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Maclin a multiple threat for MU
Redshirt freshman sat out last season with knee injury
The first touch of Jeremy Maclin's college football career will hardly be one that makes his season highlight reel. It goes down in the books as a modest 17-yard kick return to the Missouri Tigers' own 22-yard line.
To Maclin, it was much more.
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"It gave me confidence," Maclin said in a phone interview with the Camera this week.
Confidence, that is, that the right knee he'd torn up just more than a year earlier could once again handle the rigors of football. The do-it-all redshirt freshman wide receiver had been hesitant to that point, wondering about his own durability once things picked up to game speed.
Since then, however, it's been full speed ahead for Maclin. He returned apunt 66 yards for a touchdown in that same opening-day victory over Illinois to get a good jump on his 186.9 all-purpose yards per game, which are good for ninth in the country.
In an offense with no shortage of playmakers, Maclin enters Saturday's visit to Folsom Field against the Colorado Buffaloes second on Missouri's team with 39 catches for 488 yards and four touchdowns. He's second on the team in rushing with 235 yards and four touchdowns. He's averaging 23.4 yards per kick return. And he's racking up 15.1 yards per punt return with a pair of touchdowns.
"In my eyes, I'm right on pace for what I should have done last year," the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder from suburban St. Louis said.
Maclin tore the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in his knee in 7-on-7 drills in the summer before his true freshman season started. The injury, he said, was devastating. He even worried that his career might be over at first.
But Maclin worked doggedly on his rehabilitation and returned to action running a faster 40-yard dash time — 4.3 seconds — than he did before he injured the knee.
"About halfway through two-a-days, he just kind of got it all back," Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel said. "In time I expected him to be very good but he came out of the chutes going pretty good.
"He's a very smart young man, very mature. He's a great competitor and has a ton of talent. He's very humble, too. He's got the whole package."
While another redshirt freshman in the Big 12 Conference — Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree — garnered Heisman Trophy buzz earlier in the season for his gaudy receiving numbers, Maclin remains content knowing he's helping his team make progress toward its goals.
He relishes the chance to impact games in so many different ways and also knows the Tigers have other players around him deserving of touches. Although none of his numbers in any one area are eye-popping, it's that ability to make plays in several aspects of the game that make him dangerous. In addition to carrying the ball, he also has one pass attempt on the season.
"I knew I was capable of (playing many roles)," said Maclin, who was recruited by former CU coach Gary Barnett before committing to Oklahoma and then changing his mind and going to Missouri. "It was just a matter of me earning the trust of my coaches and my teammates."
CU safety Daniel Dykes said Maclin is certainly someone who can cause confusion in a defense.
"I like to feel out who's hot and who they like to get the ball to," Dykes said. "And that's one guy I'm going to be looking at where if I'm in the deep middle I might lean to him because I know they like to get the ball to him."
The Buffs have faced no shortage of talented return men this season, and CU special teams coach Kent Riddle said Maclin has a little bit of all of their styles.
"He's fast enough to run around you," Riddle said. "He can set you up and make a quick cut. He can make a guy miss in space. We're just going to do our best job of getting the ball as high as we can and getting as many people around him as we can."
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gomer, check back with the "First Look: Missouri" discussion. You left with lots of direct questions unanswered and your red pants around your ankles.
Yet another statement opportunity for the young Buffs. Gomer's got some good points, but I disagree wholeheartedly with the ultimate conclusion.
It's up to the offense to win the game.
The d doesn't have to shut down the Tigers - doubt any team could. But a couple of turnovers (and yes, gomer, TO's are a critical element in determining the winner of virtually every college football game), a handful of key stops and an offense that chews up the clock and concludes possessions with points = a Buffs win.
Posted by kimolukela on November 2, 2007 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cody played great last week, and he was a lot more conservative than he has been. CU has been steppin it up against top teams. Even the experts are only giving MU a 4 point spread. What's your deal 2ndbuff or "Homer"? Has your sheep not been keeping you warm at night? Maybe you should go on vacation again. Let's go Buffs!
Posted by kimolukela on November 2, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You said the same thing about OU, and look what happened. Did your Mommy not give you enough attention growing up? Maybe, that is why you are so negative about life. Either way, no really cares what you think.
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Snooze. Gomer, you're boring.
Posted by GoBuffs07 on November 2, 2007 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the buffs need to score early like they did agains texas tech. I hope we can run the ball effectivly. If we can't keep their offense off the field then it'll be a long day
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kimo, I agree totally about Cody. He still had a couple of those "Oh, s***!" throws, but overall he stayed within himself, was efficiently effective and let his teammates help him win the game. Do that again and CU can win again.
