University of Colorado Athletics
CU Quarterback Gehrke Has Solid Spring Game
April 09, 2016 | Football
BOULDER — Senior quarterback Jordan Gehrke had a productive spring game Saturday, completing 10 of 12 attempts for 126 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
“It was my last spring game and I thought I did pretty well today and had fun out there with all my friends,” Gehrke said.
While the spring game signals the end of spring drills, it is also a learning experience to begin preparation for the 2016 season.
“Personal goals and team goals are the same: Just get to a bowl game and win, however, we do it, whatever role I play,” Gehrke said. “I'm pretty excited for this year. I thought we did some good things out there. There are a couple of things we need to work on, but for the most part, I'm pretty excited for next season.”
Gehrke wasn't the only one pleased with his performance. Brian Lindgren, the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was feeling positive about the senior quarterback and the coming season.
“Jordan when he got here was very polished fundamentally,” Lindgren said. “The thing I noticed with him is just his understanding of defenses and what the defense is trying to do and understanding our system and how we're trying to attack them. He's very veteran as far as that stuff goes.”
Gehrke has been a backup for most of his career at CU, and played in just three games last year. But with starter Sefo Liufau out with an injury for the spring, he's had plenty of work this spring.
“I've been impressed with how he's handled himself throughout the situation,” Lindgren said. “He's been a backup in some roles and I've been pleased with the way he's handled it and the way he did things this spring.”
During the spring game, Gehrke did not play like a backup quarterback and thrived with his offense. He had the only two touchdown passes of the scrimmage, connecting with Shay Fields on a 29-yard scoring pass and Jaleel Awini from 9 yards out. Gehrke also threw to Justin Jan for a 47-yard gain.
Gehrke acknowledged he needs to work on maintaining his focus and calmness during games.
“That's something I thought at times last year that he struggled with,” Lindgren agreed. “He'd get a little bit riled up in the game and just not be able to play play-to-play. He'd dwell on one play or a mistake he made and hopefully we can work past that.”
With the spring game over, improvements in mind, and a bowl game win as their goal, Gehrke and the Buffs will continue to prepare for the 2016 football season.
