Colorado University Athletics
Buff Freshman Watanabe Can't Wait For 'Cats
October 15, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — It's been almost two years since Grant Watanabe played in an actual game.
That means the Colorado freshman linebacker has two years of pent-up energy to release Saturday when the Buffs play host to Arizona (7 p.m., Fox Sports 1).
"It's been a long time," Watanabe said. "The last game I played was the Texas high school state championship game in 2013. It's been a long process and a frustrating process. I'm ready to get back out there and play."
Watanabe was actually a member of the 2014 CU recruiting class, but he delayed his enrollment for a semester because of a lingering foot injury. He enrolled last January, but even then, couldn't participate in spring drills because of the foot sprain.
Watanabe finally returned to the field in fall camp and quickly turned heads at inside linebacker. But because CU had two quality veterans at the position — Kenneth Olugbode and Addison Gillam — he didn't play early, and the possibility of redshirting him for the season existed, especially after a minor shoulder injury briefly slowed his progress.
Now, however, injuries to Olugbode, Gillam and junior backup Ryan Severson have forced the Buffs to turn to their freshmen. Redshirt freshman Rick Gamboa has started four games in Gillam's place, and either Watanabe or fellow freshman N.J. Falo will start in Olugbode's spot.
Head coach Mike MacIntyre said that no matter who starts, both will play.
At 5-foot-11, 240 pounds, Watanabe is a powerful inside force who can shed blockers and stop running backs in their tracks. He played well against the No. 1 offensive unit in fall camp and was getting repetitions with the No. 2 defense before the shoulder injury.
Now — finally — he's completely healthy and getting regular practice repetitions with the No. 1 unit.
"Any injury is kind of a mind game," Watanabe said. "It gets hard and it's frustrating. Sometimes it's hard to maintain your focus and know your purpose with the team. You feel a little like you're on the outside — but I'm just glad it's over, and I'm ready to see what I can do."
Watanabe will see a potent Arizona offense that last week rang up 645 yards offense in a 44-7 win over Oregon State. Quarterback Anu Solomon threw for 276 yards and the Wildcats rushed for 368, including 123 yards from Jared Baker and 78 from Nick Wilson.
Wilson, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound sophomore, has already rushed for 683 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
"Their running back runs really well and really hard," Watanabe said. "The quarterback is really smart — he has a lot of experience and a good arm. They do a lot of different things and they're a tough team, but nothing we can't handle."
MacIntyre has confidence in both of the youngsters, and he's watched them carefully this week in practice.
"I think Grant will play well," MacIntyre said. "He's physical, he's got good instincts and he likes to stick his nose in there. He's excited about playing and he's completely healthy. I expect him to get out there and get after it right away."
"We're ready," Watanabe said. "I think it's going to be a great test for all the linebackers, but the way we've been practicing, we're ready to do our job. I'm just ready to get back on the field and play in a game."
Oh, that state championship game? Watanabe made 13 tackles, including two for losses, and was selected as the game's defensive MVP.
Saturday, though, Watanabe won't be concerned with numbers.
"Just win," Watanabe said. "That's what my goal is."
