–
Fall Camp Notes
–
August 6th
- Schedule for today … Meetings, Practice #5 (7:40-10:30a), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p)
Coach MacIntyre’s Wednesday post-practice comments
(Video can be found here)
On getting more physical now that the team is in full pads … “We got more physical today – not the whole time, we just picked certain periods, to make sure we were more physical. I thought they did a good job. I thought the running backs made some nice cuts today, I really did. They had their weight behind their pads, a good body lean, good cutting. It was something I thought I would see, but I didn’t know if I would see it in the first day in full pads, so it was great to see that”.
On the competition level … “I thought the competition was good. I think they got tired, pads on. Anybody wrestle? It doesn’t look like they’re doing anything, but it wears you out. That’s what’s happening, they have to get used to that type of conditioning. So that’s why we do it in periods, kind of phase it in over time … but they kept competing. There’s no doubt they kept competing”.
On the schedule … “Shorts the first two days, then helmets and shoulder pads, then full pads on the fifth day (Wednesday)”.
Are the players excited to be in full pads … “Yeah. I think most of them are excited. I told the freshmen I would call all their moms to see if it was okay to do. The upperclassmen always tease them, ‘Hey, did you call your mom?’. So that’s always fun … Every phase is different. We’re going to start two-a-days on Saturday, so that’s a different phase. And then we’ll come out of that, and we’ll start on game preparation, and so that’s different, and then all of the sudden it’s game week. There’s all these different phases, building up excitement for them”.
—
Fall scrimmage set for August 16th
From cubuffs.com … Don’t miss the best opportunity to see the University of Colorado football team in action prior to the start of the season as coach Mike MacIntyre and the Buffs will host a free, open scrimmage at Folsom Field on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 9 a.m.
The first scrimmage of fall camp, it also serves as the final opportunity to see the Buffs prior to the Rocky Mountain Showdown on August 29 against Colorado State at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, as it will be the final practice session of fall camp open to the public.
After the scrimmage, season ticket holders will be invited down to the field for a “Season Ticket Holder Selfie Session,” an opportunity to take photos with their favorite players and coaches. It will also be a great opportunity to see the construction progress being made at the stadium.
Parking will also be free in lot 436, located at the southeast corner of Colorado Avenue and Regent Drive. Concession stands will be open on the east side of the stadium underneath the club and suite levels. Gates will be open on the east side of the stadium by those concession areas with selected other gates open to access the north side of Balch Fieldhouse.
The Buffs return 50 lettermen to the 125th season of Colorado Football, including 15 starters from a year ago. The fall camp roster of 105 players includes 65 freshmen (true or redshirt) and sophomores. The scrimmage will be the 18th of 25 practices that will be held during fall camp.
——
August 5th
- Schedule for today … Meetings, Practice #4 (7:40-10:30a), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p)
Mike MacIntyre Tuesday post-practice comments
(Video can be viewed here)
On whether Shane Callahan will contribute right away … “I hope so. I hope Shane can, he’s going to have the chance to do it. Of course right now, he’s just learning everything. He’s been doing some good stuff. He will definitely be able to help us on special teams, for sure … but he positively adds great depth either way”.
Does the addition of Shane Callahan shift things along the offensive line … “No, it doesn’t shift anything right now, until we can figure it all out. I think he can play tackle, he can definitely play guard, so that gives us more flexibility. As we get scrimmaging, as we get playing, we’ll know more and more … I’m very excited for him, and I’m really excited for his family, with his dad’s (illness) situation. I know they were ecstatic yesterday (Monday) when they found out, and so was he. And I’m happy to have another young man from the state of Colorado playing on our football team. We’re getting more and more of those guys, and that’s exciting, because there are a lot of good football players in the state”.
On whether Callahan has some “rust” … “No, no. He played all last year. He went all the way to the BCS game, and practiced with them (Auburn) in spring practice, so there is no ‘rust’ on him, as far as that goes. Now, all the terminology is new, and he wasn’t able to be here all summer to learn it all, so he’s working on that, but he’s a smart kid”.
On safety Jered Bell being injured … “He was tackling a guy, and got hit right here (on his elbow), just slightly dislocated his arm. He’ll be out a couple more days, put a brace on it, and then, in about ten more days, he’ll have that off”.
On fullback George Frazier bouncing back from minor knee surgery … “He’s doing well. He hasn’t had any issues at all the first four days” … On Frazier being able to carry the ball, or just being a blocking back … “He can carry the ball. He played tailback in high school, he even played quarterback some, so he’ll be able to run the football. We’ll feature our tailbacks mainly, but he’ll be able to run with the ball”.
On whether the Buffs are scrimmaging more … “Once we put the shoulder pads on then yes, we went more against each other. The other days was more teaching. And tomorrow we’ll do a little bit more of what I call ‘compete’ periods, where it will be a little more physical, because they will be competing as part of the drill, so it will be more physical. I thought we were more physical today than yesterday, which was our first day in pads. We’re not supposed to tackle at all, but once in awhile someone will get knocked down, and today we were a lot better and staying up and still being physical, which is good”.
