Colorado University Athletics
Football Practice Report: Aug. 12
August 12, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Since the day Mike MacIntyre took the reins as the Colorado football coach, he and his staff have preached player accountability.
Wednesday morning, Buff defensive end Derek McCartney said the message has hit home this year.
“The guys who are leaders are stepping up,” McCartney said. “Coach MacIntyre has always talked about it, but you can see it happening on the field this year. Guys are holding each other accountable. We're pushing each other to get better.”
MacIntyre has said throughout camp he's seen a difference in this year's team.
“I see a lot more vocal guys holding guys accountable,” MacIntyre said earlier this week. “I see things happen in the huddle. The players are taking control and now everything is going like it should be.”
McCartney said it's been a subtle shift from a year ago, when there weren't as many players who were willing to step up and take charge when necessary.
“You're seeing it now,” McCartney said. “When guys need a pick-up, we lift each other up. When something needs to be said, it gets said. We're just taking responsibility and making sure we're all accountable for what we do.”
The key will be whether the players can maintain that attitude as the dog days of August begin to hit home. Wednesday morning's practice was just the eighth of summer camp; there are 21 remaining until the Sept. 3 season opener at Hawai'i.
“We have to continue that,” McCartney said. “It's what leadership is about, it's what leaders do. We'll push each other. When things get tough, we have to keep pushing.”
COACHES MOVE IN: CU coaches moved into their Champions Center offices on Tuesday. MacIntyre said his office has an outstanding view of Folsom Field and the Flatirons, and during a film session Tuesday, he stopped for a moment to take in the view.
“It's gorgeous,” MacIntyre said. “Stress relief, to say the least. It's nice, very nice.”
Defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt was equally effusive with his praise of the new facility.
“Never seen anything like this!” Leavitt said via his Twitter feed Wednesday morning. “Best facilities I have ever seen!”
GILBERT IMPROVING: Buff defensive end Jimmie Gilbert, listed atop the depth chart at right DE, is having a solid camp.
“Jimmie's getting better and better,” MacIntyre said.
Gilbert started nine games last year and finished with 38 tackles, including seven for losses (2.5 quarterback sacks).
“Jimmie's got a lot of athletic ability and he needs to just keep pushing along,” MacIntyre said. “He's played two years now. He's played a lot of snaps.”
OLIVER AT DB: MacIntyre said Wednesday that true freshman Isaiah Oliver will play defensive back.
Before camp started, MacIntyre said the coaching staff would look at Oliver at wide receiver and defensive back. Now, MacIntyre said, Oliver will stay on the defensive side of the ball.
“He's at corner,” MacIntyre said. “He's doing really well, and he's doing good on special teams. “He felt comfortable there, and that's where we kept him.”
ONE PRACTICE WEDNESDAY: The Buffs had just one practice Wednesday (shorts and shoulder pads), and will return to two-a-days Thursday, with one of the workouts scheduled for full pads.
The players will have a day off Friday before returning for a pair of practices Saturday, including a morning scrimmage at Folsom Field.
The scrimmage, set to begin at 8:30 a.m., is open to the public will include a select-a-seat event and a “Season Ticket Holder Selfie Session” on the field after the scrimmage.
Gates will open at 8 a.m. and fans can park for free in lot 436 (enter off of Regent Drive just south of Colorado Ave). Gates on the east and west side of Folsom Field will be open and concessions will be open on the east concourse.
The select-a-seat event, now in its second year, allows fans to pick seats that are available for purchase so they know the exact location and perspective they can count on when action is taking place on the field. Season ticket holders will then be invited onto the field after the scrimmage for a selfie session, when they can take photos and meet current players and coaches.
