CU-csu preview

I have been feeling pretty confident about this game, but the closer we get the more nervous I become.  There are many reasons to favor both sides, and with two defensive starters lost for the Buffs, this game is very close.  The rams may have had an 8-4 record last year, but realize it was in the Mountain WAC conference, and not a single win came against a team that ended the year with a winning record.  The team from up north needs to replace both lines almost in their entirety, and are down two of the possible replacements on the offensive side.  Both teams have been trying to increase their overall speed and size and both claim to be pleased with progress.  As is often the case, this game will likely be close and come down to play in the trenches where both teams are replacing a lot of guys.

§  Line: I have seen anywhere from “pick ‘em” to CU by 4 ½ leading up to the game, but it seems to have generally settled at CU by 3.

§  Depth Chart moves/Burn the Redshirt: Who will be the first redshirt burned this year?   There are nine true frosh listed on the depth chart and a bunch will play Friday night. Take a look at the opening kickoff as some are expected to at least play on special teams, including WRs Shay Fields, Lee Walker, and Donovan Lee and possibly even Jay MacIntyre, as well as S Evan White.   DEs Christian Shaver and Michael Mathewes will certainly see time, and at least one of DTs Eddy Lopez and Jase Franke.

§  Injuries: S Jered Bell and DE Tyler Henington have been lost for the season due to non-contact ACL tears.  DE Markeis Reed is out a couple of more weeks after hernia surgery. A couple of guys who don’t figure to get playing time are also out for this first game: C Brad Cotner (concussion) and DL Garrett Gregory.

§  The rams have lost a couple of offensive linemen; LB Cory James and TE Kivon Cartwright have been recovering from surgeries but are expected to play.

When the Buffs have the ball:

§  Look for the Buffs to run early and often, establishing the run and pounding on the lamb defensive line, which will be replacing all three starters, giving the o-line a chance to really create some holes for the three or four headed monster that looks to be the Buffs rushing attack.  Michael Adkins will likely start, Christian Powell will get reps at TB and FB, Tony Jones will come in for a few third downs. R-Fr. Phillip Lindsay will also be mixed in and I expect him to make some plays (predicting that he will have a long TD run).  Their jumbo goal-line package with FB George Frazier and Powell is going to be very effective.

§  The offensive line will be the expected (left to right) Jeromy Irwin-Kawai Crabb-Alex Kelley-Daniel Munyer-Stephane Nembot.  The right side will probably be their favorite direction to run, but Munyer is also excellent at pulling to the left.  They have better size and depth here than we have seen since Barnett’s tenure.  I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them play more guys here to develop that depth, especially if they can get a good lead.

§  When they do establish the run, it should really open up the game for QB Sefo Liufau and his deep stable of receivers.  Nelson Spruce and DD Goodson are both going to catch a ton of balls all over, while Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo will be used to stretch the field (Sefo worked hard on the long ball over the summer), with Tyler McCulloch featured in five wideout sets and the red zone for his height.  And they still have true frosh Walker, Lee and even little Jay MacIntyre.  R-Fr. Elijah Dunston looks like the odd man out, but could sneak into the rotation with Devin Ross announcing over Twitter that he is redshirting (it actually seems that he got leapfrogged by the younger guys, maybe has been placed with the scout team and isn’t expected to play much at this point, but Coach Troy Walters said a redshirt was not necessarily the case).

§  They will be up against a ram secondary that is similar to the Buffs, in that they have struggled the past few years but are bringing back a lot of guys who have played.  Their confidence is boosted by the fact that they don’t have to face Paul Richardson.  The Buffs went over the top of the safeties with P-Rich last year, but will likely employ more of a controlled shorter passing game.

§  Coaches have also said that they are encouraging Sefo to run more this year, both in making the choice when to tuck the ball and go, as well as some designed plays (at least once in the Aug. 16 scrimmage, they called a keeper for Sefo on first down).  Not only is Sefo more experienced at reading defenses and making decisions, but he has put on some weight and worked on his quickness to make him a better runner able to take hits.  Additionally, coaches feel much more comfortable this year with Jordan Gehke’s development as the backup, if something were to happen to Sefo, whereas last year that was not the case.

§  Unfortunately, I don’t think the TEs will contribute much to the passing game, but this position could be lethal in this offense with the other talent at RB and WR.  However, Sean Irwin and Kyle Slavin are both strong blockers.  If someone starts catching some balls, it will likely be Irwin.

When the lambikins have the ball:

§  Addison Gilliam will lead the Buff D, which will line up in the nickel more often than not.  Soph. Ken Olugbode will flank him and Woodson Greer will come on for running teams and situations, and I am not sure that we will see much of the other LBs.  But the key here is going to be the defensive line rotation, especially the ends who cannot even boast of one upperclassman. The interior is anchored by Srs. Josh Tupou and Juda Parker, with Jr. Justin Solis, and some depth coming from scrappy Jr. Clay Norgard, versatile So. De’Jon Wilson (will also line up outside) and likely true frosh Eddy Lopez and/or his classmate Jase Franke.  The youthful corps of rush ends will begin with R-Fr. Derek McCartney and So. Jimmy Gilbert, followed by R-Fr. Tim Coleman (Markeis Reed won’t play this week), plus true frosh Christian Shaver and Micheal Mathewes.  This group has to slow down the run game and get some pressure on the QB, or it could be a long day.

§  Garret Grayson is an experienced QB and was invited along with Sefo to the Manning Passing Academy this summer, but you did not hear his name much.  He has a couple of decent receivers in Joe Hansley and Rashard Higgins, and, as they usually do in fort collins, a capable TE or two, although no standouts.  Grayson will spread the ball around and will definitely take some deep shots, especially with Jered Bell out, but I expect this much improved secondary to be up to the task and come away with a couple of interceptions.

