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Spring practices over after ups, downs
Buffs found some success, but face questions before August opener
Spring football is over, and it's time to review what we've learned about a young Colorado football team over the past five weeks.
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Fans must wait 3½ months before the team begins training camp Aug. 4 or 5. It's more than four months before the 2008 season kicks off at Invesco Field against Colorado State, in what apparently will be a Sunday evening (Aug. 31), nationally televised game in the midst of Labor Day weekend.
Seems like a long wait, but the coming summer months have a way of flying by. In that time, CU coach Dan Hawkins and everyone else who bleeds black and gold will find out whether true freshman linebacker Lynn Katoa and junior tight end Riar Geer will be allowed to play or if they will serve semester-long suspensions from the Office of Judicial Affairs after being arrested and charged with assault earlier this spring. Both missed the entire spring as punishment from Hawkins.
Having both players available next season is certainly the ideal scenario for the team, but it's clear from watching 15 practice sessions that the Buffs won't be crippled without them.
One of the standouts of the spring was tight end Patrick Devenny. Yes, he needs work when it comes to blocking. Coaches are constantly encouraging him to be more physical. But Devenny has all the skills necessary to carve up defenses catching passes. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in the three major spring scrimmages.
It's safe to say no one saw that coming six weeks ago. Devenny is also a feel-good story of sorts. He was recruited to CU as a quarterback under former coach Gary Barnett and told it would be best for him to switch positions when Hawkins took over the program. He's done everything asked of him and it's paying off.
Here is a look at some other success stories and areas of concern as the Buffs prepare to tackle another difficult schedule in 2008 with what figures to be a roster dominated by underclassmen.
Quarterbacks
These guys get so much attention for obvious reasons, but a point that might be overlooked in this year's debate about who should start is that CU is in a better position here than it has been for years.
Cody Hawkins and Nick Nelson have very similar ability and both were solid and efficient this spring. Matt Ballenger is still a little rough around the edges, but he is at a stage in his development where he is likely to improve from some playing time. He will probably get a little in 2008.
Think about this. When was the last time Colorado had more than one competent option at quarterback? When was the last time coaches, players and fans alike could seriously feel like if the starter went down, seeing the backup jog out to the huddle wouldn't cause concern?
It was probably late in the 2001 season when both Craig Ochs and Bobby Pesavento had played a part in leading the Buffs to the Big 12 Championship game and a lofty national ranking.
Cornerback
Perhaps no position was of more concern entering spring ball than the two cornerback spots manned capably last season by Terrence Wheatley and Ben Burney. The concern remains acute today.
If the season started today, the starters would probably be Cha'pelle Brown and Gardner McKay, both of whom are undersized. But with the wide-open offenses of the Big 12 Conference, coaches are going to need at least four cornerbacks they can rely on, and they're a long way from feeling that way right now.
Players such as Anthony Wright, Jimmy Smith, Jalil Brown and Jonathan Hawkins need to continue to improve and work hard over the summer. However, it seems safe to say, the team is going to take some lumps in the passing game in the fall.
Pass rush
The Buffs just don't have that dominant defensive end who gives opposing offensive tackles nightmares before games. So they are likely to use blitz packages and speed through four-linebacker looks to pressure quarterbacks in 2008 while young defensive linemen such as Jason Brace, Marquez Herrod, Conrad Obi and Lagrone Shields continue to develop.
Junior college transfer Drew Hudgins is a complete mystery at this point because he has been unable to practice since rupturing his Achilles tendon last summer. If healthy, he could be a big help, but he's no sure thing.
All the young guys figure to get some experience in 2008 and this could easily become a strength in 2009.
Kicking game
The lasting image of the CU kicking game fans will take into summer is that of punts being blocked, punts being fumbled and field goals being missed at the spring game. Clearly there is work to be done, but there is no need for panic.
Most of the punts that were blocked this spring were blocked against the scout team punt unit and not the regular unit. It's actually a good sign that the Buffs are getting their hands on some kicks.
It remains unclear who will return kicks in the fall. Josh Smith is in the running for both kickoff returns and punt returns. Jason Espinoza did a decent job returning punts, but he also fumbled one in the spring game and allowed one to hit the ground in the second scrimmage. True freshman Rodney Stewart, a running back from Ohio, will get a shot at the job in the fall.
Place-kicker Aric Goodman had a pretty good spring when it comes to accuracy on field goal attempts, while Jameson Davis did not. However, Davis might be the best option to handle kickoffs. Both have plenty of room to improve over the summer.
The line matures
Perhaps the biggest success story of spring is in the offensive line where coaches feel comfortable saying tackles Nate Solder and Ryan Miller will be starters along with center Daniel Sanders. There are six players vying for two guard spots, and that is encouraging because it's a signal that those players are all developing.