By the way, saw Todd McShay on ESPN talking about Missouri as a darkhorse to make the BCS title game. Whatever, I thought. But then the guy actually said that the Tigers have the soft part of their schedule coming up and should be able to win out easily! CU, KU, KSU and A&M? That's the easy part of their schedule? For a team that's played Iowa State, Nebraska, Illinois State, Western Michigan and Mississippi (the other two wins came against Illinois and Tech; the loss to Oklahoma)?
Man, gomer, you should send your resume. Seems like ESPN goes for your type of wild and wacky analysis.
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sea, He hasn't taken his meds yet.
Posted by nwbuff32 on November 2, 2007 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kid took the hit like a champ. Way to attack the Hawkins family. Classy all the way. Keeping taking a dump on this board while you can, because the way this season is turning out and the talent Hawk is bringing in you won't have the opportunity for much longer.
I guess your kids don't play sports. Because if they did you would understand why Mommy had the reaction she did. And if you do have kids that play sports, remember karma sucks. And that also goes for crap you're saying about the Hawkins family.
Posted by kimolukela on November 2, 2007 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CU easy at home? Come on, we've already established that Folsom is a tough place to play. Plus you have a young team that has played well against several top programs. For someone that hates on the Buffs, you spend a lot of time posting comments. Hey, what else are you going to do when you live at home with your parents?
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There it is! Gomer IS Todd McShay!
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, gomer's RAGIN' today! Someone alert the folks down at the Norman Luby's Cafeteria!
Posted by phatmack on November 2, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I like it... them calling out another play maker for MU. They have their pair of TEs and this kid who seems to be coming into his own as a "multiple threat" weapon. Why do I like it?! Because I think it makes CU realize they have to bring it. It is a challenge. A serious test to the strength of our football team.
I, for one, think they'll rise to that challenge. Obviously there are some on here that think they won't... those people aren't fans and haven't been paying attention. This is the same team that saw OU rollin' into town (on their Sooner Schooner!) and didn't roll over and die. They didn't back down and they put the hurt on them. Regardless of what some say, that was NOT lucky! (One team holding another team to 56 second half yards can not be attributed to luck...) It was simply CU seeing that they needed to bring their game to a whole new level if they were going to compete.
You think the Buffaloes don't realize MU is for real?! Then you don't know Coach Hawk. If you're seriously sitting on the other side of that monitor, believing that CU isn't going to rise to the challenge... then you're incredibly mistaken. Am I calling for a guaranteed win here? Of course not. Just that they'll hold them close, be in the game, and have a chance to win it. Just like they did against KU.
The difference? Momentum. I think that's the difference here and I think it could change the outcome of the game. CU's Defense knows it is THAT good. They'll come into this game with swagger and they'll make any Tiger, who assumed this game was a gimme, pay dearly.
That being said, I sincerely doubt any MU starter is overlooking this game... therefore it should be one fantastic battle.
Those are just my thoughts...
Posted by kimolukela on November 2, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm just curious why someone would willing subject themselves to such constant abuse? We've already established that you have issues with size which can probably be attributed to napolean complex. As for your boys, OU is completely overrated! They definitely shouldn't be rank in the top 10. They could barely handle an Iowa State team that is horrible.
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously? Kimo, it's the meds...
Posted by cubuff85 on November 2, 2007 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Buffs need to do what they did last week... run for over 200 yards and keep the MU offense off the field. Huge game for both teams. Should be a good, no GREAT, game. GO BUFFS!
Posted by phatmack on November 2, 2007 at 9:51 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am telling you, we ARE getting 200 yards on the ground. With at least one HUGE run. They are missing their best defensive player in the backfield, so look for quite a few big plays. Cody didn't connect on any of his long throws last week, but that will change this week. Again, we still need the caretaker unless this thing starts to get scary late in the game, cause this running game is going to be relentless.
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok thats it... I am tired of this. Usually you at least have something funny/interesting to add to the discussion, but you've been just repeating the same old shtick for a while now. Now your trying to be funny, but it is just crude and boring. Just leave. I have reported you. I hope the moderator's take a good look at your IP and your history of multiple names and just get rid of you.
Anyone care to join?
Posted by phibuffa on November 2, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LET'S START THIS GAME NOW! GET THOSE KIDS ON THE FIELD!
Gotta love College football...win or lose, it will be a great day up in Boulder.
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Moderators, that guy was really pulling everything down today. We will let you know when the schizo pops his head up and steps out of line again.
Posted by phatmack on November 2, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
2ndbuff has now gotten himself banned twice! To this I must say:
Woo! He's gone! For now... he'll be back. Until then, us fans will enjoy discussing OUR football team and the game at hand... especially knowing he can still read this!