§  His offensive line will also have four new starters trying to protect him and create holes for whichever RB tries to replace their top three rushers, none of whom are with the team: Chris Nwoke graduated, Donnell Alexander transferred (smart move my man!) and Kapri Bibbs inexplicably (well, I guess he is a ram) bolted after only his sophomore season for the NFL to become an undrafted free agent clawing to make a practice squad with Denver.  It look like the lambs will also have a running back by committee approach, but they are not nearly as deep as the Buffs. Converted safety Jason Oden will start but expect to see a lot ‘Bama transfer Dee Hart off the bench.  If the line and Gillam can plug up the run game and force Grayson to be one dimensional, it will help everyone.

§  The CU defensive secondary is as deep as it has been in years and coaches have already said they will rotate more players here to keep the players fresh against the quick snaps and waves of receivers some of these spread offenses in the Pac12 send out there.  However, the injury to Bell leaves a hole in experience and leadership.  So. Chido Awuzie, who coaches want on the field as much as possible, is going to take over that free safety spot opposite Tedric Thompson, with Sr. Terrel Smith coming on there in the oft-used nickel package.  Marques Mosley will also play and I expect we also see a decent amount of true frosh Evan White.  Henderson and Crawley will start at the corners, but we should also see some of Witherspoon, Yuri Wright and So. John Walker, who is listed as the #2 nickel.  Expect a couple of big plays by this group, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they gave up a few as well in their first game without Bell.

Special Teams:

§   This is an area that the Buffs should dominate with superior talent and speed as their coverage units (csu killed them here last year) should be way better this season.  Wil Oliver will be the kicker and is still listed as #1 KO (as well as #2 punter), but I really hope we get to see the booming leg of Diego Gonzalez.  Darragh O’Neill looks very strong and I expect a big year from him-he was hyped a lot coming into last year, but some struggles with the rugby style kick dropped his stats and no one is talking about him now.  The Buffs do have a new long snapper in Tucker Smith, and it sounds like he has done very well in camp (mostly because we haven’t heard any concerns).

§  Nelson Spruce will start out returning punts, with Greg Henderson, who had a couple of nice returns in scrimmages, backing him up.  Phillip Lindsay will line up deep for kickoffs with Ryan Severson, with Christian Powell and Tony Jones the other options.

§  Four players were officially listed on the depth chart as “Select Unit Specialists (coverage and return)”: So. RB Terrence Crowder, So. Transfer S/LB Travis Talianko, and Sr. former walk-ons safety Richard Yates and WR Wes Christensen (the two were awarded scholarships for their last season on Tuesday).

§  Overall, the Buffs have just a little more talent, size and speed across the board, but the trenches will be where the game is won, with the offensive line paving the way for  the running backs to run out the clock in the 4^th quarter, Buffs 31 lambs 17.

§  If  you need a little more to make it to Friday’s kickoff:

Stuart’s TIPS: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2014/colorado-state-preview-3/

Plati’s CU Game Notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/csu14/cunotes.pdf

csu game notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/csu14/csunotes.pdf

Fall scrimmage

Normally construction noise is obnoxious and annoying, but today it was beautiful background music to the CU fall scrimmage in front of a few thousand fans on a beautiful Boulder summer morning at Folsom Field.  While the players and coaches were working on the field, university contractors were toiling away, both in the endzone seating area, which is going to look really cool, as well as a crane moving materials around on what used to be Franklin Field and will eventually be the main part of new facilities and the indoor practice field; they have also turned in the last section of new seats so that they face more toward the field in the northeast end.  Here are a few of my personal observations and impressions of the play and players.

The team started with a few kickoffs with all three guys getting a chance, Diego Gonzalez booming his right through the uprights!  Donovan Lee, Lee Walker, Tony Jones, Ryan Severson and Phillip Lindsay were lining up deep in pairs and Lindsay getting the best of the returns.  Most of the rest of the scrimmage was situational, coaches placing the ball where they wanted it for a series or two.  There were four noticeable players missing when the number one offense and defense came out for the first series.   On offense, Shay Fields was the third WR with Spruce and Goodson, with Bryce Bobo nursing a shoulder, and he made some plays.  On defense, it was not a surprise that they came out in the nickel package but it was with T-Fr. Christian Shaver and Michael Mathewes at DE, Olugbode and Greer at LB and Terrell Smith at safety.  DE Derek McCartney and LB Addison Gillam are both also nursing shoulders and should be back next week, but S Jered Bell, for the second time in his career, when he is projected to be a starter, tore his ACL in a non-contact drill in practice and is out for the season.  The only silver lining is that he should be a shoe-in for a sixth year waiver and hopefully will be back next season. WR Elijah Dunston and CB Akhello Witherspoon also sat out.  Coaches played a lot of players and combinations.  MacIntyre said some guys were a little weary after nine practices in six days, but they get Sunday off.

The offense seemed to do a lot better than it sounded like they did last week.  For most of the morning, they played a lot of different combinations of first and second teamers, and probably a few third string that could move up or make the travel squad.  They scored a lot of TDs in red zone and goal line situations, but there were only some extended drives.  All the RBs looked good, with most everyone except Michael Adkins, including even FB George Frazier (also a big 4^th down block), getting in the end zone.  However, the star of the day was probably redshirt freshman Phillip Lindsay was is unbelievably quick laterally and showed why MacIntyre calls him the “Tasmanian Devil” with some nifty cuts and runs, and two TDs; I predict he will lead all RBs in yards from scrimmage, in addition to being the main kickoff returner when it is all said and done.  WRs Nelson Spruce and DD Goodson are both going to have big years in terms of receptions, as they both know how to get open on the shorter routes.  Devin Ross played slot and outside and I think will have a nice season battling Fields for playing time.  Sr. Tyler McCulloch made a couple of plays, but when push comes to shove, DBs beat him on close balls.  I hardly noticed Sean Irwin or Kyle Slavin and a dangerous TE is what this offense is still seriously lacking.  It looks like the o-line is going to be the expected JeromyIrwin/Crabb/Kelley/Munyer/Nembot, but the backups are the best they have been in years in case something happens.  Sefo was very solid, moved the team fairly well, was good in the redzone, but his long ball is still often a little lone-Rick Neuheisel, on the Pac12 Network CU preview show, told Sefo he still has a tendency to stiffen his front leg and overthrow the deep ball.  Jordan Gehke looked much better than in the spring, threw a nice ball most of the time, is still a better runner, but his mistakes are what makes him second string.

