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Woelk: Hawk's identity stamped on Buffs
First impressions of my 28th Colorado football media day ...
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- Woelk: In the end, no surprise for bad-news Buffs
- Woelk: One more chance for Buffs to get better
- Big 12 girding itself for gridlock
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The Buffs are big.
The returning vets are noticeably bigger than a year ago, and it's not from extended stays at the dinner table. Rather, it's clear that Jeff Pitman's strength and conditioning sessions are paying dividends.
As for the freshmen, not since the heyday of the Bill McCartney era has a group of newcomers looked so ready to play -- as in right now. Noted one Buff vet Thursday morning, "My freshman class sure didn't look like that." ...
Of course, it's been a long, long time since any freshman running back walked on campus looking like blue chipper Darrell Scott. Not Flannigan, not Bieniemy, not even Salaam looked like Scott when they first reported as Buffs. ...
Meanwhile, there's a palpable air of confidence -- you might even call it swagger -- that hasn't been felt around the Dal Ward Center for a few years.
What's clear is that Dan Hawkins has stamped his identity on this program. After a two-year transition period, the vast majority of players have bought into his system and his philosophies, and it's apparent they believe in what they're doing.
"The greatest measure ofthat is to look around you," said Buff defensive lineman George Hypolite, one of the 17 players on the roster who was recruited by former coach Gary Barnett. "Have we become what he's been preaching and teaching? I think we have.
"It's in the way we practice, our conditioning, the way we conduct ourselves on a day-to-day basis, all those things." ...
It wasn't an easy transition. A coaching change almost never is. When it's followed by a 2-10 first year, the process only becomes more difficult.
"It's like fishing in the dark," Hypolite said. "You don't know what you're going to catch because you really don't know what's out there. That's a difficult thing.
"Now, we know what they expect of us. We know what they want. We're familiar with how they do things. It's a world of difference." ...
Did we say bigger and stronger?
Quarterback Cody Hawkins has added about five pounds of muscle, reduced his body fat, added some arm strength -- and even grown a half-inch taller.
"I'm 5-11½ and 193," Hawkins said with a grin. "Just a little more and they can legitimately list me at 6 feet."
Even more importantly, Hawkins has greatly reduced the "he's playing because he's the coach's kid" chatter that followed his every step last season.
"I don't think it was ever a big deal with my teammates because we see what each of us is doing every day in practice," Hawkins said. "We prove to each other every day what we're capable of.
"But I think as far as the public is concerned, there aren't near as many questions now." ...
Group that could have a breakout year? Try the wide receivers. Patrick Williams, Josh Smith and Kendrick Celestine have the wheels to stretch a defense in a hurry.
And, don't forget last year's leading receiver, Scotty McKnight. The sophomore caught 20 passes in CU's first three games before, in his words, "The other teams decided maybe they should cover me once in a while."
Still, McKnight is one of those WRs who runs precision routes and doesn't drop balls, an invaluable asset in the course of a season. Throw in the fact that CU's running game should keep defenses honest, and the wide receivers could put up some nice numbers. ...
The group already getting lots of attention -- and deservedly so -- is the linebackers, a position blessed with plenty of depth and experience. It means Hawkins and his staff won't shy away from tweaking their defense to take advantage of the depth there, especially given the lack of that same commodity on the D-line.
Fact is, while the Buffs technically run a 4-3 alignment, they bounced into a 3-4 variation on a fairly regular basis last season. Hawkins said this season will be no different. "You always want to have a little adaptability," he said. ...
And, speaking of linebackers, don't expect Boulder High product Jeff Smart to turn over his starting position to Mike Sipili without a battle. Hawkins said when reviewing tape of CU's bowl loss to Alabama, he saw several outstanding plays made by former Buff Jordon Dizon -- then realized it was actually Smart who had made the plays. ...
Back to the bigger and stronger front. This from Camera sports writer Ryan Thorburn after watching Buff tackle Ryan Miller stride through the room: "He's Paul Bunyan." ...
