Many folks were disappointed that the Buffs didn’t sign more here, especially from Colorado, which was rich in offensive line prospects this year. However, most of those in-state kids were never really interested in CU, and they do have quite a few decent, versatile bodies on the roster.  Because of the departure of many seniors and the flexibility of the group, there are no set starters at any one position and there will be a lot of experimentation, especially in the early Spring.  David Bahktiari will definitely start, it is just unclear as to where, as many project him to move inside to Guard, competing with whichever of Kawai Crabb, Daniel Munyer and Gus Handler don’t win the Center job. The Buffs also have C/G Alex Kelley joining the team after he suffered a foot injury over the summer and deciding to greyshirt, delaying his enrollment until January.  Jack Harris and Alex Lewis are the most likely Tackle candidates, with Ryan Dannewitz probably the utility backup; T Stephane Nembot is probably still a year away from being able to play on a regular basis.  Also providing depth are T Marc Mustoe and C/G Brad Cotner.  OG Gerald Kough (“nasty”) and G/T Jeromy Irwin will be given the opportunity to compete but are likely to redshirt. There has been some talk of one of more of the many d-line recruits switching to offense, but if that happened, it would be well down the road. Lastly, T Ed Caldwell from Highlands Ranch agreed to come to Boulder this summer as a “preferred walk-on” to provide depth and work towards earning a scholarship sometime in the future.

D-Line: This was the obvious priority position based on only 6 scholarship bodies (recently arrested Wil Pericak, underachieving weightlifter Eric Richter, oft-injured Nate Bonsu, untested Kirk Poston, and the exciting Chidera Uzo-Diribe and Juda Parker), plus generally poor play and little quarterback pressure in a pass happy offensive conference last year, and then confirmed by the fact that they signed NINE defensive linemen! Although Derek McCartney (Faith Christian) will greyshirt and put on weight, we’ve got to figure that at least 4 of the others, and maybe even 6 or 7 could find their way onto the field as true freshmen (one or two could end up at the Jack LB spot). DE Kisima Jagne (Chandler, AZ) might be the prospect that gets fans most excited as he provides many highlight reel hits. Josh Tupou (CA; nephew of former Buff DT Vili Maumau) is a big body that could contribute right away inside; Westlake, CA teammates DT Justin Solis and DE John Stuart provide a one-two inside-outside punch;  Tyler Henington (Mullen) is ready to generally play inside, but is versatile and could play all over the line;  Kory Rasmussen (HI)and Samson Kofavalu (CA) could both play inside or outside;  De’Jon Wilson (part of the DC 3) is one of the DE prospects that could play the Jack LB.  It has been written that one or more might be able to switch to O-line, but that would only happen down the line out of necessity.

LB: Embree straight out said that linebacker was not a priority this year-he has veterans Doug Rippy, Jon Major and Derrick Webb returning (plus Lowell Williams but I don’t see him contributing) and last year’s class (Brady Daigh, Woodson Greer III, KT Tu’umalo, maybe Wil Harlos) would carry the load for now.  Some of the DE recruits could also play the Jack LB spot (as returnees Parker and Uzo-Diribe have).  They only targeted a few of the bigger names, backing off a few late (Deseayn Rippy, Reshawn Hooker), and just couldn’t convince Seth Jacobs, who ended up at Oklahoma St.  Next year, LB becomes a definite priority and they'll sign at least two, maybe more.

CB: This was also a widely talked about position of need opposite Greg Henderson and Greg Brown and the Buffs supposedly got their “top four cornerbacks” and all could earn early playing time, competing with Jered Bell and the redshirted Sherrard Harrington (and a host of others that hopefully now won’t need to see the field). Two of the signees, 4-star Yuri Wright (NJ) and Kenneth Crawley (biggest name of the DC 3), are expected by everyone inside and outside of the program to step in and contribute immediately.  Jeffrey Hall (LA) was hesitant to commit after the two big names but was promised a chance and he expects to be on the field as well.  John Walker (last of the DC 3) has a lot of upside but is the most likely to redshirt.

S:  Although they lost a senior captain, the Buffs have some depth here and as such only signed one possible safety, Marques Mosley (Upland, CA), who could also play CB or WR and will likely play special teams.  Ray Polk, albeit still too often out of position, will start at one safety, but Perkins’ replacement is uncertain.  With the addition of the all the cornerbacks Parker Orms will likely move over to safety and compete with Terrell Smith, Kyle Washington and Wil Harlos (although the latter could end up at LB if he puts on weight; KT Tu’umalo is a possibility if he doesn’t add pounds).

*Overall, the Buffs’ roster is way better stocked with DBs and have a lot of guys to provide depth at all positions, hopefully keeping Greg Brown from having to raid the offense again (including: Paul Vigo, Vince Ewing, Jermane Clark, Josh Moten, Harrison Hunter, DD Goodson).