The defense had at least three turnovers: Ken Crawley stripped Tony Jones near the goal line and Chido Awuzie recovered it; late in the session T-Fr. LB Rick Gamboa tipped a ball that was picked off by Terrel Smith; but the best play was a diving catch of a Jordan Gehrke pass by safety Evan White, who will be hard to keep off the field tis year, especially with Bell out.  Chido got some snaps at safety as well and will battle Tedric Thompson, Marques Mosley and Smith to re-establish the new safety and nickel back pecking order.  The defense had a couple of sacks and a few stops.  I am not sure if this d-line is going to be good and deep enough to take some pressure off the DBs against some of these offenses they will face, but the DBs are pretty good and they will cause more turnovers this season at least.  The defense will also be much better and faster with Gillam instead of Greer with the first team nickel.  Olugbode twisted an ankle early but came right back in the next series.  I will be curious to see the defensive line depth chart but both Shaver and Mathewes are going to play.  I didn’t notice Jase Franke but many think he will play this season as well, possibly like De’Jon Wilson a little inside and outside.

They ran a bunch of punts with various guys-Lee Walker, Donovan Lee, Jay MacIntyre, Greg Henderson and Shay Fields.  I have no idea who will be back there for csu.  Spruce didn’t get any reps but they know what they get with him.  Henderson had best return but I would be reluctant to put him out there unless he really wants to for NFL scouts.  Fields  had a TD called back by a penalty.  Walker and Donovan are also both very fast and quick.  I think it’s in everyone’s best interest if baby Mac redshirts.  O’Neill looked pretty good, booming some nice high punts (and no rugby style) but he was the only punter and I am not sure if they even have a backup (they have a committed punter in latest class).

The last few series were mostly the other backups with true frosh Cade Apsay leading the offense. His throws were really nice (except maybe the Gamboa tip-Smith INT), he didn’t look like a deer in the headlights, and appears to be the 3^rd string, with Awini and Gangi only calling signals on the sidelines and never taking a snap.  Little MacIntyre got a lot of play here with some screens and quick outs.

The entire team ran a few sets of lines at the end and then fans were invited onto the field to talk with and get pictures with players.  It was a really great vibe and the team and fans were very excited about the season’s possibilities, starting in less than two weeks in Denver.

Go Buffs!

Pre-scrimmage depth chart projections

Although there has been no official updated depth chart released, it appears that the coaches have a pretty good idea who is on their two-deep and are narrowing down exactly who is going to play, travel and run with the scout team.  MacIntyre claims they have a depth in pencil, and that they will update it and post it Sunday.  So far, much of each practice has been divided into two groups for a lot of 11-on-11 work, with the ones and twos basically on one field, with the threes, fours and any other backups, walk-ons, not yet eligible transfers (like QB Awini) on another.  Two thirds of the team are underclassmen and I think at least 25 of those guys will get serious playing time, although some mainly or only on special teams. Each day, a few bodies are switched to give some younger guys a look with the big boys. Likewise, coaches are working with both groups to see who is sticking out in the second group.  A few times I have seen just one grad assistant running each of the ½ offense and defense, while all the other coaches are watching the backups.

Coach MacIntyre called this week “Identity Week” (nine practices in six days) and will be the last chance for players to make their case for playing time, culminating with the scrimmage today.  Special teams play and contribution will help break ties and define the travel squad.  Tuesday’s practice session, the first directly after a two-a-day, was sluggish to start, with the entire defense having to run and getting chewed out by senior captain Juda Parker for not being focused.  Friday’s morning session was described as the best morning practice of two-a-days.  A lot of alumni and former coaches have been attending practices including The Real Coach Mac Bill McCartney, Gary Barnett, Rick Neuheisel (Pac12 Networks did their thing), student Daniel Graham, John Hessler.

Starting next week, they will begin installing the csu game plan and setting up the scout team.  Friday night’s practice was under the lights to simulate some things for csu.

Here’s quick look at where each position group stands, from my perspective anyway (probable starters in bold, backups who will certainly play in italics, with regular font others who could possibly factor, but could also be headed for a redshirt if possible, or the scout team).  I’ll update next week, after the scrimmage and the release that first official depth chart.

Defensive backs:  Greg Henderson+, Kenneth Crawley+, Chidobe Awuzie+, Jered Bell, Tedric Thompson+; Terrell Smith+, Ahkello Witherspoon, Marques Mosley+, Yuri Wright+, Ryan Moeller+, John Walker+, Evan White+, Jaisen Sanchez^.

Linebackers: Addison Gillam, Kenneth Olugbode, Woodson Greer, Brady Daigh+; Deaysean Rippy+, Ryan Severson+, Travis Tailanko+ (just switched from safety), Hunter Shaw+ (if you don’t know this name, he is a walk-on that just keeps making plays in practice, earned a gold Uncommon jersey, and will play at least on special teams).

Defensive Ends:  Derek McCartney, Tyler Henington (full participation); Jimmie Gilbert, De’Jon Wilson (also at DT), Markeis Reed*, Tim Coleman, Michael Matthewes, Christian Shaver^, Garrett Gregory (S), Terran Hassalbach^.

Defensive Tackle: Josh Tupou, Justin Solis; Juda Parker, Clay Norgard, Eddy Lopez OR Jase Franke^ (Franke has gotten a little more attention lately, but Lopez is a little bigger).

