Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Striving for Solid Spring Finish
April 14, 2003 | Football
BOULDER - Though the University of Colorado football team has continued to develop over the past several weeks of practice, head coach Gary Barnett and the Buffs are looking to finish the final stretch of the spring on a solid note.
With only two practices remaining before the annual Spring Game (Saturday, 1 p.m.), Barnett said Monday that he wants to see his squad continue its improvement, and develop an intensity it can carry into the fall.
"We want to finish this spring (strong)," Barnett stated after the Buffs completed their 12th practice of the spring. "We want to use the next three days to get better - not stay the same."
Noting that he has been impressed with his players' effort and determination over the past several sessions, Barnett said he really expects the Spring Game to be "a good one," in which fans will see some great battles.
And currently, as it has been for the majority of the season, the quarterbacks and kickers will probably garner the most attention, as Barnett revealed Monday that he is starting to thin out his choices.
At kicker, Barnett stated that he has named junior J.T. Eberly and freshman Kevin Eberhart as the two main competitors.
"We narrowed it down to two guys," he stated. "Eberly won outright today, but we will continue with the competition for the rest of this week."
At the quarterback position, while all contestants continue to fight hard, Barnett said he would not hesitate in declaring a clear starter going into the fall, should one present himself.
"If it is close, it's close," he commented. "If it is not, I'll name a starter."
As of now, sophomore Joel Klatt stands No. 1 on the depth chart, while redshirt freshman James Cox and Erik Greenberg are right behind.
Practice Notes: Sophomore Vaka Manupuna, who made a position switch to offensive guard earlier this spring, has returned to defense tackle.
Sophomore offensive tackle Gary Moore (quadriceps) returned to full action during the day.
Barnett also announced that redshirt freshman receiver Blake Mackey and sophomore fullback Jeff Tolbert have been suspended indefinitely, including the remainder of the spring, for violating team rules.