–
Sophomore offensive lineman Shane Callahan
On how it felt to get the news … “My family was all excited, we’re just happy to be home, glad to be here”.
On his reason for returning home … “I just had some health issues with my immediate family, and I just decided to come home. It’s a perfect place to be, just thirty miles from my house”.
On being back … “I love it here. It’s my home. I’m proud to wear Colorado on my jersey”.
On how the team has received him … “Like I’ve been here for two years. We’re already joking around, having a good time”.
On learning the offense … “It’s actually very similar to what we ran last year (at Auburn), so I’m catching on pretty fast. There are still some bumps, some ups and downs, but it’s coming along good”.
On competing for a starting job right away … “Oh yeah. We’re all here to compete. That’s what it’s about, each one of us is here to compete – the best man will play”.
On whether he considered Colorado before committing to Auburn … “It was in my top three. It’s my hometown, and that’s why it was easy to come home … I’ve been watching CU my whole life, and I’ve always been a CU fan. I was born and raised here – been a Buff my whole life … I love the new coaching staff (different from the one who recruited him). They are turning things around. It’s a lot different that when I was being recruited (in the fall of 2011)”.
On the position he wants to play … “I want to contribute, wherever the team needs me. I’m here to play, that’s the bottom line”.
–
Offensive line coach Gary Bernardi
On how Shane Callahan looked in Tuesday’s practice … “Well, there was about twenty guys out there. Shane did a good job, just kind of getting a feel for things, the lay of the land”.
On how hard it will be for Callahan to pick up the offense … “The terminology is obviously different. We do a different style of offense than what they did at Auburn. But I think when you sit in the room long enough, and you hear things, then there is carryover … and a lot of times the verbage is very similar. He’s a smart guy, and he’s played at this level, but there is a transition”.
On training Callahan for different positions … “Part of it would be how healthy we are; how fast he grasps what we’re doing … Today I had (red-shirt freshman) John Huckins at center, with the first group, and there are going to be times when I do different things like that. One of the younger guys (red-shirt freshman Connor) Darby, he played guard the last two days, so there is going to be some cross-training going on there, but I also want to see until we have the first part of all the installations done, so they kind of get their bearings of what’s in and what’s not in”.
——
August 4th
- Schedule for today … Meetings, Practice #3 (7:40-10:30a), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p) – first practice in pads
–
Shane Callahan declared eligible to play this fall!
From cubuffs.com … University of Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre and offensive line coach Gary Bernardi received some good news this afternoon, as the NCAA declared sophomore transfer Shane Callahan immediately eligible to compete this fall for the Buffaloes.
Callahan transferred to CU from Auburn University, where he redshirted as a true freshman for the 2012 season and appeared in two games as a reserve last fall. He enrolled at CU in July and joined the team for preseason practices which began Saturday. CU submitted a waiver appeal to the NCAA for him to compete immediately based on family reasons, instead of having to sit out the mandatory year required in most transfer situations, and school compliance officials were informed of the ruling in his favor Monday afternoon.
“We’re happy for Shane and his family that the NCAA declared him eligible to play this year,” MacIntyre said. “It’s great to have another state of Colorado athlete on our football team.”
Callahan, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive lineman, played as a prep at Chaparral High School in Parker. He immediately will add some depth to CU’s offensive line, as the Buffs return just six lettermen total across the five positions.
He was named to the prestigious 2011 Parade All-America Team as a senior, his top honor among many in his prep career; SuperPrep also tabbed him as an All-American and ranked him as the 24th offensive lineman in the nation (and as a member of its All-Midlands team). Rivals.com ranked as the nation’s No. 22 offensive tackle and the 212th-ranked player nationally, while Scout.com pegged him the No. 33 tackle nationally and the No. 299 overall prospect in the country, with ESPN.com ranking him as the No. 28 OT nationally and 247Sports.com 35th at the offensive tackle position; all four had him as the fourth-rated player overall from the state of Colorado. He participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio after the season.
Callahan was an All-Colorado and All-State (5A) selection by the Denver Post as a senior, which ranked him as the state’s No. 5 overall prospect (the top offensive lineman) in its postseason Top 15. He was an honorable mention All-State performer as a junior, and was a two-time All-Continental League performer. His senior year, he had 43 pancake blocks, did not allow a quarterback sack or pressure by the man he was guarding, and had numerous downfield and touchdown blocks. Under coach John Vogt, Chaparral was 7-4 his senior year, 9-3 his junior season, and 8-3 both his sophomore and freshman years. He also lettered once in basketball, playing center in a reserve role as a junior.
–
Mac on Monday’s practice: “I thought they competed well and got after it”
From cubuffs.com … The University of Colorado began the third day of August camp an hour earlier (7:40 a.m.) than the first two sessions, with a more aggressive attitude featured on Monday as players donned shoulder pads for the first time.