A year from now, this should be the strength of the team, if it isn't already. And any good football coach will tell you how much a strong, deep and talented offensive line is coveted.
Running strong
We'll finish things up with a look at running back, where sophomore Demetrius Sumler had a solid spring and has clearly emerged as the No. 1 tailback. He will be challenged by high-profile recruits Darrell Scott and Ray Polk in the fall as well as Brian Lockridge. But fans can count on Sumler playing quite a bit next year regardless of how other players perform.
Running backs coach Darian Hagan said Sumler is clearly the best option to take over pass blocking duties handled by Byron Ellis last season. CU will also use fullbacks in the passing game as blockers and receivers and Maurice Cantrell and Jake Behrens have an edge there right now over converted lineman Kai Maiava. Don't look for Maiava to return to the offensive line though. He's just a sophomore and has a redshirt season available. Coaches love his potential as a blocker in the backfield.
Posted by Ralphie2 on April 20, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START!!!
Posted by kimolukela on April 21, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LET's GO BUFFS! I'm a little concerned about the size of out Corners, and the lack of a pass rush. We could be in for a long season if our Defense doesn't improve!
Posted by william.nicholas on April 21, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
really think Maiava is somewhat of a mystery..looked like he was running at third string fullback Saturday..can't quite get my arms around why they'd take an All-American freshman guard out of the line , move him to FB and maybe not play him full time ..and, I am not that impressed with Devon Head..can anyone add to this
Posted by extrapoint on April 21, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I noticed his absence as well. I concur with your observation that changing the position for a freshman all American is somewhat of a stretch.
I'm also thinking that the spring game was used as PR by the football team and as such they wanted to emphasize the passing game a little more. You would think that Maiava would add to that by being an excellent pass blocker out of the backfield, but I noticed they were throwing several times to the full back. I'm sure Maiava still has plenty of catching up to do as a receiver.
One of these fullback pass plays that was run several times was a short pass directly in the middle of the field in front of the QB that appeared to be open most of the time.
Posted by BuffNut99 on April 21, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My amatuer Spring Game thoughts:
-Devenney has made perhaps the biggest leap of anyone on the team. He looked (all Spring) as good as many of the great tight ends CU has had.
-I was initially against the Solder move - now I am hooked. He is huge and formidable. Overall the line played well.
-The QB position is a strength - these guys have risen to the challenge of the competing for the position. I would have liked to have seen more Kyle Black though.
-A few of the WR's are not living up to their potential - Celestine and Simas. These guys each have alot of physical upside, but I don't see alot of grit or hunger from them. Celestine looked like he thought it was flag football day. Simas made a few good plays but disappeared for stretches.
-B.J. Beatty was everywhere it seemed - I think he's going to be starting in the fall.
-Our weakest area (except for kicker) is the secondary. I saw poor speed and no physical play, just alot of guys getting beat.
-Guys who played but were absent (in that they made no impact): Conrad Obi, Jeff Smart, Marquez Herrod, and Michael Sipili.
-Is it too late to find another placekicker? We have an extra scholarship or two, right?
Posted by montanabuff on April 21, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that the secondary is the main area of concern. Poor pass defense has been our Achilles' heel for years, and I'm afraid it will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.
RE: Maiava. I wouldn't worry too much about his playing time now. The coaches made the move for a reason, though it may not pay full dividends for a year or two. As to his freshman All-American year as a guard: It was a great honor and well deserved, but how many good national programs are starting freshmen at the guard position? Maiava wasn't being compared to hundreds of other guards nationally - the number was probably in the 10-20 range.
Also, I couldn't help but note one unit not discussed by Kyle - the wide receivers. Unfortunately, that is all too easy an oversight. Here we have a secondary ranked in the 100's nationally, and our own guys can't get open against them. Even Darrell Scott won't be successful if there are eight or nine defensive players lined up against the run.
Still, I remain optimistic about this season and the future of the program. Go Buffs!
www.cuatthegame.com
Posted by extrapoint on April 21, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
At the south end of the field, the defense knew exactly what Black was going to do. His series there was a disaster.
I wouldnt be so quick to discount Smart. He made some good plays. One of his problems may have been getting outshown by Marcus Burton. He was all over the field.
Posted by tallisall on April 21, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The team needs a lot of work over the summer.
Posted by william.nicholas on April 21, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
good point on that there aren't that many freshmen linemen, understand that..but I watched Maiava a lot last year and he seemed to just move folks, but again if I remember correctly Head replaced him later in the game aginst Alabama..still a bit of a mystery..what impressed me about Solder was his quickness..
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 21, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So Tal, ready to eat your words regarding the Spring Game attendance?