Offensive Line:  Jeromy Irwin*, Kawai Crabb, Alex Kelley, Daniel Munyer, Stephane Nembot; Marc Mustoe, Sully Wiefels, Shane Callahan, Jonathon Huckins, John Lisella, Sam Kronshrage and I am not listing many others who have little chance of getting on the field including all true frosh who should redshirt^.

Tight Ends:  Sean Irwin; Kyle Slavin, Connor Center+, Dylan Keeney* OR Hayden Jones (Keeney was supposed to be the better pass catcher, but Jones has impressed in his absence-one will play+, one will redshirt^ and play Scout team ).

Wide Receivers:  Nelson Spruce, DD Goodson, Bryce Bobo; Devin Ross, Shay Fields, Tyler McCulloch, Elijah Dunston, Lee Walker+, Donovan Lee+, Jay MacIntyre^.

Running backs: Christian Powell, Michael Adkins; Tony Jones, Phillip Lindsay; George Frazier+, Malcolm Creer, Terrence Crowder (S/+), Jordan Murphy+.

Quarterback: Sefo Liufau, Jordan Gehrke, Cade Apsay, Ty Gangi, Jaleel Awini (S).

Special Teams:  K-Will Oliver; P-Darragh O’Neill, LS-Tucker Smith; Returners (one of most unknown positions)-Nelson Spruce, Greg Henderson, Shay Fields, Lee Walker, Donovan Lee, Jay MacIntyre.

*Injured The team has been relatively injury with only one really serious injury-DE Markeis Reed might miss a couple of games after hernia surgery on Tuesday.  TE Dylan Keeney (knee) is still out but expected to be back soon. Others who have missed time this week: Kronshrage (concussion), Gillam (shoulder), J. Irwin sat out with soreness in foot (precaution and gives others reps).

^These players are true freshmen who are likely to redshirt and therefore listed last.  If there is an OR between the last two names, it is because I think one will play and one will redshirt, just not sure which is which.  Any true frosh not listed are assumed to be redshirting (i.e. LB Rick Gamboa).

+Players with a good shot of at least contributing on special teams units.

(S) Scout team Only a couple are actually listed as such, including Awini, since he has to sit out his transfer year, but he will most certainly lead the opponent emulating offense this year.  Anyone not listed here, or who does not end up on the two-deep+ depth chart, will likely be part of the scout team to prepare for upcoming opponents, unless an injury occurs.

Go Buffs!

More Practice Notes

The first thing I heard as I walked on to the practice field, along with the first players Thursday, was defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat’s booming voice, “It’s big boys pads today!”  Although they actually wore full pads for the first time Wednesday, they ramped up the hitting and had a lot of physical drills on the second day of full contact, including an intense session of Oklahoma, where one-one-one blocking is highlighted with the whole team spread out watching four lines.  The QBs and wide receivers did some specific “tip drill” practice. In general, I am still really impressed how much everyone moves around, how efficient they are, and how hard the coaches work.  The head coach himself was throwing some pretty nice deep balls in a CB drill and then picking up pads and to clear the field for 11-on-11s. I also headed up for part of the second afternoon practice on Saturday which was much more low key in shells only, more guys standing around watching, especially on the special teams semi-live walk throughs.

The gold uncommon jerseys were broken out Thursday for the first time, with RB Christian Powell and LBs Ryan Severson and Hunter Shaw sporting them for their play in practice Wednesday.  Last August, coaches watched film and awarded to the players who made the biggest hustle plays; if someone was awarded it more than once, they wore for the rest of camp.  Friday’s choices for the gold top with a giant U on front and “Uncommon” on the back nameplate were DBs Ken Crawley and Marques Mosley, as well as OG Sully Wiefels, who I guess made a block at the line of scrimmage on a screen and then made another 60 yards downfield.  Crawley has looked very good in camp and I think  might have solidified his starting spot over JC transfer and spring game star Akehllo Witherspoon, who has been much less consistent in the practice sessions I have seen.   Crawley has been repeatedly praised by coaches, was called “most improved DB” by nickel back Chido Awuzie, and most importantly, I have not seen him called out and running like I have just about every other CB. Likewise, Mosley might also be growing up and with Bell out, has gotten some extra reps with the first group.  No one wore the Uncommon jerseys in the afternoon Saturday session.

Although the Buffs are hoping to play less true freshmen this year, there a few who will probably still find their way onto the field. Coach MacIntyre said he won’t discuss any true frosh until after the first game, but I will.  DE Michael Mathewes has really impressed everyone at the fields and he seems to be “getting it” more than his fellow rookie linemates. S Evan White looks very imposing and has also been getting reps with the one/two group and has held his own; it would be nice to redshirt him, let him put on some weight and learn, but I think it will be hard to keep him off the field, as he will be an asset on special teams.  CB Jaisen Sanchez has great size, and has turned some heads, but I think they will try and redshirt him and he may eventually end up at safety or even linebacker once he fills out.  Everyone is expecting four-star recruit WR Shay Fields to earn his way onto the field, and I would be flabbergasted if he redshirted, but fellow freshmen wideouts Lee Walker and Donovan Lee (could play some RB but have seen mostly at WR) are also getting a lot of reps with the ones/twos also and although this is a deep group.  They will likely use a lot of guys and wide receiver combinations to keep everyone fresh but also to take advantage of different strengths.  TE Hayden Jones looks the part, although he is raw and needs to put on some weight, with Keeney injured, he might be forced into action.  Lastly, to tell you the truth, QB Cade Apsay does not look like he is ready to grab any playing time as he still often looks lost, and is likely headed for a redshirt, although his arm does look great.