Head coach Mike MacIntyre enjoyed the change of pace as well as the “muggy” summer weather that reminded him of his days coaching in the south. For the players it meant another opportunity to demonstrate their toughness and where they belong on the depth chart.
“I thought they competed well and got after it,” MacIntyre said. “We did a lot more aggressive team work, so it taxed them a little bit more. But I was pleased with the way they competed in the 2-minute period which I thought was good . . . we’re getting a lot of special teams individual work done, too, which helps us.
“I’m seeing a lot of aggressiveness on the field and a lot of competition,” added MacIntyre. “Of course when you get in and watch film you’ll see a lot more things, but I liked the competition and attitude.”
The secondary is one position group where MacIntyre has noticed extra competition. Without naming specific players, he said he has seen players “step it up another notch.”
Another group that excited MacIntyre was the offensive line and the “bounce in their step.” Seeing offensive linemen run down the field to celebrate a touchdown and having a high energy level indicated to MacIntyre that they are in shape and capable of finishing games off in the fourth quarter.
Being competitive and in position to win games in the fourth quarter is a team-wide message being preached by MacIntyre, with the grind of August camp intended to prepare players for exactly that. But, long days filled with practices, team meetings, and walk-throughs create a need for leadership among veteran players – and MacIntyre sees that occurring.
“I put a lot (of responsibility) on the seniors,” he said. “Making sure they’re doing the right things and helping a guy out if they see a kid down in the locker room or whatever they are working with them.”
NOTABLE: LB Addison Gillam left practice early after experiencing some sickness and was sent in to “get fluids,” according to MacIntyre . . . . LB Kenneth Olugbode was described as “naturally ripped” by MacIntyre, who said Olugbode will be playing at about 210 pounds this season. MacIntyre believes that weight will allow Olugbode to show off his athleticism . . . . MacIntyre said senior captain DB Terrel Smith has been “flying around good” after recovering from a shoulder injury that forced him to sit out the 2013 season . . . . Tuesday’s practice will again begin at 7:40 a.m. and concluded about 10:30 a.m. That schedule will continue through the week with Thursday being the first day for full pads.
—–
August 3rd
- Schedule for today … Meetings, Practice #2 (8:50-11:30a), ^Walk-through (4:45-5:45p)
Two defensive linemen suffer early injuries
The only injury report of note from day one was that junior defensive lineman Tyler Henington suffered. Henington “rolled an ankle” during practice, but the injury was not thought to be too serious. “Hopefully, it’s only a few days”, said head coach Mike MacIntyre when asked how long Henington would be out.
Worse news came on Sunday when it was announced that red-shirt freshman defensive lineman Markeis Reed suffered a possible hernia. Coach MacIntyre said Reed might need surgery if it is determined he has a sports hernia. MacIntyre said the worst case scenario on Reed would mean he misses a month.
–
Coach MacIntyre Sunday post-practice quotes
(Video can be found here)
On Day Two overall … “We had good energy yesterday, but I thought at the whole practice today, there was a lot more energy. They understood, going from a teaching period to more of a full speed team period. I was very inspired by the effort and energy today. It was one of the best second days I’ve been around in a long time. Usually, they are all pumped up about the first day, but the second day they drop off, but they had energy and excitement today. It shows me that they are excited about doing this, so I was pleased with that”.
On whether the freshmen are overwhelmed by what is being thrown at them … “We were helped by the summer. For the first time ever, we were able to meet with those guys, since June 23rd, two hours per week every week. So the ‘install’, the first three days, they have already been over a lot of that. It’s when we get to the fourth day, and all of it is installed, and the fifth day, when you start running the plays, that’s when it starts (to overwhelm them). But right now, they have been able to line up, and do things, and I think that’s helping them perform better, and making the practices go a bit smoother”.
On any noticeable changes from Year One at this time to Year Two … “I think we are in better condition, and I think that is why their energy level is staying up. They also understand how we practice. We changed a few of our training habits this summer, to help with a more basic conditioning. Not just sprint work, but more distance running, which helps build your endurance. I think that has really helped, that is something that we have gone to, studying others. (Strength and conditioning coach) Dave Forman has done a great job on that … I see a lot fresher guys. And nutritionally, we’re hiring a nutritionist, so we’re really involved in that. We’re feeding them a little different. We’re feeding them before meetings, and after meetings, and before they get out here, so they have got more in their tank. So I think all of those aspects are helping us”.
On the play of incoming freshman defensive lineman Timothy Coleman … “Tim’s doing well. He’s done his first two days here. I’m just glad he’s staying healthy. He’s looked good running around, he’s showed us his speed and quickness that we saw on his high school film. Hopefully, when we get out in pads, he’ll be able to keep doing it. I think he’ll be able to rush passer for us. I really do”.