Make-or-break position for the Buffs? Try cornerback, where the absence of Terrence Wheatley (now with the Patriots) and Ben Burney (out for the season) leaves the Buffs as green as grass on the outside islands. There is some talent there, but if it doesn't develop, it could mean some long, long days in the pass-happy Big 12, where the spread formation has become the rule, not the exception. ...
And finally, these words from Dan Hawkins when asked about the season opener vs. Colorado State: "When you have a new coach coming in, you can always expect a little extra juice and a little extra spark."
Well, not always. Anyone else remember Montana State?
Posted by flabuff227 on August 8, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For a young team. Theirs a lot to look forward too! I think we all need to be patient and wait for development!
Posted by Ralphie2 on August 8, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SEASON!!!
Posted by GoBuffs07 on August 8, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well lets see if they can win 6 games this year before crowning them.
Posted by archalon on August 8, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Surprisingly positive article by Woelk, until the last few lines.
the table is set, lets see if what the boys can do with it. They'll surprise many this year.
Posted by extrapoint on August 8, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder how many games (bridge that is) Gary is gonna win in Scottsdale?
Posted by buffalo_flyer on August 8, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
3 weeks until the slaughter of the lambs!
and the best part, CU KU and MU are slated for Texas's north battles, Can you say sweep!
Posted by bufflover on August 8, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the only thing im scared is cornerback, but otherwise i think we should be ok.
Posted by CaliBuff on August 8, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One thing that I noticed with our schedule this year is that Texas plays OU the week after they travel to Boulder (look ahead). Texas is 10-0 in their last 10 games after the RRS (OU game). Glad we don't play them there. Also Kansas plays @ OU the week after they host us. They may have something else in their minds.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on August 8, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thats typical husker thinking, give up before the season starts, good thing the buffs didn't take that approach against the "unbeatable" sooners last year....
question, when did Hawkins go up against WVU?
Posted by DCBuff on August 8, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hawkins has also NEVER lost to WVU or UT.
Posted by TallyBuff on August 8, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Worst case scenario out of this stretch is 3-3: WVU, FSU, UT, KU, KSU, MU. The Seminoles do get their suspended players back for the game in Jacksonville, but it will be their first game of the season. WVU is a wild card--that program is in turmoil, and while many 1st year coaches produce success with someone else's talent, many others do not. In both cases we may be playing teams that have poorer seasons than people expect. KU and MU are likely to be losses, but KSU will be a Buff win. And I like our chances against the Horns: they don't spread the field anywhere near as much as many Big XII teams, and our CBs will be less exposed there. 4-2 in that stretch is very feasible.
Posted by BEL on August 8, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Tall, your thinking is so azz backwards. You are so results oriented that you can't see the process that must occur before results can be achieved. Concentrate on the process -- not the results. When one does that, the results will take care of themselves. Hawk understands the process when he states that "believing is seeing". There is an old adage that expresses this same sentiment: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Despite a 2-10 start, Hawk has been able to sell the CU football program very well and convince many high profile recruits to come to CU. Obviously, these recruits have looked beyond the immediate results and see something about the CU program that they obviously like. If these recruits had gotten hung up on results, such as the 2-10 record, they would probably never have come to CU.
The process is continuing. A solid foundation has been laid. The players have drank the Kool-Aid and embraced the culture. This team has depth and talent at nearly every position -- something not seen here in many years. Although I still see 2009 as the breakout year, I think that this year's team is fully capable of upsetting a few top 20 teams.
Posted by mgmtgrad on August 8, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully the talent at LB will help the safties and CBs by both improving the pass rush and (hopefully) knowing when to step back and help out covering the pass.
Other then the kicking for field goals and extra points, it seems that the program is developing well.
Next class should/will shore up those areas along with the D-line.
Go Buffs, 23 days to game time :)
Marcus J
Posted by flabuff227 on August 8, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Woelk is Linicombes little brother.
