Spring Practice Update - March 21

The Buffs will complete the first half of Spring practices with a 30-play scrimmage (still closed to public) on Thursday.  Embree stated on Tuesday that he would give the team a “B+” so far, but that could change with the scrimmage.  The coaches will evaluate film of the first sessions and then return in April for another round, before the Spring Game on April 14.  Look for some depth chart changes before they resume practice.  Currently, there is really nothing major or breaking to report, but there are a few minor tidbits to share:

§  Paul Richardson continues to impress with highlight reel catches, strong leadership, and is now is being singled out for his outstanding blocking as well, with Bienemy even stopping a practice to point out a block and say, "That's what I'm talkin' about!"

§  Nelson Spruce and Tyler McCulloch both have received praise opposite P-Rich as they try to make a statement before the three speedy freshmen enter the competition in August.  Disappointing that we still haven’t seen or heard much of anything about DaVaughn Thorton.

§  Tony Jones seems to be taking hold of the #1 RB slot.

§  All 3 TEs are also working hard to make an impression before the frosh show up.  Nick Kasa missed some time with a concussion, but should be good to go for the next scrimmage.

§  Although they have each practiced at both left guard and tackle, it is sounding more and more like David Bahktiari will be the LT and Alex Lewis will move inside to LG.  I haven’t read much about either the center or RG battles, but Bienemy said the unit is “becoming cohesive.”

§  A lot of attention on Connor Wood, who from all reports, is generally looking good, but nothing really specific outside of the 2 TDs to P-Rich in the first scrimmage. John Schrock also continues to receive praise (I think he will eventually earn a scholarship and be a solid backup as an upperclassman).

§  The defense has been working a lot on defending the zone-option-read offensive styles that are becoming so prevalent (i.e. Oregon).

§  The safety spot alongside Ray Polk is completely up for grabs as top candidate Parker Orms is out for the rest of the spring with a hamstring, Wil Harlos is also nursing a hammie and Kyle Washington is practicing at LB. After Greg Brown mentioned that he is "understanding his reads" and "tackles well" I will re-state that the 5’9” Terrell Smith will ultimately end up winning the job.  He has the most experience and might be the biggest hitter.  The only worry is that both he and Polk can go for the big hit and instead give up a big play, and that can be dangerous to have both your safeties vulnerable in that way, especially in the pass happy Pac-12.

§  Likewise the other CB spot opposite Henderson (who supposedly has improved!) is still wide open, with Sherrard Harrington trying to solidify a foothold on the depth chart before the five freshmen arrive and Jered Bell returns completely recover from his knee injury.  Josh Moten has turned some heads recently.

§  Wil Pericak and Chidera Uzo-Diribe have repeatedly been named throughout the spring. , but not much beyond them.  Greg Brown called the versatile Uzo-Diribe "the best player on defense this spring."  He has put on 15 pounds up to 250 without losing any speed.
Nate Bonsu will contribute when healthy, but this position groupwill be a huge focus in Fall Camp, to find out which freshmen can contribute right away.

§  Embree kind of called out D-linemen Juda Parker, Eric Richter and Kirk Poston, reminding them via his post-practice Tuesday interview that there are nine guys coming to Boulder in August.

§  I have not read that much about Brady Daigh, but a little more about Derrick Webb at LB, as they try to take advantage of extra reps without Doug Rippy.  The loser of this position battle will be the utility ‘backer, likely Daigh.
Kyle Washington seems to be taking well to the switch to linebacker and is picking it up well to add some depth there.