On the status of his injured defensive linemen … “Tyler Henington hurt his ankle a little bit, and Markeis Reed has some sort of hernia situation. We don’t know how serious that is, we’ve got to figure that out. Hopefully, it is not real serious, but it could be. Tyler will be back out, it was a freak deal, and hopefully he’ll be back out the first of next week or the end of this week … As to Reed, if it’s a sports hernia that you have to operate on, then it’s three to four weeks”.
On what quarterback Sefo Liufau needs to work on this August … “I want to see – which I am seeing – more consistent accuracy, and then his ability to get us into the end zone. He needs to have a great understanding of our red zone concepts, and what we are trying to do there, and be more accurate. And really, that’s two throws a game, and all of the sudden, you go from 55% to 60%, two more first downs – it changes the game. So, it’s not much, but it’s a lot, and I’ve seen him doing that, and I’ve seen Jordan (Gehrke) doing that. I feel good about both of those guys … The fine line on (Liufau), and it’s the thing you can never teach a quarterback, is to be the guy who stays in there and doesn’t see the rush and who is tough. You can’t make a guy to that, you can’t. He can do that, which is the great thing about him. Now, it’s knowing right where he wants to throw the ball, the step he wants to go with and where he wants to go with the ball, like the guy (Peyton Manning) down in Denver, you see the difference, and I think he’s coming to that”.
–
Sefo Liufau post-practice comments
(Video can be found here)
On the first two days of practice … “Everything is going a lot faster now, in terms of reps and plays, compared to summer practice. I think everything is coming along really well, and all of the guys are picking it up really quickly, so, overall, I think we’re doing a really good job”.
On being able to meet with the coaches (for the first time during the summer, after a change in NCAA rules) … “I think it helped a lot, including the freshmen, they picked up a lot, compared to last year, where we came in not knowing a lot”.
On whether his preparations have changed, knowing now that he enters fall camp as the returning starter … “It really shouldn’t change all that much. You’ve got to give your all every practice, because you never know when you are going to go in. A lot of guys who didn’t expect to play last year played. There is no different mind-set, you have to keep working hard, getting your timing down with your receivers, taking command of the offense”.
On improvements amongst the receivers … “We have a lot more speed on the outside. We have some guys who are better route runners now. We’ve still got to get the timing down, but I think overall, across the board, we are doing a really good job.”
On whether Bryce Bobo’s spring game success gave him more confidence … “Yea, I think so. Compared to last year, he has a lot more confidence. He’s not afraid to go against the senior DB’s, go out there and make a play”.
On true freshman Shay Fields … “He’s doing good. He’s a little raw right now, as are all the freshmen, as they don’t know the playbook as well, but he’s got the athletic talent. You can’t teach that kind of stuff. I’m excited to see him, once he has learned the playbook and he won’t have to think, he be able to just reacts and plays. He’s got the speed, the route running, so we’ll just have to see what happens”.
On CU’s defensive backfield … “I think they have. It helps that we run the same plays with them all summer, because we are so basic, but I think the DB’s are doing well, getting out of their breaks really fast, coming up on the run, but we’re still beating them … in my opinion”.
–
More notes and quotes from Saturday’s practice
From cubuffs.com … Day one of year two under coach Mike MacIntyre might not have been any easier for the University of Colorado football team, but there was more familiarity – and that helped ease CU’s returning players into August camp on Saturday morning.
MacIntyre said he noticed more first-day efficiency on both sides of the ball as well as a group of more fit, well-conditioned Buffaloes.
“I think we’re in better physical shape right now,” he said. “We’ll see when we get out there and put pads on (but) I think we’re deeper and in better shape.”
He added that Saturday morning’s nearly three-hour practice started well, slowed when the teaching accelerated, then picked back up. Nonetheless, “We’re way ahead of where we were last year at this time,” said MacIntyre, whose 2013 CU team finished 4-8 and second CU squad returns 15 starters and 50 lettermen.
“We’re able to get more into the offense, defense and special teams,” MacIntyre continued. “What helps you with that, it’s not necessarily that you put in a ton more offense or defense, it’s that you’ve put it in and now you can be fundamentally sound, which foot to step with, how to do it, where to read the linebacker, how to see different sets.
“They’re not just worried about lining up and the snap count. They’re farther down the road in the ability to functionally do it better and execute it better.”
Part of that is due to MacIntyre and his staff having been on the job through two springs and one full season, thus all of their concepts and introductions have been made. But also boosting the Buffs entering preseason camp were the player-position coach meetings allowed by the NCAA for the first time this summer.
Those, said MacIntyre, “really, really, really helped. We were able to meet with them and install stuff the first, second, third and fourth day a month ago. (Saturday) we kind of reviewed it. It’s a lot easier. You have more time to have them ask questions. So that helped.”
It also the incoming freshmen acclimate faster, “but they’re still maybe a little lost when they first get out here,” MacIntyre said. “But they were able to line up better, execute more stuff.”
