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Hawk to receive extension
Deal would keep CU coach in Boulder through 2012 season
Colorado football fans are expected to set an attendance record today at the annual spring game in Folsom Field in response to a 2-month-old challenge from former coach Bill McCartney.
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Whether they come close to filling the stadium, as McCartney hopes, remains to be seen, but there is little doubt a record crowd will give a boost to coach Dan Hawkins and his assistants, most of whom will leave town for the better part of the next month to sell the program to recruits.
Out on the road, CU coaches will be able to boast of burgeoning enthusiasm around the program as well as an improving team with an exciting new offensive approach.
And coaches will be able to assure recruits that Hawkins will be the coach in Boulder for the foreseeable future.
Hawkins and athletic director Mike Bohn have agreed in principle to a contract extension that will keep Hawkins in Boulder through the 2012 season and boost his pay.
Hawkins is in the third-year of a five-year deal that pays him $850,000in base compensation and another $50,000 for running summer football camps. He also has incentive clauses for academic performance, student-athlete citizenship, and on-field achievements.
Hawkins' two-year record at CU is just 8-17, but he took the Buffs to a bowl game in December and nabbed a top-20 recruiting class in February.
A majority of fans and boosters seem to believe he has the Buffs throttling in the right direction after two tough rebuilding seasons.
But with recent hires made at Texas A&M and Baylor and lucrative raises given to coaches such as Missouri's Gary Pinkel and others around the Big 12 conference, Hawkins is among the lowest paid of those coaches competing in the six Bowl Championship Series conferences.
The extension should bring him more in line with his peers.Hawkins said earlier this year he hoped an extension would be completed by the time he begins his third training camp in Boulder in early August and he intended to push for higher salaries for his assistants, who are employed on an at-will basis and are eligible for raises each year.
The Board of Regents has a retreat scheduled in late May and a regular meeting in early June at which time contract extensions for both Hawkins and women's basketball coach Kathy McConnell-Miller should be put to a vote.
Today the focus will be on the team.
The Buffs will take the field to warm up shortly after noon and race out behind Ralphie V, who is making her debut, at about 1 p.m.
The Buffs will have breakfast with former players while fans tailgate around campus as if the leaves are falling from trees instead of just coming into bloom.
Hawkins said this week there is a chance coaches could name a starting quarterback after today's contest, but given his history and philosophy, it's much more likely that all position battles with continue into training camp.
Today many fans who haven't been able to make two scrimmages on the previous two Saturdays will see the Buffs' hurry-up, no-huddle, shotgun offense in action for the first time. It has been effective with some hiccups so far.
Quarterbacks Cody Hawkins, Nick Nelson, Matt Ballenger and Kyle Black have combined to lead the offense to more than 600 yards of total production both previous scrimmages.
The defense has struggled to keep up, but it should be noted the program has been missing starting safety Ryan Walters and starting defensive tackle Brandon Nicolas as it simultaneously attempts to find two new starting cornerbacks.
This will be the first spring game in Hawkins' tenure in Boulder that won't feature segments of seven-on-seven drills.
Depth issues have limited the amount of contact work in each of the last two spring games, but those issues are dissipating as Hawkins continues to reshape things.
Aside from quarterback and cornerback key position battles continue along the offensive line where six different players are vying for two starting spots at guard.
Marquez Herrod, Jason Brace and Conrad Obi are competing for a defensive end position and the only thing settled at linebacker is that Jeff Smart is likely to play a lot next season.
That leaves at least two and possibly three linebacker spots open depending on how much coaches choose to use four linebackers at the same time.
Coaches will be looking for more consistency and solid decision-making across the board today, including at place-kicker. Aric Goodman and Jameson Davis each have missed kicks this spring and they are likely to continue their battle in August as well.
Even with preparations for today's game still incomplete, CU officials had already started planning for the 2009 spring game Friday night.
A year from now, CU hopes to set another attendance record and include a Friday night stampede on the Pearl Street Mall with the coaches, players and former players participating, just like a normal home game weekend in the fall.
Posted by walto_clown on April 19, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great news on the extension/pay! I'm a BIG fan, and I believe that Coach Hawkins is very close to turning this program into what we as fans desire. There have been some bumps with the wins and losses as well as with off-field behavior, but I belive that Coach Hawkins will achieve long-term success in building a winning team that develops student athletes who represent their university well.
I'm on board.