Special Teams: Since the Buffs already have a young punter and kicker (sophomores to be Darragh O’Neill and Wil Oliver) as well as two backups on scholarship (Justin Castor and Zack Grossnickle) they did not recruit any kicking specialists.  However, they recruited many guys with speed that will contribute on the special teams units.  JD Brookhart will be looking for a balance of young talent and veteran leadership to man the units and will include a number of freshmen, likely including the returners.  It will be interesting to see how much they focus on the return units.  They did not do much last spring and I believe that showed during the season, because they didn’t work on their coverage teams wither.  Speedy WR Gerald Thomas will definitely be in the mix for the return jobs, along with S Marques Moseley and maybe some of the other DBs, RBs and receivers; all of those will also look to contribute on the coverage units as well.

2012 Recruiting Class is Complete!

The 28 signatures are in and here is a list and note on each of the recruits (plus Alex Kelley who is greyshirting from last year and is enrolled and will play in Spring ball) and one “committed preferred walk-on”.  Embree is excited (as all coaches are today) and said three quarters of these kids (definitely some of the D-linemen) have a chance to see playing time this season. He also has one scholarship offer “in the pocket” just in case (but not for 3-star ATH Jontrey Tillman (Baldwin, LA) who didn't get into Stanford, but opted for Houston instead).

For a full Bio on each go to: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/cu-recruiting-class-of-2012/
For Embree's Press quotes: http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205372916&DB_OEM_ID=600

Name, Position, Hometown, Ht, Wt, (40), #Stars, Comments Shane Dillon, QB, El Cajon, CA, 6'5", 185, 4.6, 3 stars, Wants to compete with Hirschman and Wood for starting job *Clay Norgard, FB, Highlands Ranch, CO, 6'2", 240, 4.8, 3 stars, Already on campus, counts as 2011, will be starter in spring Christian Powell, FB, Upland, CA, 5'11", 250, 3 stars, Supposedly set to play FB here, even with Norgard Donta Abron, RB, Upland, CA, 5'9", 187, 2 stars, Could get in on special teams Terrence Crowder, RB, Galena Park, TX, 5'10", 212, 4.5, 2 stars, Better chance to get on field as RB, should play special teams Davien Payne, RB, Perris, CA, 5'11", 213, 4.6, 3 stars, Best chance to play at RB, ST Peyton Williams, WR, Southlake, TX, 6'1", 185, 4.5, 3 stars, Coming off ACL, doesn’t want to redshirt, rehab on target for Fall Gerald Thomas, WR, The Colony, TX, 5'10", 170, 4.4, 3 stars, Very fast, definite return and WR candidate Jeffrey Thomas, WR, Duncanville, TX, 6'3", 180, 4.7, 3 stars, Could play Vincent Hobbs, TE, Mesquite, TX, 6'3", 230, 4.7, 3 stars, Great receiver, good chance to play Sean Irwin, TE, Cypress, TX, 6'4", 220, 3 stars, Great blocker, likely to play Austin Ray, TE, Columbia, MO, 6'6", 235, 3 stars, Expects to play early Jeromy Irwin, OL, Cypress, TX, 6'5", 289, 3 stars, more likely candidate to redshirt, but could play either T or G Gerrad Kough, OL, Pomona, CA, 6'5", 270, 2 stars, Chance to play with Asiata gone Tyler Henington, DT, Denver, CO, 6'3", 265, 3 stars, Chance to play (like most of the D-linemen) Kory Rasmussen, DT, Honolulu, HI, 6'3", 255, 2 stars, Could play Justin Solis, DT, Westlake Village, CA, 6'3", 287, 4.9, 3 stars, Likely to play, up closer to 300 acc. to Embree Josh Tupou, DT, Buena Park, CA, 6'4", 302, , 3 stars, Ready to step in the middle high upside, could play O-line if needed Kisima Jagne, DE, Chandler, AZ, 6'5", 235, 4.5, 3 stars, Fast but needs to put on weight Samson Kafovalu, DE, Riverside, CA, 6'3", 253, 3 stars, Likely to play John Stuart, DE, Westlake Village, CA, 6'4", 230, 4.7, 2 stars, Could use some weight De'Jon Wilson, DE, Washington, DC, 6'3", 240, 4.7, 3 stars, Wants to play early Kenneth Crawley, DB, Washington, DC, 6'1", 170, 4 stars, Expects to compete for starting job Yuri Wright, DB, Ramsey, NJ, 6'2", 180, 4 stars, Expected by most to win starting job John Walker, DB, Washington, DC, 6'0", 175, 3 stars, More likely to redshirt with late DB commits, but could help ST Jeffrey Hall, DB, LaPlace, LA, 5'11", 180, , 3 stars, Even with Wright and Crawley expects to play early Marques Mosley, ATH, Upland, CA, 6'1", 174, , 3 stars, Could go WR or DB. will play on special teams *Alex Kelley, C, 6’3”, 295,  3 stars, Greyshirt from last year (injury), roommates with Norgard *Derek McCartney, DE, Arvada, CO, 6'4", 220,  Will greyshirt until Jan 2013 to put on weight *Ed Caldwell, OL, Highlands Ranch, CO, Will walk-on in Fall   *does not count against this year's class