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!