Some veterans who have looked good include WR Tyler McCulloch, whose height should be a huge advantage and has always been a practice monster, but he has had a lot trouble on contested balls in games; he has to step it up now in his last year against a very deep group.  RB Malcolm Creer is finally healthy and has looked great, although he is stuck with the backups group and remains 5^th on depth chart. R-Fr. RB Phillip Lindsay, who is running with the first group, is unbelievably quick-MacIntyre calls him the “Tasmanian Devil”-and I have twice seen him leave a defensive teammate flat-footed; he will be very hard to keep off the field, taking snaps away from Creer and Tony Jones, who has not looked bad at all, but just is not as talented. Connor Center looks like a tight end and will likely get on the field with his size for red zone and third downs, but is still very raw.  DT Josh Tupou has trimmed down but is toned, still huge but very cut, and will be a beast inside.  I can’t say that I am a judge of offensive line technique or anything like that, but R-Fr. Jonathon Huckins has been getting a lot of reps with the first team line at center and seems to be in line for at least the backup spot there.  QB Jaleel Awini looks great-strong arm, great legs and big body-but he will be the main scout team QB as he sits out his transfer year.  The players that MacIntyre said have stuck out for him were Tupou, CBs Henderson and Crawley, LBs Olugbode and Severson, center Alex Kelley and both Irwins.

There was some special teams work both days, although no live returns.  The guys I noticed catching punts (no run backs, although sometimes a player running at them) were: WR Nelson Spruce, CB Greg Henderson, WR Shay Fields, RB Tony Jones, one or maybe both of Donovan Lee or Lee Walker, and even little Jay MacIntyre.  They also ran some basically live FGs, with two groups out there at a time, one setting up while the other is kicking so it is ready to go and they can pack in a bunch of attempts with a little “pressure”.  I don’t think anyone has practiced a punt except Darragh O’Neill, so I hope he stays healthy.

The injuries are starting to mount as the physicality of practice increases.  There are no major injuries yet, but a couple of guys will be out for a few weeks.  It turns out that R-Fr. DE Markeis Reed, who has been jogging around the fields the last few days does have a hernia, and will have surgery that will sideline him a month or so.  T-Fr. TE Dylan Keeney’s injury (first mentioned here) is a minor MCL that will keep him out a couple of weeks but will not require surgery.  R-Fr. DE Tim Coleman had a scare with some neck pain and was taken to hospital for precaution in ambulance, but was reported to be fine and was back in practice Saturday afternoon.  Anyone who is not concussed and is able, is set up on “Muscle Beach”, over in the corner of the third field, doing conditioning work.  DE Tyler Henington is still out with his ankle. Safety Jered Bell’s elbow “tweak” was more like a hyperextension and he is now practicing with an elbow brace and blue penny.  CB John Walker was also sporting a blue injury penny Saturday afternoon and Deaysean Rippy was also not doing drills but jogging with Markeis Reed. 

Facilities upgrades:  Here’s the latest cam link where they have added a second view: http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=600&ATCLID=209458799

Sunday was an off day, with two-a-days scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week.  Next Saturday, August 16, will be a scrimmage at 9AM in Folsom and will be the last practice session open to the public before the team starts specifically preparing for the lambies. I am going to try and hit one more practice this week if I can squeeze it in and will definitely be up at the scrimmage.

Go Buffs!

Some practice observations from August 4

It was great to get out to the practice fields on a gorgeous Boulder Monday. The Buffs’ third practice of August was the first in shoulder pads/shells with supposedly minimal contact but I was impressed how physical it was.  There was a lot of hitting, although only wrapping up and no tackling.  Coach MacIntyre spoke to the fact that he thought the team was very aggressive in how they practiced.  However, the best news of the day came well after practice when it was announced that the NCAA had granted So. o-lineman Shane Callahan a waiver to play immediately after his transfer from Auburn (as one of his reasons was a sick family member), putting him immediately in competition for a starting spot.

The second thing that impressed me was the pace of practice in general, during drills and in between.  Players were usually kept moving at all times and if they weren’t, coaches let them hear it and many players, both veterans and rookies, heard their names yelled often and did some laps. The team often split into two groups-basically ones and twos on one field, with everyone else on the other, including some 11-on-11.  They also employ many drill stations, with players usually in position groups moving quickly through various centers, which rarely involve any standing around.  The coaches are also kept moving constantly and the equipment staff is always working to set up the next set of necessary items.  I tried to keep up with one defensive graduate assistant coach as he acted as QB for DBs, worked with d-lineman in various blocking and footwork drills, ran stations for the rotating defensive position groups, frequently sprinting across the field and even setting up much of his own equipment, and then he even ran some extra conditioning drills with some players after practice.  MacIntyre himself is very active (and super skinny), moving around the field, but getting down and dirty on a few drills as well.

The third impressive item of note was the size of the team.  They look much more physically imposing, stronger and just plain bigger.  In the past, Stephane Nembot stood out like a throbbing cartoon thumb in offensive line drills.  But now, he is just another large body among many, with the addition of guys like massive frosh Isaiah Holland, transfer Shane Callahan, and visibly bulked up current “starting” LT Marc Mustoe, as well as R-Fr. Jonathon Huckins and Sam Kronshsrage.  Across the board they look a lot bigger and much more ready for Pac12 play. Huckins looked like he was getting as many “first team” reps at center as Alex Kelley and Kawai Crabb.  In fact, offensive linemen were all over the place, being tried out in a variety of positions and combinations, both to see what they have and to develop versatile players and depth.  I noticed that both Jeromy Irwin and Sully Wiefels spent a lot of time at guard. With Callahan eligible to play, the line just got very interesting, as the LT job is wide open, the guards could possibly shuffle some, and even Nembot’s RT slot might be in jeopardy.  RG Daniel Munyer might be the only guy who is 100% guaranteed of a starting job right now.