(As a side note... it is obvious what one of the trigger words is for getting your post "removed by the site staff". Staff: I sincerely apologize... I certainly didn't mean any harm but I suppose repeating the word was a comment-removing worthy offense. Again, my apologies. I'll be on my best behavior from now on. No bannination for me! Please?!)
Anyone going to the Pearl Street Stampede this evening?! I'll be there... I want to get myself another one of those cutesey-wootsey stuffed Buffaloes. They go over so well with the ladies. =)
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with ya, Snow. Same crapola, just insert different opponent and date. It looks like Big Brother has taken note. Hopefully this time they'll realize when he tries to slime his way back on with a different tag.
Funny for a while, and it was amusing to bat him around, but, man, that dude has some issues...
So, back to Missouri. As I posted somewhere else:
Paging HUGE Charles: Your team needs you in the Mizzou defensive backfield on Saturday layin' serious wood on the Pig-less...
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They may have an aggressive front 4... but once mr. HUGE gets into that backfield, look for some long long gains..
Posted by phibuffa on November 2, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No doubt re Hugh. That will probably really hurt Mizzou not having that Pig. I smell a soft underbelly. Paging Mr. Charles and Mr. DeVrees...
Posted by cumba06 on November 2, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to pose a few questions for fellow Buff fans.
Historically Husker fans have been called the best fans in college football, meaning they are polite, courteous, and don’t trash talk. This was true for about 95% of them. Now it seems that number has dwindled to about 70%, with some fans even yelling at their own players during the game. Historically CU has had some press about having bad fans (and the students throwing trash on the field in 2005 didn’t help). I would say the bad reputation came from about 20% of the fans. This year I have had several comments from fans of the opposing team saying how nice the CU fans were to them, and what a great experience they had in Boulder. So after that long winded setup here are my questions:
Did the 2 years of bad press about our program, and last years 2-10 season make us better fans? Do we enjoy the games for what they are, games, and thus have an appreciation for all those who show up to support their team? On the flip side do fans become more obnoxious when a team doesn’t live up to their potential? Or is it when the fans get use to wining, and the team has a down cycle, that fans become unruly?
(If you can’t tell its Friday and I don’t have much work. Just waiting for kickoff tomorrow!)
Posted by extrapoint on November 2, 2007 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
glad someone finally mentioned DeVrees. We should also mention Geer, Sanders and Solder. Mizzery doesnt have a monopoly on big tight ends. Solder is bigger than either of theirs.
I have a feeling Hawk has been saving some new wrinkles for just this type of game. Keep your eyes open.
Posted by rbboulder on November 2, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
With Darrel Scott visiting this weekend, I hope Josh Smith has a great game and we are able to run the ball. These 2 things could help tremendously in having Scott commit to CU. GO BUFFS !
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Think I said that on Tuesday Rb... I want Josh to have at least one end around carry and over 100 yards receiving on 2 catches:).
As far as TE's go, Devree has what, 4 4th down TD catches ?
Cumba.... I love where you are going here. Its easy to be polite when you have nothing but success. True fans are found in down years (and yes, 7-5 years as well). I really think back on last year and it seems to me that it was a turning point for many of us, me included. Last year is when I actually really started paying attention as a dedicated fan instead of just "expecting greatness" and not knowing why we were even good.
I enjoyed my student years, but really, I was a spoiled child (freshman year Fiest bowl:) compared to what we do now. And the only person a fan should EVER yell at is the coach. I know I yelled at Barnett quite a few times;)
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cumba, I was a student at the CU-Nebraska game in '86 when the Buffs beat the Huskers for the first time in millenia (actually it was 19 years). After, I was in some bar standing next to a Husker and he said it was great fun to watch people get genuinely worked up over their team pulling off a big win. He and his fellow Reds had grown numb to the sensation.
Dude, don't want to sound like my dad, but seriously, as a human, you don't appreciate winning unless you've lost. All those fans who bust an artery cuz Cody's not perfect, cuz the team doesn't win every game...all that anger over something they can't even control...yeah, I think too much following a winning team followed by the unfamiliar sensation of having to go to work on Monday after they've lost goes a long way to explaining a lot of the vitriol.
And in all seriousness, I think we can throw our friend Gomer into that pile. Angry. Man, that guy is angry.
Posted by walto_clown on November 2, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On a trip to Lincoln in 92, we were greeted with a sign at the town limit which read, "Sal is dead, Go Big Red". Classy fan(s) indeed!
But back to MU and the game at hand. Looking forward to it! We're hosting a great offense, but I gotta believe it will be a close game. Go Buffs!