–
Addison Gillam … Sophomore linebacker Addison Gillam, sporting longer hair and a beard, said he experienced more of a comfort level both personally and on the defense overall.
“Oh, man, it was a huge difference,” said Gillam, whose 119 total tackles (78 unassisted) led the Buffs last season and set a school freshman record. “It was nice coming out knowing we don’t have to learn anything new really. Maybe just a couple of things here and there, but knowing we didn’t have learn a bunch of things and getting yelled at the whole time, that was the best part.”
Gillam, a freshman All-America selection last season and one of six CU captains for the coming season, said the Buffs defense “already is playing more sound as a team. Everybody is doing their job, not getting on each other. Everybody is kind of encouraging, nobody’s negative.”
Gillam said he embraces his captaincy: “I really like it; it’s good to know the team trusts me and looks up to me and can hold me responsible for what I need to do as a captain.”
He said his 2014 goals include increasing his overall knowledge of the defense: “Knowing every position . . . know where all help is (and) where I need to be. I knew my position pretty well (in 2013), but I still go back and watch games and I’m like, ‘What am I doing?’”
–
Shane Callahan update … Auburn transfer Shane Callahan, a 6-6, 300-pound offensive lineman from Parker, Colo., practiced Saturday morning but is listed among six inactive roster players.
He is awaiting word on a petition for immediate eligibility made by CU to the NCAA. Transfers usually are required to sit out a season to regain their eligibility.
“We’re going to practice him, let him learn everything like he was getting ready to play,” MacIntyre said. “Right now he’s having to learn everything and is a little bit behind. Hopefully if they clear him he’ll be ready to play. We’ll go forward for the next two or three weeks until we find out.”
Regardless of whether Callahan can play this season, MacIntyre said the sophomore “is going to help a lot. Hopefully he can play this year . . . when we see him in pads we’ll know more, but he’s a good-looking young man and he moved around well.”
–
Jeromy Irwin update … Also returning from a foot injury that kept him out of most of spring practice was Jeromy Irwin, who is expected to compete with Marc Mustoe for the starting left tackle position.
“He’s good, he’s healthy . . . we’ll be able to use him finally,” said Irwin’s brother Sean, a sophomore tight end. “He hasn’t played in a while; he’s about ready to hit somebody. It’s good.”
MacIntyre said the 6-5, 295-pound Jeromy Irwin “moved around well (Saturday) . . . he looked good to me when I watched him running and moving. I just kind of stood back a few times (and watched) in a drill when he was on his own, so to speak, in the team stuff. I didn’t notice any favor to (his foot) and I was glad.”
–
Terrel Smith update … Terrel Smith was back on the field Saturday for the first time in almost a year. The senior defensive back from Paterson, N.J., elected to sit out the 2013 season and undergo corrective shoulder surgery.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Smith, who dropped to 180 pounds after his surgery but now is back to 195. “I’ve been working hard and preparing myself this off season and getting my body right so I can go out and perform.
“I’m so excited to be out here. My shoulder feels good, nice and strong, not loose. I’m ready to hit and that’s all that matters.”
Smith is playing safety and nickel back, the latter a position he last played when he was a sophomore. “It’s easy to me,” he said.
—–
August 2nd
- Schedule … Meetings, Practice #1 (8:50-11:30a), ^Walk-through (4:45-5:45p)
MacIntyre – “A good first day. Not a great one, but a good one”
Here is a link to a video of the first day of practice, with interviews with head coach Mike MacIntyre and defensive backs Jered Bell and Terrel Smith.
From the Daily Camera … “I thought practice started out well,” the second-year coach said. “As you start kind of teaching everything, it slowed down a little bit, and then it picked back up. I thought it was a good first day. Not a great one, but a good one.”
It was better than Day 1 a year ago, however, because the players are much more familiar with MacIntyre and his system.
“We are more efficient,” MacIntyre said. “We’re way ahead of where we were last year at this time and able to get into the offense, into the defense and special teams. It’s not necessarily you put in a ton more offense and defense. It’s that you’re able to be fundamentally sound.”
—
August 1st
Schedule … Players Report (by 7:30 a.m.; compliance meeting, presentations/break for summer school/dinner, team meeting)
–
Full contingent of 105 report to Fall Camp
From cubuffs.com … University of Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff welcomed 105 players here Friday, signifying the start of the annual football practices ahead of the 2014 season, MacIntyre’s second at the reins of the program.
The full-time staff returns intact, just the third time at Colorado in the last 26 seasons, and there are 50 lettermen and 15 starters returning from MacIntyre’s first Buffalo team that went 4-8 in 2013. That was a three-win improvement over the previous year; the Buffs also improved in 29 major statistical categories and in most of those, quite significantly.
The 105 players, the maximum allowed in camp practices prior to the first day of school per NCAA rules, are largely comprised of underclassmen – 68 to be exact, a number that includes 41 freshmen. Among those are often the forgotten ones – the redshirt freshmen – and who often play a larger role than anyone thinks; 12 out of 21 true freshmen were redshirted in 2013, and 10 of those players were in the two-deep at the end of spring practice.
