Font ResizeIf you're not on Twitter, you're missing out on a whole other level of the modern college sports experience. It's the game between the games and the seasons as told by the players and coaches directly to their fans and followers.
Twitter and, to a lesser extent, other forms of social media, have allowed players and coaches to cut out the traditional middlemen such as sports writers and sports information staffers who work for the schools to communicate directly with the guy in section 210, row 8, seat 12.
Colorado fans might want to get used to the idea of Embree revealing tidbits of information or major announcements through his Twitter account. He said he plans to do more of it, even though the Pony Express used to deliver more frequently than Embree tweets right now.
"It's the way things are going and I'm not going to be like mom and dad telling us we couldn't watch color TV when we were little," Embree said. "Now look where it's at. ... I think that's our responsibility to teach them how to use it responsibly and appropriately. Part of that is I'm trying to learn how to use it, too. I try to put stuff pertinent to our team. I just thought that would be a good way to get it out there and let them know that we had decided on someone."
Embree says he tells his players to use social media responsibly and not to post anything they wouldn't want their parents to see. Some college coaches have banned players from Twitter and wouldn't dream of using it themselves. Embree said that just isn't the way he operates.
"I know our fans are out there and they want information," Embree said. "So it's just another way to get it to them."
Embree said he talked with Washington coach Steve Sarkisian in July about using Twitter to communicate with fans and get his message out. Sarkisian is adept at using Twitter. He posts stories he likes, profiles on freshmen, photos of the day and plenty of other random information on the Husky program.
Washington fans are most excited whenever Sarkisian tweets a single word -- Woof. It became his code for letting fans know he had received a commitment from a recruit.
While Twitter has made it easier for players and coaches to talk to fans, it also has made it easier for players and coaches to talk to each other. One classic example from earlier this summer was when Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron and former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu became embroiled in a Twitter war, talking trash to each other 140 characters at a time.
The two powerhouse programs split a pair of games last season with Alabama beating LSU in the national title game.
"Try throwing a corner route or a cross country on me this year!!! I'll be waiting!!" Mathieu wrote to no one in particular.
McCarron answered with "U can talk ab stopping something.. But actions speak louder than words. Remember that. #neworleans #14"
Colorado linebackers Derrick Webb and Doug Rippy say they are occasionally contacted by fans on Twitter or Facebook, but they don't get into talking smack with opponents before or after games on social media sites.
"If a fan said, 'Good job or good game.' or anything like that, it's just more support," Webb said. "We consider that Buff Nation. We want to be respectful to our fans when we use Twitter and use it in a way that helps or welcomes their support.
"As far as criticism, I don't know how I'd feel about that. It would be kind of weird, you know?"
Most Colorado players with Twitter accounts allow just about anyone to follow them. Webb has opted to block certain people, including this beat writer, from seeing what he posts on his account.
"I've got a Twitter manager who manages my tweets," Webb said with a wide grin when asked why he blocked this reporter. "I don't know if I blocked you or not. You just got to be safe with the social media. I'd rather be safe than sorry."
Rippy said he thinks it's cool when fans contact him on Twitter. He said he appreciates the support. He said he doesn't pay any attention to fans of other programs or fans who might be critical of his play or the Buffs.
Rippy said Twitter and other forms of social media help to heap the pressure on players today. He said players of the past didn't have the added distraction. Of course, no one is forcing anyone to use the service.
"I don't know how other teams use it, whether they're reading up on us and trying to figure out who we are," he said. "I really don't care. I save it for the field. That's where I do most of my talking."
Follow Kyle on Twitter: @KyleRingo
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