Posted by mifrfi on April 19, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here here! Anyone who can't see this program headed to national prominence is either blind, stupid or has an agenda.
Go Buffs!!
Posted by SEColoBuffFan on April 19, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Program is definately on an upswing, and Hawkins is commited to recruiting this program back to the level it use to be at in the 80's and 90's.
Posted by extrapoint on April 19, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
once again
all of tallisall's efforts are in vain
Posted by Ralphie2 on April 19, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
EVERYONE NEED TO SHOW UP TO THE SPRING GAME AND BRING FOLKS!!!
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!
Posted by roscoebuff on April 19, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I haven't been to a Spring Game since the 1989 cold and rainy one when a street-clothed and cancer-stricken Sal Aunese was hoisted on the shoulders of J.J. Flannigan and others while walking off of Folsom.
I was 12 then. We all know what happened that fall when Darian Hagan, a true soph, on his second play as a starter went around the left end on an option keeper, cut back across the field for a 75 yard gain toward the north end zone against Texas.
27-6 was the final and we were en route to a 11-0 season. Today is a new day, a new time, but we are back on the road to powerhouse football and a program we can all be proud of.
Today, I am heading up to Boulder with my wife, 1-year-old son and college roomie because we love our alma mater and the flagship. We need to get out and support Coach Hawk and the program.
Things are a bloomin' and They Are About To Change.
Again.
D-Scott in the house along with all of the alums sounds yoked. I still beg anyone to tell me a better place to be on a spring day like today or on an autumn Saturday afternoon.
Let's try to get at least 15,000 today. Get Errr Done!
Posted by walto_clown on April 19, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great post Roscoe...goosebumps and all that.
Enjoy the scrimmage, I'll be on cubuffs.com.
GO BUFFS!
Posted by MinnesotaBuff on April 19, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Roscoebuff, one of the best posts I've seen.
I think props have to be given to Bohn as well as Hawkins for turning the Buff athletic program around. Bohn's solid decision making have really helped get the Buffs back on their feet.
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER! Can't wait for the season to start.
Posted by Realist on April 19, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not a Nebraskan, but I listened to their Spring Game and was impressed. They played five QBs and they all did well. However, Joe Ganz will have the starting job. The defense looked much improved also. Their stadium seats 80,000 plus and it was filled to capacity. An indication of things to come for the BIG RED!!!
Posted by Realist on April 19, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, now that the BEGGING period has passed and the game day has arrived, how many fans were in the stands for the buff's FREE Spring Game? Did you get your usual 2,000? Will someone have the courage to post the actual number in attendance? Thank you.
Posted by mam2jd on April 19, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is not a Nebraska site. Who cares what they did? Announced attendance of 18,000 at today's game is a BIG improvement and a new spring game record. Offense looked good as did all 3 QB's, Josh, Devenney,Simas and Pat Williams. Anyone know what happened to Celestine, he was wandering the sideline alone in uniform but seemingly uninvolved.
Defense looked better than the other scrums, especially Burton, Brace, Beatty, Herrod and Hypolite, of course. Tough on the run and 4-5 sacks. DB's need work and special teams are awful with multiple missed kicks and/or blocked punts.
Katoa and D.Scott were in the house signing aoutographs for little kids and taking pix! In all, a GREAT day to be a BUFF!
Posted by ExBigredguy on April 19, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well people let me share some experience. I've been to probably 20 NU spring games and this one is all full of fun, excitement. But, next season if they are 6-6 its not like they can look back and say "hey, we played so good in the spring game" in Lincoln. I've been so disappointed in how the fans have handled the past couple of years. The heck with them and their team. Pelini can't and doesn't like to recruit. Wait 2 seasons when Callahans recruits are gone.
But lets talk about a team on the rise. And its the Buffs. Hawkins is the real deal folks. It was no accident that he took a team with the whole kitchen bare and turned it around so quickly. Beating OU, NU and going to a bowl last year is the outcome. And then top that off with the once NU recruits that know whats going on there and now are in Boulder.
And hes done this all about board. Hold on to your seats folks,, its just the beginning.
Congrats Buffs!
Posted by dpease on April 19, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mam2jd thanks for the update! Anyone else there who has some insight on the performance? Anyone talk/see Scott or any of the returning alumns? I live in the midwest and was unable to attend today but I am planning on coming to Boulder for the texas game. 18,000 is pretty damn impressive in Boulder for a spring game. As far as Nebraska and their large turnout - what else is there to do on a spring day in NE but go to a practice game? I'll answer. Nothing!