Three four-year college transfers reported with the group: quarterback Jaleel Awini and offensive lineman Shane Callahan have transferred in from Air Force and Auburn, respectively, and arrived on campus last week. Awini has to sit a year in residence per NCAA rules and is thus ineligible; he will have two years of eligibility remaining. Callahan is a sophomore and currently is ineligible, pending an appeal CU has filed with the NCAA for him to play immediately. Earlier this summer, defensive back Travis Talianko enrolled at CU after transferring from San Jose State via College of the Canyons. He had three years of eligibility remaining and can play this fall.
There are four recruited freshman walk-ons in, three of whom reported earlier this summer, linebacker Lance Cottrell (Plano, Texas), tailback Kyle Evans (San Jose, Calif.) and quarterback Ty Gangi (Glendale, Ariz.). The latest addition is receiver Dylan Spradling, who hails from Elizabeth, Colo., and played his high school ball at Ponderosa. A fifth recruited walk-on, quarterback Will Fischer-Colbrie (Los Altos, Calif.), will report on August 23, the first day of classes.
Three recruits did not report, two freshmen and a junior college transfer: offensive lineman Isaac Miller (Silver Creek High School, Longmont), linebacker Grant Watanabe (Brennan High, San Antonio) and defensive lineman Leo Jackson (Foothill College). Miller and Watanabe are injured and will “grayshirt,” while Jackson needs to complete one more class to become eligible. All will enroll at CU in January.
In addition, junior defensive end Samson Kafovalu will be taking the semester off for personal reasons, as he has returned home to Riverside, Calif. He will rejoin the team for the spring semester and still have two years of eligibility remaining.
CU’s first two weeks of practices are open to the public and will be held on the fields just north of Boulder Creek; parking, however, is extremely limited with the Folsom Field and Athletics Complex Expansion construction underway. All practices are in the morning, generally in the 8:30-11 a.m. window (afternoon walkthroughs are closed). The final open practice until after the first game will be on August 16; it will be a full scrimmage in Folsom.
——
Depth Chart issues
While CU has issued the post-spring/pre-fall depth chart, there is certain to be much shuffling over the next four weeks as the Buffs count down to the season opener against Colorado State on August 29th.
Some issues which must be addressed over the allotted fall practice schedule …
Quarterbacks
For the first time in recent memory, there is little debate over who is CU’s starting quarterback heading into the season … but there are still questions:
- Sefo Liufau got a pass last fall, thrown into the fray as a true freshman at mid-season. Now, after a full off-season in the Mike MacIntyre/Brian Lindgren system, can Liufau show significant improvement, such that he can hold his own when compared to the multitude of elite quarterbacks of the Pac-12?
- Who will be the primary backup? Jordan Gehrke has been lauded by head coach Mike MacIntyre, but he remains an unknown quantity to the Buff Nation. True freshman Cade Apsay makes his black-and-gold debut this August. He is not expected to play this fall, but, then again, that’s what we thought about Sefo Liufau last August …
Running backs
Colorado was 108th in the nation in rushing last season.
This just in … that number has to improve if Colorado hopes to go bowling this December.
- Will Christian Powell or Michael Adkins emerge as the No. 1 running back for the Buffs? Or can a two-back attack be successful in Boulder?
- Will the remaining running backs – Tony Jones, Phillip Lindsay, Malcolm Creer, Terrance Crowder – find a niche for themselves, perhaps as third down receiving backs or blocking backs?
- Is there enough room in the backfield for true freshman Donovan Lee to have an impact?
Wide receivers
The over/under on the number of “CU misses Paul Richardson” references in the season opener – seven.
Paul Richardson is gone, but the games must still be played.
- Is this Nelson Spruce’s season to shine? Will the junior captain, who played in Richardson’s shadow last season, but still posted 650 yards receiving, become a legitimate threat to opposing defenses?
- Bryce Bobo had an impressive spring. Can the red-shirt freshman translate spring success into fall touchdowns?
- Will other returning receivers, like Tyler McCulloch, D.D. Goodson, and Devin Ross, have an impact?
- And what of incoming freshman Shay Fields? Is he the next Paul Richardson? Can he become an elite Pac-12 wide receiver … sooner rather than later?
- How will the head coach’s son, Jay MacIntyre, fare in his first opportunity to see playing time?
Tight ends
Look up “echo chamber” in the dictionary, and you’ll find: “See: CU tight end depth chart”.
CU has one senior tight end, Kyle Slavin, and one sophomore, Sean Irwin … and then you are down to freshmen.
- Can Slavin and/or Irwin contribute to the offense, after posting a combined ten catches in 2013?
- Will red-shirt freshman Connor Center contribute?
- Can the Buffs avoid tearing off the red-shirts of true freshmen Dylan Keeney and Hayden Jones?
Offensive Line
The “skill position” units for Colorado are adequate. Not great, perhaps not even up to being competitive compared to other Pac-12 schools, but adequate.
Their success, though, hinges upon the Colorado offensive line coming through and holding its own … and that is far from a certainty.
- Will Stephane Nembot be able to turn potential into productivity on the field?
- Will Jeromy Irwin be able to return from his foot injury, and be immediately productive?
- Will Auburn transfer Shane Callahan be granted a hardship waiver by the NCAA, and be allowed to play this season?
- Can the Buffs find a productive combination of starters amongst Daniel Munyer, Kaiwi Crabb, Alex Kelley and Marc Mustoe?
- What are the odds that Colorado will be able to again go the entire season with the same starting lineup in each game (two chances: fat and slim)?
Defensive Line
It is a football axiom that games are won and lost in the trenches … and the Buffs have been poor in the trenches in recent years.
Playing in a conference which values star quarterbacks over power rushing attacks, Colorado still finished 108th in rushing defense last season.
- Colorado returns a number of players with starting experience – senior Juda Parker; juniors Josh Tupou, Justin Solis, and Tyler Henington. Will there be increased production from this group, enough to give Colorado a fighting chance in conference play?
- Will Samson Kafovalu, who sat out the spring to work on academics, be eligible (don’t bet on it)?
- Can Jimmie Gilbert progress from a impressive debut as a freshman to a consistent starter as a sophomore?
- Will CU need to rely on the contributions of sophomores Clay Norgard and De’Jon Wilson or red-shirt freshmen Derek McCartney and Markeis Reed?
Linebackers
Former San Jose State recruit turned Buff Addison Gillam helped Buff fans believe that Mike MacIntyre and Co. can do more with less.
Gillam came from out of nowhere to lead Colorado in tackles as a true freshman … a school first. Now CU is working with a mix of seniors and sophomores, hoping to find a productive combination.
- It’s the final chance for seniors Woodson Greer, Brady Daigh, and K.T. Tu’umalo to get to a bowl game. Will the three seniors come through?
- Will Gillam continue his meteoric rise in the CU record books, or will opposing offenses find a way to neutralize the Buff sophomore star?
- Can the other sophomores who played as true freshmen - Kenneth Olugbode and Ryan Severson – give Buff fans reason to look forward to the next three seasons of CU linebacker play?
- What will happen with Pitt transfer Deaysean Rippy? Will this former four-star recruit prove the recruiting services correct?
Defensive backs
Well, look who’s all grown up.
After going four straight seasons with storylines of “(fill in the blank) is now in the top ten on the list of number of plays by a true freshman”, Colorado finally has considerable depth and experience in the secondary.
- Will Terrel Smith return from shoulder surgery to take over for Parker Orms at strong safety, or will Tedric Thompson take over that role?
- Can Greg Henderson and Kenneth Crawley turn into the “shut down” corners CU needs in order to free up bodies to help out in other aspects of the defense?
- Was the Ahkello Witherspoon display during spring practices a portend of things to come, or will Witherspoon be just another “Mr. March” who fails to live up to expectations come fall?
- Which amongst the nickel backs – Chidobe Awuzie, Marques Mosley, and John Walker – prove to be a pleasant surprise in the Buff defensive scheme this fall?
Special Teams
Colorado fans have not been exposed to much drama when it comes to starters in the kicking game of late. Both kicker Will Oliver and punter Darragh O’Neill are four-year starters. They have been good, but not great … and CU needs special teams play to be great.
- What will become of Diego Gonzalez? The transfer from Mexico (a CU first) was supposed to take over as the Buff kicker, or at least become a kickoff specialist. So far, he has yet to unseat Oliver from either position.
- Will we get to know the name Wyatt Tucker Smith? (Hopefully not, as he takes over for long-time starter at long-snapper, Ryan Iverson. It would be just as well if Smith toiled in anonymity, as long-snappers are usually only mentioned when there is a mistake).
- Is this the year … after almost a decade of waiting … in which Colorado develops a real threat in the return game? Or will it be another season of Nelson Spruce fair catches being the best the Buffs can hope for?
—
Many questions, but few known answers. Colorado hopes to end a school record streak of losing seasons this fall.
The quest begins in earnest today …
——–
July 27th
Fall Camp Calendar
Well, it’s official. We can now say that Fall Camp opens “later this week“! The players will report this Friday, August 1st, and have their first practice of the fall this Saturday, August 2nd. Notes on Fall Camp will be posted under this heading daily through to the weekend before the CSU game, with each opponent having it’s own “Colorado Daily” during the season.
For those interested in attending and watching practices – or who just have an interest in how the August practices will be run, below is the Fall Camp calendar. Please note that practices after August 16th will not be open to the public.
AUGUST 1— Players Report (by 7:30 a.m.; compliance meeting, presentations/break for summer school/dinner, team meeting)
AUGUST 2— Meetings, Practice #1 (8:50-11:30a), ^Walk-through (4:45-5:45p) DEFENSE/S.T.
