Post-spring depth chart and more

Since they released a post spring depth chart, there are more than enough offseason tidbits to warrant a post:

Post Spring Depth Chart Notes:

§  There were no huge surprises on the depth chart.  Here are some of the spots of interest…

§  Connor Center, who has never actually played organized football, is the #3 TE, meaning that an incoming frosh will definitely play, most likely Dylan Keeney, who Adam M. of Rivals BuffStampede said looks better on film than former 4* Embree in-state recruit Mitchell Parsons.

§  Christian Powell is holding the #1 RB slot, but since he will also play fullback, the three-way share of #2 will need to shake out somewhat in August, maybe situationally or per opponent, as Michael Adkins, Phillip Lindsay and Tony Jones all offer different strengths.

§  Four and five WR sets will be exciting this year as they finally have the depth of talent to create mismatches and exploit the defense (Tyler Ziskin noted this).  Remember, two seniors, one a former starter, Tyler McCulloch and Keenan Canty are hardly going to see the field this season (except maybe some short third downs where McCulloch’s bigger size  or Canty’s smaller size and quickness could be handy in those wide sets).

§  The defensive line still has some shuffling to do after Kafovalu and Solis (hopefully) and Jimmie Gilbert rejoin team in August.  Michael Mathewes, a favorite of the BuffStampede crew (especially Adam M) has a chance to make an impact as a true frosh.

§  Similar situation for o-line as we need to see what Jeromy Irwin and Sully Wiefels can do and if or which one can overtake Marc Mustoe at LT, or even the huge but limited Stephane Nembot on the right.

§  Akhello Witherspoon has now at least reached Kenneth Crawley as the two are listed as “co-starters” at CB.  The secondary looks to be the most improved unit on the team, with some serious battles still in store for that spot opposite Henderson (Chido will stay in the nickel slot, starting most games), as well as playing time against the spread passing teams.  Jered Bell will lead the group and Soph. Tedric Thompson appears to have locked down the other safety spot. Then they still have depth provided by Yuri Wright, Marques Mosley and Terrell Smith, not to mention incoming freshman Evan White, whom Coach MacIntyre has raved about.

Other roster and player notes:

§  RB Terrence Crowder, who once looked like he was going to be kicked off the team, seems to have turned his life around and is excited to contribute this year, even if it is only on special teams, due to the depth at RB.

§  DB Jeff Hall was scheduled for his court date last week but I never saw an outcome; he is still listed as “suspended”.

§  I believe the team is still 3 or 4 slots over the limit once all the freshmen recruits come in (and the two previous names were possibilities to open a scholarship).  One of the two d-linemen who missed spring ball, or even someone else, might still leave, although both were doing well academically heading into finals. No other attrition of any kind has been reported.  This could also mean a couple of guys could greyshirt.

§  There has been some speculation that there is a former in-state offensive lineman that is not playing at the school he chose and is considering a transfer back to Colorado, but I have not figured out who this is yet (probably because I am too cheap to pay for any extra info).

§  The Pac12 has ten returning starters at quarterback (only Arizona and Washington have to break in new guys), but consensus is that although he has improved greatly, Sefo Liufau is the lowest ranked of any of those QBs. He also has the fewest number of starts under his belt (7).  Questions about his o-line and the loss of P-Rich don’t help his cause, but maybe he can fly under the radar a little.

§  RalphieReport posted this collection of post-spring articles: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2014/4/15/5617198/buff-bites-wrapping-up-spring-football

Injuries: Besides DB Josh Moten (3^rd Achilles tear) and walk-on DL John Tuso, there were no major injuries reported during spring practices.  Most everyone else who was banged up is expected to be 100% healthy for August practices.

§  DE Tim Coleman is still listed as out for the beginning of fall camp, still recovering from his Achilles injury.

2015 Recruiting: The Buffs’ latest verbal commitment and third overall, consensus 3* LB/DE TJ Fehoko (Salt Lake City) had offers from a dozen schools, including Oregon St. and Utah, but chose Colorado mainly based on his relationship with d-line coach Jim Jeffcoat.

Other Buffs Notes:

§  After finals, players will have a few weeks off before summer session starts in late June.  New freshmen will report June 23.  NCAA rules have changed slightly this year in regards to coach-player contact and now all coaches can meet and work with players in the offseason, just not with a ball anywhere present.  The change allows an additional 8 hours per week (assuming student-athletes hit academic benchmarks), with up to two of those hours used for film room work, studying formations, defensive tendencies, cutups, etc.  This should benefit players and the team as a whole, especially with a young team like this one and a “family atmosphere” coaching staff. Players will report for fall camp August 1.

§  ESPN Pac12 blog did an analysis of how conference teams scored per quarter and if they won or lost each quarter.  While Arizona, Oregon, UCLA and Washington outscored their opponents in each quarter over the course of the season, Cal was being outscored in every one.  “Colorado was outscored in the first three quarters but won the fourth decisively, 130-70. That suggests Mike McIntyre's team didn't quit.”

§  Turnovers will be a key statistic this coming season as the Buffs need to cause more takeaways and limit the amount of giveaways.  According to another ESPN Pac12 blog’s analysis, CU was has caused the fewest turnovers in the conference over the last three years, has been 4^th worst in turning the ball over on offense in that time span, having had a negative turnover margin all three years (-26 over that time=worst in conference).  This has got to change.

§  The site also did a nice piece on the Buffs’ general progress and future prospects: http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/71555/colorado-eyeballing-next-step-in-pac-12?ex_cid=espnapi_public

§  Early odds have come out putting the Rocky Mountain “Showdown” as a pick ‘em game”.  Whatever, the Buffs were supposedly underdogs last year and won relatively easily, and this year, as any other year, should be no different.  Bet the house!  However, the early betting lines are not even bothering to give CU a number for odds on winning the national championship, even though both Cal and Utah are getting 500-1 at least at one site.

§  Coach MacIntyre said he has fielded a lot of calls from NFL folks about Paul Richardson, showing that interest is very high on the wide receiver and his potential at the next level.

*The big12 and Pac12 conferences are in the preliminary stages of exploring a possible game in Mexico City.  If it happens for CU against anyone, count me in!