One of the players that caught my eye was T-Fr. WR Shay Fields, who blew by DBs on more than one occasion.  When I first arrived I saw #5 make a play and when I checked the roster, I was not surprised to see it belonged to Fields. I also liked the way he got down on himself, when he let Yuri Wright knock a ball away from him, but then jumped right back up.  Another impressive player was DT Josh Tupou, who is slimmed down but still very big and very buff (pun always intended).  S Ryan Moeller seemed to be running with 1s/2s, while Marques Mosley was with backups.  With the latest attrition on the d-line (some only temporary due to injury), walk-on Garrett Gregory got some time with the first two units.  I actually didn’t watch nearly as much offense as defense, so I can’t give much opinion on QBs or RBs.  Unfortunately, I never got to see K Diego Gonzales really boom the ball, but Chris Graham has the longest kickoff run up I have ever seen. There was no return work that I saw.

I am hoping to head back up Thursday, the first day of full pads and tackling. 

Injury notes:

§  LB Addison Gillam left practice early to get fluids as I guess he has been sick.  

§  S Ryan Moeller was losing fluids all over the field late in practice, but continued to play, even as he was getting chewed out for not making a play.

§  DE Markeis Reed was back in practice, but was not a full participant, a day after suffering what coaches feared could be a hernia.  Hopefully, that is a good sign.  

    Tyler Henington was out with his sprained ankle.

§  There were a couple of other guys in weight vests who were not practicing.

§  S Jered Bell banged an elbow but it is not considered serious.

§  WR Lee Walker and S Tedric Thompson both got some treatment but returned to the field.

§  This was not reported anywhere (it didn’t look like any of the chatting reporters even noticed when it happened and nobody asked MacIntyre about it), but true frosh TE Dylan Keeney limped off early in the session and did not return, sitting off to the side with ice on his knee.  

First two practices in the books

The CU Buffaloes opened their fall camp this weekend, reporting Friday and hitting the fields Saturday.  From all accounts, it has been reported that the team looks bigger, stronger and more physically fit than they have in a long time.  I know this has been said every August the last few seasons, but eventually it will stop because one of these years they will actually look like a Pac-12-sized school.  I am headed up today (Monday) to see for myself.   Coach MacIntyre said the team had a “good, not great” first session, but that everything ran smoothly and much more efficiently than last year’s first day.  That is obviously to be expected in the second year with this staff, but also because coaches were allowed to meet with players during the summer, including the new freshmen, to lay some of the foundations.  He went further on Sunday, calling the practice one of the best second days he has ever been around.  The team is again asking anyone who attends to not write anything significant or detailed about what they observe.  Therefore, there is not much to report yet, but there are a few items of interest.

            Two transfers joined the squad, former Air Force QB Jaleel Awini and ex -Auburn OT Shane Callahan, and both looked very good in their first work with the team.  Both must sit out a year, but Callahan is appealing for a hardship waiver because one of his reasons for transferring was a sick family member.  OT Jeromy Irwin is indeed healthy and back at full speed, waiting for Saturday when he can hit someone for the first time a year and a half, and start earning his starting spot.  Terrell Smith is also ready to hit again and try to earn playing time in a crowded secondary after sitting out last season repairing his mangles shoulder.  Everyone else (including R-Fr. WR Bryce Bobo who had some classes to complete this summer) appears good to go from the academic side.

            It’s a good thing Andy LaRussa switched to defensive ends, not only because it is one of the most important groups, or that it’s a generally inexperienced group, but because the numbers keep falling and everyone is going to need to be ready to play.  A couple of players will already not be participating with the team this fall: DE Leo Jackson, a JC transfer, still needs one class to be eligible and will delay his enrollment until January; we also finally learned the fate of d-lineman Samson Kafovalu, who was struggling to get his classwork straight, has decided to take a semester off for “personal reasons”, go back home and supposedly return to the school and team in January.  Something tells me this is the last we see of “Kool Aid”.  Then, Tyler Henington incurred the first injury of the camp when he rolled an ankle in the first session, although it is not considered serious. However, next, Markeis Reed pulled up with what might be a hernia.  This opens the door for all of the young kids to get more reps and possibly playing time.  One of those players is Tim Coleman who suffered a major knee injury in high school, then tore his Achilles a year ago, and is now fully healthy for the first time as a Buffalo.

            For the first time since anyone can remember, the Colorado defensive secondary is stocked with experienced players, giving them their best combination of talent, speed and depth in years.  College football guru Phil Steele went as far as to rank this group as 7^th in the conference, and get this, 34^th in the country!  This is especially important as Coach MacIntyre said they are taking a new approach with DBs this year, facing so many up-tempo, spread offenses that throw the ball 40-50 times a game these days.  The plan is to use more players rotating in and out, keeping everyone fresh physically and mentally, trying to match the waves of receivers teams are using on offense.  They have the numbers to do so this year with five experienced safeties (Bell, Thompson, Mosley, Smith, Talianko), not to mention R-Fr. Ryan Moeller and true frosh Evan White, who is already turning some heads, even before putting on pads and really hitting.  They also have a deep group of hungry cornerbacks, led by former four-star recruit Yuri Wright, ready to compete with the four top dogs (Henderson, Awuzie, Crawley, Witherspoon).  MacIntyre himself will be working a lot with this group, especially since he moved LaRussa from CBs to DEs this spring.  This is a group I always like to watch, but will definitely want to spend a lot of my time following that group around the field today.

            Other things I will be watching for: Who is running with the ones on the o-line? How do Jeromy Irwin, Sully Wiefels (have yet to see even a mention of him) and the other lineman look?  Who are the receivers making the most heads turn?  Is frosh Shay Fields for real?  Is there a tight end who is going to break out?  Is Phillip Lindsay pushing for playing time?  Which other freshmen are looking good?  Who is working on punt and kickoff returns?  Is Diego Gonzalez consistent enough to take over on kickoffs?

