Look Ahead: Irwin Leads Experienced Tight End Crew

BOULDER — With the onset of organized summer workouts just around the corner and the opening of football fall camp less than 10 weeks away, we continue the process of breaking down where the Colorado Buffaloes stand on a position-by-position basis.

Next up: Tight ends.

With the Buffs having phased the fullback out of the depth chart (although they still use a big back on occasion), tight end is a crowded spot these days, with no less than six players listed at the position.

It's a talented list, with several different types of players all bundled under one position. It includes a prototype tight end, Sean Irwin; an H-back/fullback hybrid, George Frazier; and a tight end/slot receiver, Dylan Keeney.

There's little doubt that Irwin will be the mainstay of the position when the Buffs use a true tight end. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior started 11 games last year and has all the tools for the position: he's an excellent blocker in the passing game and running game, and an underrated (and arguably under-utilized) receiver. He caught just 15 passes last year, but five of those were for 20 yards or more, making him CU's season leader in average yards per catch (16.5). He adds much-needed stability to an inexperienced Buffs offensive line and his big-play potential makes him a valuable weapon.

Frazier, meanwhile, is a multi-dimensional player who can line up at tight end, fullback and H-back. He caught just six passes last year (31 yards, one touchdown), but is also valuable as a lead blocker in short-yardage situations.

Keeney might have the most big-play potential of the bunch. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound sophomore caught just six passes last year for 71 yards, but had a big gain called back against Colorado State and his speed/size combination in the slot makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.

There's also plenty of depth here, with senior Chris Hill, redshirt freshman Chris Bounds and junior Brian Boatman all listed on the depth chart.

What we learned in spring: While the Buffs tweaked their offense in the spring, they by no means eliminated the tight end from the playbook. Irwin received plenty of snaps, as did Frazier and Keeney, and all had their moments in different scrimmage situations.

Irwin continued to show that he'll be a mainstay of the offense, and it will be fun to see him line up alongside his brother, left tackle Jeromy, in the fall. Keeney had some long gains in scrimmage situations and Frazier continued to be a key part of CU's short-yardage and goal-line game.

In the the spring game, Keeney and Bounds each caught one pass.

What's next: Irwin, who has made great strides in his receiving skills over the last two years, will continue to work on that facet of his game over the summer, as well as continue to improve his speed, strength and quickness. The summer will be important for Keeney as he tries to add some bulk to his slender frame (without losing any speed).

Also important will be film/study sessions as the Buffs continue the process of tweaking the playbook, and the 7-on-7 player-led workouts will be important in terms of developing timing and precision with CU's quarterbacks — particularly if Sefo Liufau is able to participate to any degree.

Fall camp storylines: There's almost no doubt here as to who the starter will be, as Irwin, a player with next-level potential, has staked claim to the position. Last season, he began to earn the trust of Liufau when he came up with some big catches in traffic, and it will be worth watching to see if the two develop a more consistent connection.

Also interesting will be how the Buffs fit Frazier into the game plan; and the progress of Keeney will be closely watched.

Anyone who watched last season's national title game, when O.J. Howard caught five passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, knows the tight end still has an important place in the college game. With last year's leading receiver for the Buffs now vying for a spot in the NFL, it means there are plenty of receptions up for grabs this year — and it won't be a surprise of a few of those are thrown to tight ends.

Note: CU's “pencil” depth chart is the one that has been released to various magazines around the nation for their summer preview specials. It includes players who were injured and did not participate in spring but are expected to be ready for summer drills. It does not include players who have yet to practice with the team, such as incoming freshmen and transfers.

Pencil depth chart:

Tight end: Sean Irwin, George Frazier, Dylan Keeney, Chris Hill, Chris Bounds, Brian Boatman.

Incoming players who could figure into the mix: The Buffs did not sign a tight end in the last recruiting class.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu