MacIntyre Still Counting On QB Webb Honoring Commitment To CU

BOULDER – All Mike MacIntyre has is Davis Webb's word, but the fact that Colorado's football coach hears it daily must count for something.

Shouldn't it?

MacIntyre reiterated on Tuesday's Pac-12 Conference coaches teleconference that he speaks with Webb – the touted Texas Tech graduate transfer quarterback – “basically every day, almost every night.

“He's told me every time he's definitely coming to Colorado. I don't have any other reason to think why he wouldn't.”

Almost four months ago, Webb committed to play for the Buffs in 2016, using his final season of eligibility in a new football setting to bolster his NFL resume. On February's national signing day, Webb was listed among the transfers CU expected to be on its 2016 August camp roster.

Although Webb signed a financial aid agreement with CU, he is not bound to the school until he enrolls in classes – which MacIntyre hopes is done by May 31, the beginning of CU's A session of the summer term.

But with no binding commitment, Webb can be recruited by other schools and take visits if he wishes. He visited California earlier this month, igniting speculation that he wasn't sold on CU despite his continual pledge of allegiance to the Buffs and a close relationship with new co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini, who joined the Buffs staff from Texas Tech.

MacIntyre would like to see the graduate transfer rule changed, perhaps making the signing of a financial aid agreement binding for a potential transfer.

“I just don't like the rule,” MacIntyre said. “He signed with us, signed a financial aid agreement and then everybody else can still recruit him and badger him and try to manipulate him. Which I do not agree with and I think that's wrong. But that's the way the rule is. I believe he'll still be here at Colorado.”

Webb would be in August competition with seniors Sefo Liufau, provided he's full recovered from his Lisfranc (midfoot) injury and cleared to practice, and Jordan Gehrke, and redshirt freshman Steven Montez.

In his portion of the Pac-12 conference call, Cal coach Sonny Dykes did not mention Webb and was not asked any questions about the prospect of Webb joining the Bears.

Other than answering a question about graduated QB Jared Goff, who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft later this week, this was Dykes' only reference to Cal's 2016 quarterbacks:

“Once we decide who the quarterback is going to be we're going to have make adjustments and figure out how to put them in situations where they're going to be successful.”

GOOD TO HAVE HIM BACK: The Buffs are counting on having defensive tackle Josh Tupou back in August camp. He missed the 2015 season and was not enrolled in school.

A previous 24-game starter and All-Pac-12 performer, Tupou's return should make a significant impact on CU's defense.

“He's a pro noseguard,” said MacIntyre, adding that Topou “should be here this summer. He's 325 pounds, very athletic, can bend and move. He's 6-4. He's perfect for a 3-4 defense. He'll be a key for our defense.”

COMING CLOSE vs. CLOSING IT OUT: Over the last two seasons, the Buffs have nearly elevated losing close games to an art form. In 2014 they lost four games by five or fewer points, including two in overtime. In 2015, they lost five games by eight or fewer points.

MacIntyre told Pac-12 conference callers that the experience of his fourth CU team will make a difference in 2016.

“I see 21 seniors on scholarship, 22 juniors on scholarship,” he said. “I see guys that are hungry and they've been in the heat of the battle more often. Even the backups have been in the heat of the battle in some really close games. We came out on top of a few of them, we need to come out of a lot more.

“I see more attention to detail from those young men, you don't have to tell them things over and over. They understand what they need to do. I see a drive in them, off the field, on the field. It's become 24/7/365 to them and I think as you do that it helps them mature to be able to handle those situations.”

NOTABLE: The Buffs will hold their Get In The Game marrow registry drive on Wednesday in Balch Fieldhouse (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). The endeavor is in conjunction with the Be The Match program, which MacIntyre began in his previous coaching position at San Jose State. Buffs defensive end Derek McCartney recently donated peripheral blood stem cells to a cancer patient. After his donation, McCartney missed two days of spring practice. “I said it's more important to save a life than miss a few spring practices,” MacIntyre said. “He was able to give to a man and save his life. It's an exciting thing to do.” MacIntyre said McCartney is “doing really well. I saw him this morning and he's doing good. He's getting bigger and stronger.” . . . . If the Buffs are going to leave campus for any off-season break, May is the month to do it. But not many are likely to make the break extended, opting to remain for PRPs (player run practices) and strength/conditioning work . . . . Players are tentatively scheduled to report for August camp on Aug. 3, with practice beginning the next day. The first practice in full pads will be either Aug. 7 or 8, the first day of fall classes is Aug. 22 . . . . CU opens the 2016 season against Colorado State on Sept. 2 in Denver.

Contact: BG.Brooks@Colorado.EDU