Posted by archalon on August 8, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RE: the next class - D. Scott is overheard in a interview and grinning as he says that he knows we have a few 5-stars coming. He's been talking up CU to Evans, Carroll, Te'o and Burfict, so I hope he's right.
Kasa is said to be close to committing too. Carrol is supposed to be in Boulder this weekend, so hope for some good news next week.
Posted by flabuff227 on August 8, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That would be huge! Both pairings are top two!
Posted by neb_cu_buff on August 8, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DS will definitely help bring in some of the big fish come recruiting time, especially, and hopefully if the buffs come out with a good to great season this year... Success will lead to even better recruiting this year, with the help of DS as well..
The buffs kicking I think should be ok... I like Goodman for the kick offs and Davis for the field goals, especially outside of 20-30 yards. He tells me he struggles with accuracy from closer up, but from beyond a certain point, he is money.... Lets see where that goes...
GO BUFFS!! oh, and look, Cody is still growing!!! yay! See that Tallisall, he is 5-11 1/2 now.
Posted by NorCalLovesDaBuffs on August 8, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pass Rush and secondary are my main concerns. Over the last few years, even Barnett's last couple, defense has been real solid on 1st and 2nd down, but how many 3rd and long's have teams completed to keep a drive alive? The secondary is not going to be good, they have to find a way to use that linebacker depth to get to the passer.
Posted by flabuff227 on August 8, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pass rush and the secondary go hand in hand. if their is consistent pressure put on the qb by the front four the secondary will be fine.
Posted by GoBuffs05 on August 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
31st can't get here soon enough!
Posted by MinnesotaBuff on August 8, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great points NorCal and fla.
I agree totally, 3rd and long seemed to always result in a first down for whoever the Buffs were playing last year.
The Buffs have to pressure the QB this year. Especially while breaking in 2 new corners.
Obi, Lucas, Herrod, Hudgins...these guys have to come through for us this year.
Posted by RalphieWyoWyo on August 8, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My prediction is that this year will be a lot like 88'. That team finished 8-4 with a winning conference record and set the tone for the next few years to come. The players, that helped win the national championship, were just young guys learning the ropes.
Watch out Big XII, the Buffs are back! I'm not predicting a National Championship, but top 10 in a couple of years with the talent coming in!
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 8, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These two prospects were at practice today. Very interesting.
http://colorado.rivals.com/viewprospe...
http://colorado.rivals.com/viewprospe...
Posted by buffalo_flyer on August 8, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
still wondering why no one is concerened that 09 and 10 B12 championship games are being held in Texas
Posted by DCBuff on August 8, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the news nwbuff!! Those two are solid kids.
Posted by ralphieupthemiddle on August 8, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Something Neill makes a point about is the impressive size of the team this year. That has indeed has been lacking since the Doc Kres days and the Buffs have paid for it on the field by getting pushed around. Our only hope for the DBs is a beefier defensive line that can apply pressure. Regardless, our DBs have not inspired confidence since Deon Figures was here (sorry Wheatley). My impression is that this position is not one that we just reload.
Needless to say, the bulk brings hope!
Go BUFFS
Posted by RealTalk6236 on August 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess the measured cody in full pads football cleats and a helmet on this year.
Posted by RealTalk6236 on August 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
they
Posted by OutToPasture on August 8, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm surprised that everyone thinks CSU will be such a cake walk! They've got two decent backs returning and we've made Sperry look like an All-American in all 47 games he's played against us.
We're so young and inexperienced (only 8 guys on the roster have 2 letters), that first game can be particularly dangerous.
I'm more afraid of CSU than WVU! I think WVU is way overrated at this point. New coach, new coordinators (trying to make White pass more), no more Slaton and no more stud fullback (forget his name). That fullback was an animal and that's hugely important for an option attack.
I was up at practice the other day and physically this is by far the most impressive team we've had in years.
Posted by archalon on August 8, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nosa will be a Buff - I hope Randall will be.
