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).
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