University of Colorado Athletics
Buffs Hit Halfway in Snowy Setting
April 07, 2003 | Football
BOULDER - The University of Colorado football team surpassed the halfway point of its spring season Monday, as the Buffs held their eighth practice in steady snow conditions during the afternoon.
Though head coach Gary Barnett admitted his squad "couldn't get much done" in the slippery situation, he did say that the Buffs were able to accomplish some good work early in the session, before the snowfall increased.
But while Barnett and his staff were unable to fully examine the production of their team during the inclement weather, the fifth year Colorado coach didn't shy away from questions concerning his team's overall progress this spring.
"At this point, I am pleased with some areas, and I am concerned with some areas," he stated after practice. "I don't think that is different from any other year I've been here."
Highlighting the main objectives CU started out with just three weeks ago, Barnett reiterated that the central focus continues to be on developing a young offensive line and narrowing down the competition at quarterback.
Though he stated that the offensive line must continue to work hard and grow as a unit, Barnett said he has been particularly impressed with the performance of quarterback Joel Klatt. While redshirt freshman James Cox and sophomore Erik Greenberg have kept the competition tight, Klatt has seemed to stand out the most, especially after Saturday's scrimmage in which the sophomore went 13-of-17, for 176 yards and one touchdown.
To help make things even brighter for Barnett and the Buffs, the offensive line's development also received a boost during the day, as senior guard Karl Allis (foot) returned to action for the first time this spring. Though Barnett said he couldn't completely evaluate the 6-foot-5, 310-pounder's return, he did say Allis practiced at full speed.
Competing for a spot to join returning starting guard Marwan Hage on the unit, Allis is battling with sophomores Clint O'Neal and Gary Moore, and redshirt freshmen Jack Tipton, Del Scales and Mark Fenton. Barnett said he is relying on O'Neal to become a starter at the split tackle position, while sophomore Drew Shader (shoulder) and junior Derek Stemrich (knee) will add to the entire mix once healthy come August.
Others receiving spring praise from Barnett include: sophomore tailback Brian Calhoun, junior defensive end Matt McChesney, sophomore fullback Lawrence Vickers and junior tight end Jesse Wallace.
"I am not happy where we are now," Barnett added, "but I am not displeased with our progression."
