Richardson out for season

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

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

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

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