Posted by mifrfi on August 8, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
outtopasture: With our d-line and linebackers csu's running game will be stopped cold. While pass rushing is still a question mark, these guys will be stout against the run. Meanwhile, they have little or no experience at WR and havn't yet decided on their new QB. It will be the first game ever for the new QB, all that while learning a new system. Finally, After a whole summer of conditioning and offseason workouts, our offense will explode on the lambs. This one won't be close. If your a betting man take CU against the spread in this one
Go BUFFS!!
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 8, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Out to pasture-
If you are more afraid of CSU then WVU all I have to say is what are you smoking?. This team is ripe for a beat down. They have zero talent at QB (see attached article) and are going suffer severely at DB.
As for Sperry, he is coming off of a major injury and doubt he will be 100%. He really can't hurt us if they don't have a decent pass game.
Bell plays right into one of our best strengths. Our LB core will smoother him to the ground all game. Seriously doubt that they will rush for more than 75 yds against us.
Our offense will destroy this team. We now have play makers that can score at will. This game is going to get ugly for the Rams.
http://coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s...oloradoan.com
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 8, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pasture-
Only 8 guys have two letter? I count 20+ with 2 letters or more. We have more experience than 8 guys.
Posted by extrapoint on August 8, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks for the blog nwbuff. I wonder if the qbs are under more presssure from Fairchild than the blitzing LBs
Posted by bouldabuff on August 8, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good to hear about Randall Carrol at practice - that kid is going to be a stud. I haven't heard much about this Nosa Eguae kid though.
Has anyone heard about where Shaquelle Evans plans on visiting?
Posted by OutToPasture on August 8, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry - 13 have 2 letters, 8 have 3.
"Colorado has 40 lettermen returning from last season, 18 on offense, 20 on defense and two specialists, though just eight have earned three letters and just another 13 with two.
I don't think we're going to lose, but I also don't think it will be a cake walk. If it was our 2nd or 3rd game, I'd be more confident.
If we can get our passing game rolling, WVU is ripe for an upset!
Posted by buffalo_flyer on August 8, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
regardless, CSU is a much easier game than WVU by a mile
Posted by reallifeshocker on August 8, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wvu, really an unknown, but here. fsu will be a w. texas will be interesting, almost an "uncallable", but mark it: "w". watch out out for ksu, they are so unpredictable, and they think everyone is overlooking them, could be close. the buffs will be in the kansas game, and may surprise. (could be the season turning point, for both clubs.) mizzou will be just too much at columbia, but one can always dream about the "pinkel factor", that's why they play 'em, but probably not. this stretch will be 4-2, or 3-3, with surprises both ways.
Posted by BuffTime on August 8, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Since no one else in the room is mentioning it I will....
Woelk is old enough to have been to 28 Buff media days!?!
Posted by phxbuff on August 8, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey guys. We need to represent the Buffs a bit better on Myspace. If you have an account, and I am sure quite a few of you do, the name of the page is College Football Trash Talking. If you log on, check out all of the pics of the ladies wearing college gear. We are seriously lacking there and I know there is plenty of talent there in Boulder.
Yea and this totally looks like spamming or something, but I can only handle so many Husker fans on my own. I dropped the '62-36' bomb on this guy the other day. I don't think it registered. Pathetic!
The season is close and I can't wait to see how Hawk's recruits mesh. Go Buffs!
Posted by oz_in_cali on August 9, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it just me, or is Scotty McKnight starting to look a lot like the second coming of Darrin Chiaverrini? Tight routes, good hands...sounds like a possesion reciever to me. Now we just need for the burners to stretch the defense, so that our bullpen of running backs can stuff it down their throats!
Corner is a question mark for sure (I thought Burney was back this year), but I expect the pass rush to be much improved, so hopefully that will help.
Oh, almost forgot...Hey smallisal, u suck.
BUFFS RULE
Posted by rswright on August 17, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The fun is telling those who ask how the Buffs will be that CU has the mo, the talent and the coach and CU football is back for good! Go Buffs!
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