Brooks: Frosh WRs Eager, Able

There's undoubtedly more to learn about receivers Jarrod Darden and Terdema Ussery, and with both only a mere month and a half into their college careers there's ample time for discovery.

For now, though, this observation from junior Scotty McKnight - made after watching both in this summer's 7-on-7 passing work - might be enough to pacify most Buffs fans:

"Both guys have really taken in trying to learn everything, unlike other receivers in the past. These guys are really kind of entrenched already, trying to get as much of the offense in as they can before camp.

"Both of them look physically ready to be playing college football - big, strong, fast kids. The mental side usually is the toughest part, but it looks like both are taking it in stride - and we're going to need them. Hopefully that keeps going through camp.

"There's always that chance (for freshmen) to get tired, homesick or whatever. But I think both these guys are mentally tough, and that's going to be huge for us."

Jarrod Darden

Terdema Ussery

If Darden and Ussery, a pair of long, tall Texans, develop as expected, it could be beyond huge. McKnight, the Buffs' leading receiver in 2008 (46 receptions, 519 yards, 5 touchdowns), knows the needs of his offense; his and most others' lists compiled inside the program and out are topped by receivers.

To quote someone in the glass-half-empty set, if it weren't for bad luck at the position, CU might not have any luck at all. Courtesy of injuries and defections - the most recent exit by the talented but enigmatic Josh Smith - the Buffs' depth dwindled to wading pool level.

Last winter's recruitment of Darden, Ussery and touted junior college transfer Andre Simmons was a step toward refilling the pool, as well as the addition (for 2010) of Michigan transfer Toney Clemons.

Although his paperwork from Independence (Kansas) Community College still must clear CU admissions, Simmons likely will arrive on campus the week before August camp opens. The Buffs will need him, and if NCAA rules permitted, they most certainly could use Clemons, whom McKnight already is raving about.

"He knows he's going to be on scout team next year, but he wants to learn (the offense)," McKnight said. "I dropped him off the other night and he had a handful of route cards; he wants to learn his plays. He's going to be a good guy to have on the team; he's taking it seriously and is going to be a great, great addition down the road."

Throughout the summer, McKnight has served as a long-distance mentor for the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Simmons, telephoning him every couple of weeks for an academic progress report.

"He's said his classes were going well,'' McKnight said. "He's another guy we have to jump start, but I know he's taking it seriously because of all the classes he's had to take (to become eligible)."

There's been no such problem for Darden, called "Jarry" by some of his teammates, and Ussery. Upon arriving in Boulder in early June, both stuck their heads in the playbook and haven't yet retracted them. They say their adjustment period to a new home and surroundings has been smooth, and early playing time appeals to both.

"Oh yeah, especially with the recent developments (Smith's exit)," Darden, of Keller, Texas, said. "But I'm not worried about what other people do. I just want to make the most of the opportunities I get."

Added Ussery, of Dallas: "I think both Jarry and I had the understanding that there's an opportunity for us to play (early) and we took that very seriously . . . so we came in with the mindset that this is a job and it's something we love doing."

Darden, who missed his senior season with a broken ankle, and Ussery are physically similar to Simmons - Darden at 6-5, 210, Ussery at 6-4, 205. Not that bigger is always better, but if that trio and 6-2, 200-pound Markques Simas all can be game-ready early on, CU's receiving corps will find itself with more overall size than in recent seasons.

Darden believes his strong suit is "probably jump balls. But honestly, I don't think there's anything I do bad. I'm having trouble getting off the line, which every receiver coming in does. But I don't think there's anything I do bad."

Ussery believes his forte is "physicality . . . getting off the line, my speed and dealing with a defender."

Both say they're capable as blockers, but until the pads are pulled on definitive proof is still TBD; most incoming freshmen can stand improvement in that facet of their games.

McKnight, though, has been impressed with both during the unsupervised summer work. In addition to their size offering an upgrade, both "catch the ball with their hands" rather than pinning it to their bodies, McKnight said.

The 5-11 McKnight, who missed most of spring drills with a triceps injury, is up to 190 pounds - about a 10-pound gain - and termed himself "way better" physically than at any point in his career: "Physically I feel better than I ever have . . . I'm faster than ever been and feel real comfortable running routes."

Darden and Ussery are finding a comfort zone in that area, too, although both will benefit from finally working for a position coach when camp opens on Aug. 7. Blowing the whistle at their drills will be head coach Dan Hawkins, who has been hands-on in most areas during his CU tenure but until this season hasn't taken on a specific position coaching role.

Ussery called the prospect of working under Hawkins "another opportunity to learn from a great coach . . . he brings a wealth of knowledge and we're all looking forward to it."

Not nearly as much as Hawkins and his offensive staff are looking forward to getting Darden, Ussery and, hopefully, Simmons game-ready. And quickly.

Contact: BG.Brooks@Colorado.EDU