Posted by mtnboykev35 on November 2, 2007 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it does help to haev some trials to make you enjoy the success. In the 90's the fans (myself included) seemed to enjoy the wins but were graciuos to the opposing fans (except NU) but then under Barnett the fans were not as gracious but like all good things, Hawk and Bohn have brought respect back and it shows in the stands!
(most of the time)
Posted by mtnboykev35 on November 2, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As for the game, yea Hugh needs a big day and keep their offense off the field. Just like at Tech!
Can't make this game but will be in Boulder on Nov 23rd! Go Buffs
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope to god the students don't rush the field tomorrow. They have rushed the field for every single home win in the last 2 years over teams not named Miami (OH) (all 2 of them:).
Stay in the stands kids. This is not a monumental program defining upset if we win. It is something we should applaud, but enough is enough.
Posted by rbboulder on November 2, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny you say this snow.. At the KU game, I heard someone behind me (close to the end of the game) telling his friends "If we win this game, I am NOT jumping into the field. After beating OU, my expectations for jumping into the field are much higher". If we win tomorrow, I will not jum into the field, but I am sure some people would do it. As our team continues to grow, I think we will see less and less of this. I love that we have had a difficult schedule and our Buffs are receiving the best experience possible. GO BUFFS !
Posted by SnowBuff on November 2, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The best part about growing is expecting to beat Nebraska. I love beating them:)
Posted by JBuff on November 2, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Clown about the banner the Big Red put up after Anese passed. They will always be the worst fans in the world. They like to complain about a fan that told them they're no good in '01 but their banner about a deceased player shows their true colors. It's also true they're coming back to earth after Osborne. Of course we could never do anything as bad to NU as Pederson did. (Writing his name reminds me Pederson had a death-threat against him from a columnist at a paper in the great state of hate, Nebrasky.)
We're better fans because the school is setting a good example and setting the bar higher. Our team also doesn't jump on the other teams logo, like at FSU, and the whole tone is better. I know I'm rooting for my team now, not against the other team.
Posted by kimolukela on November 2, 2007 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree with JBuff. I'm a diehard CU fan, but I really don't have any ill will towards other programs. Nebraska is the only exception, but can anyone actually blame me? If you wanna see truly bad fans go to Philly football game.
Posted by rodrigo on November 2, 2007 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Or a Mets or Yankees game.
Posted by Buff_bronc_fan on November 2, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed-- Please CU Students, do not rush the field if CU wins... We should never rush the field after beating a Big 12 North team, and really, moving forward there shouldn't be any Big 12 team that justifies us rushing the field...
And can ya'll show up for kickoff please? The amount of empty seats before halftime has been ridiculous since the FSU game...
Posted by Ralphie2 on November 2, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DARRELL SCOTT!!! COME TO CU!!!
Posted by phatmack on November 2, 2007 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll be there before kickoff (especially with the neat-o fly over we've got planned) again this game. Also, I'll be bringing four newcomers with me and they'll all be there before kickoff too. But, I have to say... getting ALL the students in the stadium before kickoff ain't going to happen overnight. It didn't happen at the FSU game either (IIRC)! For some reason, and I'm not entirely sure why, CU students are latecomers to the game...
Won't rush the field if we win either... though I wish I would have for the OU game! What is people's beef with rushing the field anyway? Does it convey poor sportsmanship? I guess I don't get it.
Posted by MDBuff on November 2, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone hear that the Buffs may change their main logo next year from the Ralphie silhouette to the Buffalo Head? See
http://www.teamlogoandgear.com/Produc...''BUFFALO%20HEAD''%20Black%20DHS%20Hat.html
Posted by phatmack on November 2, 2007 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ugh... I hope not. I hope that they'd put something like that up to a vote. You can't improve on perfection!
Posted by JBuff on November 2, 2007 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PU, that logo stinks!
Posted by mtnboykev35 on November 2, 2007 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
where the hell did that logo come from! No way...
CU has one of the best logos around!
Posted by Black_Rob on November 2, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a joke right?? Horrible logo.
I could see the current logo being updated to web 2.0 but otherwise, don't mess with it! It's timeless.
Posted by SpokaneBuff on November 2, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember the athletic department just paid a bunch of money to update the logo maybe two years ago, and all they did was make it kinda slanted? I highly doubt this logo thing holds any water...it looks like one of those unlicensed things some places sell. Plus, it's lame.
Posted by rbboulder on November 2, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO logo change. NO !
Posted by extrapoint on November 2, 2007 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
say it aint so!
this will be the biggest mistake since "new coke."
Hopefully, just like "new coke" they will realize their monumnetal error.
Posted by BuffSteve on November 2, 2007 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My goodness; that logo is one of the lamest things I have seen. If they change to that logo I think I'll puke!
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