AUGUST 3— Meetings, Practice #2 (8:50-11:30a), ^Walk-through (4:45-5:45p) OFFENSE
AUGUST 4— Meetings, Practice #3 (7:40-10:30a), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p) DEFENSE/S.T.
AUGUST 5— Meetings, Practice #4 (7:40-10:30a), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p) OFFENSE
AUGUST 6— Meetings, Practice #5 (7:40-10:30a), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p) DEFENSE/S.T.
AUGUST 7— Meetings, Practice #6 (7:40-10:30a*), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p) OFFENSE First Day in Full Pads
AUGUST 8— Meetings, Practice #7 (7:40-10:30a*), ^Walk-through (7:15-8:05p) ALL (Brief window) Summer School Ends
AUGUST 9— Two-A-Days / Meetings, Practice #8 (8:30-10:45a*), Practice #9 (4:00-6:00p) FOOTBALL/OLYMPIC SPORTS MEDIA DAY
(Schedule: 10:30-11:00 Brunch; 11:00 Olympic Sports; 12:00 Players/Assistant Coaches; 12:45 MacIntyre)
AUGUST 10— No practice (team day off) …………
AUGUST 11— Two-A-Days / Meetings, Practice #10 (8:30-10:45a*), Practice #11 (4:00-6:00p) ALL
AUGUST 12— Meetings, Practice #12 (8:50-11:30a*); ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) DEFENSE/S.T.
AUGUST 13— Two-A-Days / Meetings, Practice #13 (8:45-10:45a*), Practice #14 (4:00-6:15p) ALL
AUGUST 14— Meetings, Practice #15 (8:50-11:30a), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) OFFENSE
AUGUST 15— Two-A-Days / Meetings, Practice #16 (8:30-10:45a*), Practice #17 (4:00-6:00p) ALL
AUGUST 16— Meetings, Practice #18 (9:00-11:30a*), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) ALL Public Scrimmage (Folsom Field)
AUGUST 17— No practice (team day off) …………
AUGUST 18— Two-A-Days / Meetings, Practice #19 (8:30-10:45a*), Practice #20 (4:00-6:00p) ALL Practice Now Closed Through 1st game
AUGUST 19— Meetings, Practice #21 (8:50-11:30a*), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) DEFENSE/S.T. Tentative Scrimmage (Closed)
AUGUST 20— Meetings, Practice #22 (8:50-11:30a*), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) OFFENSE
AUGUST 21— Meetings, Practice #23 (8:50-11:30a*), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) DEFENSE/S.T.
AUGUST 22— Meetings, Practice #24 (8:50-11:30a*), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) OFFENSE GLOBAL JAM / CU CAMPUS (12-2 p.m.)
AUGUST 23— Meetings, Practice #25 (8:50-11:30a*), ^Walk-Through (4:45-5:45p) ALL (Brief window)
AUGUST 24— No practice (team day off) ………… AD WELCOME BACK PICNIC (no interviews)
AUGUST 25— Meetings (7:00a), Practice #26 (8:30-11:00a*) ALL FIRST DAY OF CLASSES; GAME WEEK PREP BEGINS
AUGUST 26— Meetings (7:00a), Practice #27 (8:30-11:00a*) ALL
AUGUST 27— Meetings (7:00a), Practice #28 (8:30-TBA) ALL BCC KICKOFF LUNCHEON (11:30, Balch Fieldhouse)
MacINTYRE KOA RADIO SHOW (Fate Brewery, Boulder; 7-8 p.m.)
AUGUST 28— Meetings, Walk-Through #29 (TBA) No interviews from Wednesday until postgame
AUGUST 29— FIRST GAME: CU vs. Colorado State in Denver (Sports Authority Field; Fox Sports 1, 7:00 p.m.)
First PEARL STREET STAMPEDE is Thursday, August 28 (7:00 p.m.).
*—practices scheduled in pads; ^—walkthroughs (no gear or balls permitted) do not count against practice maximum 29 allowed in camp.
PRACTICE ACCESS (MEDIA & PUBLIC): Camp practices through August 16 are open to the media and public; remaining ones are closed.
INTERVIEWS (Camp): Following full team practices, a 15-20 minute window exists post-practice for those scheduled to end at 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; for the five Two-A-Day sessions, interviews roughly will take place at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. (there are no interviews after walkthroughs as the players have immediate meetings). In-season, refer to CU’s annual credential/interview policies. If you are posting a video interview on the Internet, please inform subject of that intent so they have the option to change clothes, clean-up, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESS: Credentialed photographers will be allowed access for the first 20 minutes of practices (not walkthroughs); however, things can change daily so it is best to check-in with sports information office in advance. CU’s standard photography guidelines must utilized (no wide shots to show formations, no sound picking up cadence by the quarterbacks, etc.).
—–