Posted by buffballaz on April 21, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm against the whole idea of using Kyle Black in the red zone. The defense knew every play that was coming and stuffed him for a loss. If were going to just run it in the red zone (which i doubt), why not just let d. scott take the snaps. That makes more sense to me at least.
Posted by dabuffs50 on April 21, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So, I looked at tape of the kid that came to the game with Darrell Scott. I forget his name now, but it is in a different article. Wow, the kid is awesome. It would be another huge coup if D. Scott can bring this kid to CU and steal him away from all the big boys again.
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 21, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are thinking of 6-5 WR Jarrod Darden from Texas. He lists us in his top two, T Tech being the other. He is supposed to be the best WR in Texas this year. On a plus note, academics are very important to him. We have Tech beat in that department.
Posted by BuffNut99 on April 21, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is Jarrod Darden a senior in High School or a junior? (2008 or 2009 recruiting class?)
Posted by Sea_Bass on April 21, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought the Solder move was a mistake and I will gladly eat my crow. The Maiva move still has me puzzled though when you consider we moved a starting lineman to 3rd string fullback. Despite his apparent lack of size. Maiva was vicious last year and clearly got under the skin of the D-lineman. I hate to lose that nastiness on the line but I am glad the O-line looks strong without him. Great day at the spring game and Ralphie V is rabid. I always try to catch the running but this year will be more interesting so I will make sure not to miss it.
Posted by Ldjbuff on April 21, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's good to finally see the offense ahead of the defense this year. The game showcased alot of things for the team good and bad, Yes the corners are untested and undersized and the kicking game and punt game was so-so but the O-line and the RB and WR looked good. I think with the growth and strength the o-line gives us the d-line will get better, When you practice with a good line or top CB or WR the opposing player or players show improvement during a season.I'm looking forward to the incoming rb's but I got to say Sumler and Moyd looked very motivated to show were they are at right now as far as 1&2 on the depth chart.No matter what it's a probelm I'm glad we have in more than just one area. The defense did have some bright spots Beatty and Burton and in spurts Brace looked good,It's hard to judge the Defenses right now when not all the players are healthy and accounted for let's wait and see in the summer how things look can't wait till AUG 30
Posted by mntbyker on April 21, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
....but you really don't want to see the offense ever outshine the defense. Let the offense dominate other defenses, but not your own. It shows the D really needs a lot of work!
Posted by JAWS on April 22, 2008 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BuffNut99, tallisall, you are both IDIOTS!!! Tall, you already know that - where were you Saturday? I lived up to my word and even brought along a lame-ass cardboard sign asking where/who you were... but you never identified yourself - what gives? How WAS your weekend in Lincoln? Did you wear a cute blue dress like Monica Lewinsky the WHOLE ENTIRE time that you were around Coach BO? You've proved to all of BuffNation that you are a facade - and a lame 1 at that - go play in traffic... Buffnut, learn to THINK - do you really think that Aric Goodman isn't good? The kid was a Freshman All American at Wyoming - he looked VERY good Saturday - you go do better... Moron! He was kicking with the scout team the majority of the game (as was Davis) - did you not see both of them kick SEVERAL touchbacks - you're a lemming, thank GOD you're not in charge of awarding schollarshipps. GO BUFFS!!!!
Posted by tallisall on April 22, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tsk, Tsk....No need for name calling..
NWbuff, the crow is a little salty, but not too bad..
over 15,000, who'd have thought??
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 22, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tal,
Well I predicted you wouldn't even show up here to acknowledge the attendance. So I guess its time for me to eat my words as I was proven wrong.
Pass the salt.
Posted by jimmylBuff on April 22, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am very discouraged regarding Maiva and feel a little sorry for him. His body language on the sideline was that of a pacing bull that could never get off leash. I think it is a terrible move to put him in at fullback when he was a fantastic guard.
I said this weeks and weeks ago so I guess I will just have to get over it. Screw the Huskers!
Posted by BuffNut99 on April 22, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whoa JAWS, save the venom for the opposition.
I was at the Spring Game (didn't know that I had to identify myself to you) with the group of ten that I organized. You're getting on my case for my opinions about Goodman or Davis? I was watching them closely, in both warmups and the game. Earth to JAWS, we have a serious problem in the placekicking department (I know we're fine for kickoffs), and if we don't sign another guy, or unless one of these guys transforms before the fall, you can count on a few losses because of missed FGs, and no "win one we shouldn't" because of a great FG made. To me, there is no worse way to lose a game then by a missed FG.
Eff-you for calling me a lemming. You can find me and my unbreakable Buff pride at every game, every season (season ticket holder).
Love,
BuffNut99
Posted by tallisall on April 22, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jaws gets a little excited at times.
Posted by extrapoint on April 22, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lets all go down to the kicker store and pick one out.
Probably get a deep discount for one without a green card.