Other Buffs Notes:

§  Facilities upgrades: After reviewing projections and the current reality, the estimate for the project has increased almost $13M dollars due to increasing labor costs and unanticipated problems with soil quality.  I don’t thing this is that big of a deal and he transparency and honesty is refreshing.  I can only imagine that a previous regime would have kept that fact quiet, rather than just owning up to it immediately, and it would have eventually come out and bitten the bohnhead in the ass.

§  2015 Recruiting: The Buffs picked up their 8^th verbal commitment from Arizona DE Brett Tonz.

Go Buffs!

2014 Colorado Fall Camp Positional Preview

Football season is officially here as the Colorado Buffaloes reported today and have their first practice tomorrow, Saturday, August 2.  The team has exactly four weeks to prepare for the season opening game against little brother (who actually have 2 less days as csu “players” report Sunday) in Denver on August 29.  There is a ton to be excited about as well as a plethora of questions to answer as camp begins. Since practices are open to the public and I have nothing better to do, I will hit up a few sessions and give some updates and impressions over the next two weeks.  Here are my dos pesos heading into the fall on each position grouping with projected starters, depth and possible impact of any incoming freshmen. The guys that I especially like are italicized.  Everyone else always starts with the QBs and the offense and ends with special teams, so I am going about it in reverse.

Special Teams:  We know the kicker (Will Oliver), we know the punter (Darragh O’Neill), we hope the Mexicano (Diego Gonzalez) wins the kickoff job (he hadn’t surpassed Oliver yet by the end of the spring), and we know next to nothing about the returners, except that Nelson Spruce is likely the sure-handed guy on punts and will keep the job if no one else grabs it in August.  The team will be breaking in a new long snapper in JC transfer Tucker Smith. During the spring, the team didn’t really practice live kickoffs and returns at all, and punt returns were minimal as well. So, basically, the return positions are all wide open and there for the taking and numerous freshmen, including redshirt DB Ryan Moeller, will be given the opportunity to win the return jobs.  This will be a point of focus for the coaches Neinas and MacIntyre, as well as media and fan observers (like me) during practices.

Cornerbacks:  What has been a nightmare position for many years, is finally starting to look respectable, on paper and even on the field.  The team has stockpiled some decent talent and there will be some serious competition for playing time in this pass happy conference. Greg Henderson is already a senior, is probably the most underrated player in the Pac-12 and will be counted on to lock down one side.  So. Chidobe Awuzie will be a big-time contributor again this season, likely manning the (basically starting) nickel slot again as he did as a true freshman.  The main competition is at the second CB spot between incumbent Kenneth Crawley and transfer Ahkello Witherspoon, who was the star of the spring game and is much more aggressive to the ball. That is four pretty solid corners and they still have some potential talent in Yuri Wright, John Walker and others. Freshman Jaisen Sanchez should be able to redshirt. 

Safeties: While maybe not yet considered a position of strength, this group is also pretty deep with at least five players who could garner some field time.  They are led by a solid senior, Jered Bell, who will not sprint by anyone, but brings a lot of experience to the free safety position.  The biggest question is who will flank him?  Will Marques Mosley ever live up to the expectations set by playing as a true freshman or has he been permanently surpassed by So. Tedric Thompson?  Undersized Sr. Terrell Smith is finally healthy but as usual is not being talked about much; somehow he has always found a way to get on the field, and should line up at least in dime packages.  The team also added Travis Talianko, who transferred from a JC via San Jose St. and will contribute at least on special teams. The last wild card is R-Fr.Ryan Moeller, who is a walk-on but has impressed many with his hustle and play (a BoulderDevil favorite) and is not content to just play special teams.  Evan White has a lot of potential and may play as a true frosh, but it will be mostly for special teams, as it will be hard (I still can’t believe I am writing this) to crack the defensive lineup at this point. 

Note: Charles Clark will coach the entire secondary this year (with help from MacIntyre, but Andy LaRussa moves from CBs to DEs) and he knows his group is probably going to be underrated and underestimated early in the season and will look to surprise some opponents.  I expect some picks early in the schedule, especially if they generate some pass rush up front, at least through the first couple conference games before the opponents get tougher and teams start to adjust. 

Linebackers: This is yet another grouping that has been building some depth and is finally starting to look like a Pac12 worthy unit.  Addison Gillam is a sophomore captain who will rarely leave the field , an all-conference candidate (or more) who is the unquestioned leader of this defense in every way.  Who plays alongside him, will depend on the opponent and situation.  It looks like the frontrunner to start most days is fellow sophomore, the “really freaking good” Kenneth Olugbode, who bulked up over the summer and hopefully remains the team’s fastest LB with the ability to cover TEs and pick up RBs coming out of the backfield.  The battle for any other playing time is between transfer Deaysean Rippy, who was underwhelming in the spring, and two former starters, last year’s third LB Jr. Woodson Greer, and Sr. Brady Daigh (has lost the weight he was forced to gain by Embree’s staff), who may be counted on as an early down run-stopper against some teams. This group is receiving an influx of freshman talent, all of whom will be able to redshirt, unless they are called upon for special teams duty like Ryan Severson last year.

Defensive Ends: The fairy tale ends at the defensive line, at least for now, as there are still way too many questions here between academics, injuries and general shuffling, we really don’t know what we are getting here yet.  The d-ends have some definite potential, but just not that much experience with R-Fr. Derek McCartney coming off a great spring and veteran Tyler Henington settling in after moving outside. De’Jon Wilson has never lived up to expectations, but this might finally be his time after a lot of scout team praise (could also play some inside). Depth will be provided by youth: Jimmie Gilbert, a contributor last season, is healthy after missing the spring, and has put on over 20 pounds; So. R-Fr.Markeis Reed, who had a quiet spring; fellow redshirt Tim Coleman, still not quite recovered from his Achilles injury.  True frosh Michael Matthewes has a very good chance of sneaking into the rotation.  The other frosh, Christian Shaver (although Coach Jeffcoat was very high on him) and Terran Hasslalbach, will likely redshirt.  Whether or not the line can create some pressure on QBs will be the key to the success of this defense, which is probably why LaRussa was moved to coach the ends.  Although this group is relatively unknown, they could end up being the biggest surprise of the year.