I am in contact w/ some former Buff players (from the mid/late 90's) and they have nothing but good things to say about coach Hawk so I am a big believer.
Proud to be a Buff! Today and always!
Posted by walto_clown on April 19, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not sure how I feel about the autographs...particularly from Katoa. People can do what they want, and admitedly I've always struggled to understand the concept of celebrity. But, a guy like Katoa who hasn't produced squat on the field and has only discredited his team and university isn't exactly the sort of guy we should celebrate.
I believe in the case of a young guy who made a mistake (and of course depending on the severity of the mistake), that perhaps a path to redemption could be developed which would require some pretty solid behavior and good grades. After proving himself in that manner, I'd love to see him dominate on the field, win a Butkus and brighten some kids day with a signature. But until then...c'mon!
You gotta earn it.
Just my opinion.
Posted by greeleybuff on April 19, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
18000 folks and next year we will have 28000!! BJ Beatty looked great!! Not sure about the running game or if our d-line are that good!! Please no nebraska fans in our blog!!
Posted by ExBigredguy on April 19, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My VERY early "guess" for 2008 -
North division:
Missouri
CU
Kansas
Nebraska
K-State
ISU
Posted by buffballaz on April 19, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i was at the game and saw d scott, he was with somebody else but was talking to j-fly almost the whole 4th quarter. For a running back who is faster than josh smith, he looks like a beast. No doubt he will be awesome.
Posted by Ralphie2 on April 19, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CAN'T WAITH FOR THE FIRST REAL GAME!!!
Posted by extrapoint on April 19, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Realist isnt a husker?
lets ask rswright if he is guilty
Posted by extrapoint on April 19, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe we should make Beatty a running back. The guy showed a lot of speed on his sack.
Looked to me like Moyd got most of the work. Most of it up the middle, though. Jaffee had one really good outside run showing extemeley quick feet and patience with the downfield blocking. Nabors showed quick feet too, but the poor guy had to do more pass blocking than runningand he is undersized for that task.
Sumler still looks like the best combination of all. Cant wait to see what Scott, Polk and Stewart bring to the table.
Posted by extrapoint on April 19, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ballenger indeed has the best arm. ...and was given the most opportunities to pass downfield. Problem was, he waited too long and "passed up" that opportunity of a second of time when the receivers were open in the seam of the zone.
He did have one nice TD throw to the Espinoza kid....who you are going to hear more from. He faked 4 defenders out of their shorts at the point of attack on one punt return.
Nelson was up and down. He had one nice long TD pass to Williams right in the corner of the end zone but was off target a lot too. One problem he has is locking on to the primary receiver and not letting go. A good safety will get him by watching his eyes.
Cody looked solid. Leave it to Tall's buddy vkberlin to mention only the knocked down pass. Cody had 2 nice downfield throws. One to J Fly streaking down the sideline he should have caught.
I didnt see any noodle arm there either. Most of his throws were on a rope. His last touchdown pass probably went 10 yards downfield but close to 40 across the field...on target and on a rope.
Posted by greeleybuff on April 19, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey realist, I know there is no corn to pick now but please go back to your corn blogs, no fuskers at this sight please!! Hypolite is going to be a force this year!!
Posted by abuffinne on April 19, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gotta say that being a buff fan trapped in the land of the Children of the Corn, I am pumped at the idea of having Coach Hawk here with us for a longer time. I didn't make it to the game today, but listened to every play sitting out in my boat on a Nebraska lake and heard enough good to feel pretty confident this coming fall.
And for your Realist, everybody knows that the Huskers Spring game involves taking the starters and putting them against a bunch of 120 pound walk-ons who couldn't play for anybody else and will never see the field as a Husker. So go back to Lincoln and report that.
Posted by mam2jd on April 20, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me clarify. Katoa seemed to be a nice kid and just happened to be chatting up DScott when Scott was recognized by fans/kids on the sidelines. Scott had the high profile and hung out,Katoa posed for a couple pix and quietly moved on. Irrespective of his bad choice, for which he will undoubtedly pay a heavy price, the D could sure use him as he's one seriously physically imposing dude. For what it's worth he was wearing a Buff practice jersey and seemed to fit in with the rest of the team.
