Practice Report: MacIntyre Says Buffs' Focus Remains Strong
August 18, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
WR Fields continues to have consistent camp
BOULDER — Now past the two-week mark of preseason camp, and with two more weeks to go until the first game, it's that time when football teams can begin to drag.
But, Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said Thursday he's seen no signs of that thus far from the Buffs. Instead, MacIntyre said Thursday, the Buffs have maintained a steady focus from Day One.
"The attitude has been excellent, it really has," MacIntyre said. "They're coming out and getting after it every day. They're staying focused, and the guys on the sidelines are staying into it, which is critical."
The Buffs hit the practice fields Thursday morning in full pads for their 17th practice of camp. That leaves 12 practices and 14 days until the Sept. 2 season opener vs. Colorado State in Denver (6 p.m., ESPN).
MacIntyre isn't surprised at his team's focus. It's a result, he said, of a team full of upperclassmen, players who have been through the process before and not only know what to expect, but also know what is required to improve each day.
"It's just the maturity factor," MacIntyre said. "They're not just trying to get through practice, they're trying to learn and get better. A lot of that has to do with maturity."
FIELDS STAYS CONSISTENT: While virtually every receiver in camp has had good days, junior wideout Shay Fields has probably been the most consistent, both in scrimmage and team situations and in individual drills.
Early in camp, wide receivers coach and offensive co-coordinator Darrin Chiaverini said he'd noticed a big difference from Fields from spring ball to fall camp. Fields, Chiaverini said, "is a different guy than he was even in the spring. You can tell he's into it. He wants to lead."
Fields did indeed open camp in high gear, and he hasn't let up since. He's been catching the ball consistently, and has run both long and short routes with precision. It's also become apparent that in his third year working with Sefo Liufau, he's earned the quarterback's trust.
"I think we've been establishing that bond since my freshman year," Fields said. "You could see it with him and (Nelson) Spruce, and now I'm trying to get to that same level where we have that same bond. Trust has to be earned in whatever you do, and I think it's almost there between me and Sefo."
Fields has added about 10 pounds to his frame but hasn't lost any speed.
"He's running more powerful and consistently every day, he's got that speed every day," MacIntyre said. "It shows how much stronger he is, it's not wearing him down."
DETAILS, DETAILS: With the season opener now just two weeks away from Friday, the Buffs will turn their attention to game situations, including substitution and getting special teams on and off the field in a timely manner.
"We'll do a lot more game-type simulation where we have both teams on the field and then run special teams and substitutions, all the functions of a team," MacIntyre said. "We'll do that quite a bit between now and the first game, so at the game the kids are used to that and they're calm in that situation."
The Buffs also continue to regularly work on special teams, something they address in virtually every practice. They have been running full speed kick and punt coverage and return drills, and MacIntyre and his staff are beginning to sort out who might be on the receiving end of kicks and punts.
"We'll make that decision starting next week, but we've got three or four we think at each area," MacIntyre said. "People get nicked up so you've got to have them ready to go."
PRACTICE TIDBITS: Along with special teams, another area the Buffs have continued to make a priority since the beginning of camp has been work in the red zone. "We're making steps in that area," MacIntyre said. "We're making steps on both sides of the ball." … Defensive lineman Jordan Carrell, who added about 20 pounds to his frame in the offseason, has improved his pass rush this year. Carrell has developed a strong push off the ball and has been much more consistent in pushing the pocket back and disrupting the quarterback. Carrell had just one sack last year, but did have seven tackles for loss, second-best on the team, as well as a team-high three forced fumbles. … Fifth-year senior Sully Wiefels continues to compete for a starting spot on the offensive line. … Junior wide receiver Bryce Bobo continued an excellent week with another leaping catch on the goal line in team drills. … Sophomore OLB Terran Hasselbach continues to make strides in the pass rush, and is proving to be an outstanding open-field tackler.
KICKOFF LUNCHEON: The 28th annual Boulder Chamber Kickoff Luncheon is set Friday in Balch Fieldhouse. Doors and the buffet luncheon will begin at 11:15 a.m., with the program scheduled to begin at noon. Special guests will include CU Athletic Director Rick George, MacIntyre, Boulder Chamber President John Tayer and the entire Buffs team and coaching staff. Tickets will be available at the door.
SCHEDULE: The Buffs will practice Friday evening and again Saturday morning. They'll then assume their regular "fall" schedule Monday when classes begin, with practices set to begin daily at 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