Defensive Tackle: This group has some numbers, but it is just not clear yet how many and where everyone will settle, but coaches Jim Jeffcoat and JB Hall (graduate assistant) are excited about what they have in place.  One sure thing is that Jr. Josh Tupou will start at one of the tackle spots, but two candidates for the other spot spent the spring in the library and not the practice fields, leaving the job to Sr. captain Juda Parker, who moved inside from end.  Justin Solis is good to go academically, at minimum giving them a little depth, but could also regain his starting job.  Samson Kafovalu still needs to finish some summer work to be eligible but would play if he is allowed.  Undersized Clay Norgard made some plays in the spring and should finally get on the field.  However, I wouldn’t be surprised if one or even both of the incoming frosh, Eddy Lopez or Jase Franke, end up getting immediate playing time, especially if Kafovalu doesn’t make the grade(s).

Offensive Line:  As usual, this group is another work in progress with a lot of questions, even after starting the same five in all games last year and returning three of them.  The situation remains basically unchanged since the start of spring ball: we know four of the probable starters-RT Stephane Nembot (beast in run game but a little scary at times in pass protection), Jr. Kaiwi Crabb and Sr. Daniel Munyer will likely fill the guard spots, with So. Alex Kelley (mentioned by Forman as having big summer in weight room) probably at center.  The last left tackle position, the one that protects Sefo’s blind side, is still up for grabs.  Coaches, media and fans alike have expected Jeromy Irwin to finally finish recovering from his off-the-field foot injury (over a year now) and take the LT slot.  However, Marc Mustoe is listed there for now, with transfer Sully Wiefels set to join the competition.  If needed Kawai Crabb could move to out to LT, but then they would need a replacement for him in the middle (possibly Cotner to center and Kelley to guard).  The last wild card here is Auburn transfer (closer to home, family illness) Shane Callahan, who is petitioning for a waiver from the NCAA so he wouldn’t have to sit out a year, and would instantly be in the mix for a tackle spot. With Jonathon Huckins, Sam Kronshrage, Gerald Kough and others adding depth to the top seven or eight guys, the incoming freshmen, like Isaiah Holland, will be able to redshirt.

Tight Ends:  This group is probably still a year or two away from significantly contributing to offensive production, but it appears So. Sean Irwin has emerged as the starter, with disappointing Sr. Kyle Slavin and a slew of walk-ons as backups.  The very raw but huge R-Fr. Connor Center could factor in around the goal line.  Both true frosh, Dylan Keeney and Hayden Jones (could also line up on d-line), will get an opportunity to play, if they are big and strong enough and can figure out the playbook.

Wide Receivers:  This was the group everyone was worried about after losijng P-Rich, but is now becoming the popular choice for surprise group, mostly because there is so much depth and potential.  Sefo has shown the ability to spread the ball around and has a lot of weapons to utilize in a variety of formations.  The most talked about player this spring was probably R-Fr. Bryce Bobo, the offensive star of the Spring game, who was mentioned after almost every practice and appears to have locked down the starting job opposite Nelson Spruce (it appears that Bobo has taken care of summer academic requirements).  Now a senior, DD Goodson also had a nice spring and could have a breakout year in the slot. So. Devin Ross and R-Fr. Elijah Dunston both struggled with injuries this spring but provide speed and depth, along with Sr. Tyler McCulloch (a former starter who may not even play that much).  This group still has three true freshmen who could make an impact: four-star recruit Shay Fields will be one of the most watched players on the practice fields; Lee Walker turned a lot of heads during the spring; many are excited to see what versatile Donovan “ultimate scatback” Lee can do.  It looks like Jay MacIntyre is being listed as a WR for now, but I can’t see him contributing any time soon.

Running backs: This group has also built some depth, but there are many questions as to what the pecking order will be this year. Last year’s three leading performers are all back and will play some role.  Christian Powell is a Doak Walker watch lister although he will only sometimes be the single back, often lining up as fullback (see below), providing a one-two punch in two-back sets with the other guys.  Although Michael Adkins was listed fifth on the depth chart before the spring game (mostly due to having missed practice for injury), he is still expected to be the starter and probably will end up with the most touches, yards and touchdowns.  Sr. Tony Jones made sure nobody will forget about him with a strong Spring game, and R-Fr Phillip Lindsay might have been the most talked about offensive player this spring besides Sefo and Bobo.  Sr. Malcolm Creer even looked good when he touched the ball in scrimmages.  Terrence Crowder will likely have to sit.  That leaves six horses (seven with scatback Lee) in the stable, with the two seniors only playing minor roles, enough depth for now and the immediate future that the team did not feel the need to sign anyone here.

Fullback: Although the Buffs don’t regularly employ a fullback they obviously can use Powell, but George Frazier is also an intriguing linebacker who started practicing at FB before getting injured and sitting out the spring.  If the redshirt freshman is healthy, the Powell-Frazier combination could be an intimidating goal-line package.

Quarterback: Sefo Liufau is the unquestioned starter, voted captain by teammates, looking and sounding more and more in command of the offense, and improving in all aspects of his game: footwork and mechanics, general accuracy and arm strength on both short and deep balls, film work and playbook knowledge, as well as team leadership.  They should be able to open up the play book a lot more this season with his knowledge, experience and versatile stable of weapons.  Jordan Gehrke is the backup coaches say they feel comfortable with after having seen him in the spring, but I would prefer that we only see him in mop up time.  I do think he can hold off Cade Apsay for the number two job, hopefully allowing the frosh to redshirt and put two years between he and Sefo.

See you at practice! 

Go Buffs!