In my earlier post I neglected to mention the O-line, Miller and Solder are absolute beasts! I was standing next to them in pregame and they are both impressive, HUGE and quick. Maiava still looks lost in the backfield though he did get some nice blocks and will compliment the others once he figures out what/where he's going.
Girthy is solid.
Posted by greeleybuff on April 20, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
vkberlin...ouch!!
Posted by JAWS on April 20, 2008 at 1:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey realist and vkberlin, I'd rather take 18,000 fans for free (on a GORGEOUS day at Folsom field, located in breathtaking Boulder - which happens to lie at the foothills in freackin' Colorado!!!! - along with the thrill of kicking your big red a$$es for years to come - any day-... - As opposed to being in dang ol' boring Lincoln, NE and all of your 195,428 'fans' who were dumb enough to shell out money to watch a ship sink even farther. Would you like some bug with that whine????
Posted by walto_clown on April 20, 2008 at 2:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Mam2jd. That sounds better. I think I was just grumpy because I couldn't make it to the game.
Posted by mifrfi on April 20, 2008 at 5:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no doubt that Cody is the most accurate of the passers...pinpoint accuracy. J-fly should have caught that one.
Posted by 98buff on April 20, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was impressed with Simas. He has great hands and always looks for YAC. Can't wait to see him in the regular rotation this fall.
Posted by rswright on April 20, 2008 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hawkins is the best thing that happened to CU and CU football in years and will fill Folsom.
EP:
If Katoa is "innocent until proven guilty" why not Duren? Stick to football.
Posted by windsorbuff on April 20, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cody looked decent enough, although seemed to hang on to the ball forever before decideing on a target. That should improve with more work but I gurantee F.S.U will not give him 5 seconds to throw the ball. Not too much talk about Kevin Moyd, who I thought showed good vision and patience when he got his chance. Almost broke the one for 6 before steppin out of bounds, waited for the guard to get out in front of him before turning it on.
Sat right behind Jon Major and his dad, very respectful quiet young man. Looking forward to seeing him wreck up some Texas tailback.
Big shout out to all the student-atheletes who volunteered their day to make Kids Fitness Day a blast for my youngster.
Posted by extrapoint on April 20, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rs telling me to stick to football? thats rich.
Didnt you read all my posts?
BTW can you tell me in which post I ever mentioned the name Duren?
Posted by tallisal on April 21, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
9-8-07: LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska and Bill Callahan have agreed on a three-year contract extension that will take the Cornhuskers football coach through the 2011 season.
Callahan's new contract will run through Jan. 31, 2012. Callahan's old contract was to run through 2008.
11-30-07.. Callahan fired after worst season in NU history.
Posted by extrapoint on April 21, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So I guess this is Tall's way of making a prediction without really making a prediction.
Getting a little gun shy are we? You are worse than Cheney. At least he doesnt shoot himself.
I'm getting to where I really enjoy his negative predictions because they are always followed by positve results. Pick me a stock, Tall, and I'll sell it short.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on April 21, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
in this case he's right, contracts mean nothing in cfb these days
Posted by tallisal on April 22, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sea Bass, remember Rick and Gary?
Posted by StopTheInsanity on April 22, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sea_Bass:
I always love these "fact based" history lessons. FYI - over the past 10 years ('96-'07):
CU: 81-64 55% winning %
NU: 107-42 72% winning %
I guess ineptitude is how one defines it.
Posted by extrapoint on April 22, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For spoiled and irrational hukster fans 72% is extreme ineptitude.
I have no problem comparing Callaflop with Barney.
Both were arrogance personified.
If Pellini doesnt produce at lest a 10 win season this year and an 11 win season for the next three years afer that Tractor pulls may once again become more popular than football.
Posted by StopTheInsanity on April 23, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sea_Bass:
Can't disagree with the you in regards to the Callahan "era". It was a disaster. But there is just too much tradition, pride, fan support, expectations, etc at NU to assume the last 4 years (in comparison to the last 110) are nothing but an abberation.
I lived in Boulder for 8 years during McCartney's heydey and I have spent most of my adult life in Nebraska, so I have an excellent historial perspective of both programs. I truly believe that both a strong CU AND NU football program are what the Big 12 North truly needs. I look forward to this year's season and I hope both teams' win 9-10 games.
Posted by rodrigo on April 25, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last time I checked fans, nor their support, didn't win football games.
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