Posted by JAWS on April 23, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JAWS has plenty of 'reasons' to get excited at times - BuffNut99, I give you credit for being a true fan and showing up for the spring game and showing that the program in its progress means a lot to you(unlike Tall); However, I respectfully disagree with you that our kicking game is in 'serious trouble.' in fact, I'd bet that 98% of all NCAA DIV1 schools ould KILL to have our 'problems' with kicking. Are we 'there yet?' No. But we will be, I know Goodman personally and i know that his work ethic and his talents are both exceptional - I do not know Jameson, but I am willing to bet that he is VERY good across the board as well. Just give this 'area' until the Fall to improve... I am certain that you'll be impressed with the results. JAWS
Posted by BEL on April 23, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Placekicking is going to be just fine this year. I have studied Goodman carefully during the Saturday scrimmages and in the Spring Game. Those who think that he is not going to be a capable placekicker are just blowing smoke and don't know what they are talking about. Mark my words, Goodman is going to be a very good placekicker. He has a sweet stroke with a nice, easy tempo that is consistent and repeatable. Like a good golf swing, he strikes the ball the same way every time. It doesn't matter if it is a short 20-yarder or a long 50-yarder. The leg swing during Goodman's kicks always stays the same -- same motion and same tempo. In many ways, he reminds me of former Bronco's kicker Jason Elam, whom I consider to have the best and most consistent tempo of any placekicker that I have ever seen.
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 23, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI, Kai Maiva is transferring and Kaufusi is going to Utah. This sucks.
Posted by Buff_since_76 on April 23, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nwbuff32,
Where is Kai transferring to? I thought he was having some trouble with his grades and MIP, but nothing that would warrent a total transfer. If true this is not good.
I would have liked for us to get Kaufusi, but it hurts more to lose a player on the team than a recruit.
Posted by BuffNut99 on April 23, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nwbuff32,
Please qualify your statements and/or add a link about Kai and Kaufusi. I'm crossing my fingers that you're mistaken.
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 23, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't have an article or anything like that. My source is very reliable and is very close to people in the program. Maiava is looking to transfer because of off-field issues, not the FB move. He actually really enjoyed the move.
I'm sure there will be an article up tomorrow.
Posted by BuffTime on April 23, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, it appears to be true http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
Man this sucks. I was really looking forward to him manhandling LBs and helping D. Scott break open huge runs.
I hope he finds what he is looking for. He seemed like a really good kid.
Posted by tallisall on April 23, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe Hawkins can move Ryan Miller over to fullback.
Geez, run off a starting lineman.
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 23, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tal, now that is a stupid comment and you really are an idiot for saying that. Hawk did nothing to cause this as Kai is having personal issues he feals he can deal with better closer to his family. Now do us all a favor and run yourself off a cliff.
Posted by tallisall on April 23, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hawkins took a starting lineman and put him 3rd string fullback.
Kai said he's going to put the weight back on and play lineman????
The kid isn't going to publicly bad mouth the program because he's trying to get on elsewhere.
So why is that is stupid comment?
Posted by MDBuff on April 23, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That is terrible news about Maiava. I hope he gets his personal issues resolved. I wonder what Hawk did to try to keep him on.
Posted by BuffNut99 on April 23, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, Tall may have a point - if Maiava gets back to a lineman weight and signs on with another BCS school to play lineman there.
If that occurs, I would chalk up this transfer to the position change.
Fortunately we are deep on the OL, and Kai was coming on slowly at FB, but this hurts. I hope the scholarship is used wisely - perhaps a DB. Please no more attrition in the program. Go Buffs
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 23, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Its a stupid comment because you obviously have not been following this situation this spring. You've been too busy sticking your head up Cody's butt checking for any flaws.
The decision to move Kai to FB was done by the O Line coach Grimes. Grimes and others felt that Kai was maxed out at 6 feet 300 pounds and was starting to get handled towards the end of the season ( he was subd out of the Alabama game early). Grimes feels that soon the othe OG's on the team would surpass Kai and he was best fit at FB. That happened sooner than later and that this why he was moved to FB.
My point is you can't say Hawk "ran off" Kai. Hawk listened to one of his best asst coaches and things just didn't work out for Kai.
I loved Kai's attitude and mentality. He will be missed and I wish him well.
Posted by bufffan8 on April 23, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tal - I would have thought you would have a problem with an o-lineman that is only 6ft tall. Isn't he too short to play o-line? You should be happy. He was replaced by someone over 6ft tall.
Posted by extrapoint on April 23, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Allow me to speak for Tall
Tall is devastated (see all those gator tears?)now that the only passing lane Cody had is gone.
Tall is now preparing to submit, for the 46th time, his stale joke about hitting the linemen in the butt with the football.
Posted by rswright on April 24, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Buffs are on their way! Minor setbacks won't stop Hawk.
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