Colorado University Athletics
Quarterback Sefo Liufau returns for his fourth season as a starter.
Photo by: Gary Kirchner
Fortunately For The Buffs, Sefo Liufau’s Word Is Good As Gold
August 12, 2016 | Football, B.G. Brooks
Senior QB’s Return Brings Serious Sigh Of Relief
(Third in a series of position-by-position previews of the 2016 Buffs to be posted on CUBuffs.com during the preseason. Today: Quarterbacks)
BOULDER – Today's non-news flash: There's no quarterback controversy at the University of Colorado. Instead, there's a compelling story about a fairly miraculous comeback, one vow kept and another dismissed.
A QB controversy appeared to be taking shape last winter, but as August camp ends its first full week there's not even the skimpiest doubt (unless the unthinkable occurs) of who will take the opening snap when the Buffaloes line up against Colorado State on Sept. 2.
Camp's most pressing question at the QB position is who will back up three-year starter Sefo Liufau – and the answer to that also might be as clear as CU's No. 1.
However, you'll probably have to wait until game week or a couple of days prior for that official word, with either redshirt freshman Steven Montez or senior Jordan Gehrke designated by coach Mike MacIntyre as his QB-in-waiting.
With the greatly anticipated transfer of Davis Webb having fizzled in the 11th hour, Liufau's largest challenge to become the Buffs' four-year starter returned to what it was all along – rehabbing his Lisfranc injury and getting a medical green light to start August camp.
A determined Liufau received the go-ahead, began practice with his teammates on Aug. 4 and hasn't displayed a hint that his left foot was damaged goods in mid-November. It's safe to say that his coaches and teammates have been amazed and awed by his recovery.
"You see him running around, dropping back, scrambling," mused QB coach/co-offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, "and if you hadn't known he got hurt you'd never know. It's a testament to him and the work he's put in since last November."
"You really couldn't tell he was injured," echoed Gehrke. "He's 100 percent; you can see it. In fact, this is the best we've seen him."
And Montez was no less effusive about the upperclassman he's already said he'd like to emulate during what looks to be a promising CU career.
"In my eyes, he's 100 percent healthy right now," Montez said. "He's looking fantastic, making big plays in practice and is awesome. I picture him continuing to make big plays through the rest of fall camp. He looks like a stud right now, he's looking great."
One wonders, if only briefly, how a Webb-Liufau camp competition might have unfolded or whether Webb's snub of CU – he signed with Cal instead – provided any extra motivation during the critical, final stages of Liufau's rehab work.
Webb's presence in camp might have further sharpened Liufau. We'll never know. It also might have provided a few days of entertaining camp storylines, but we'll never know that either.
What we do know is that shortly after his injury against USC and subsequent surgery, Liufau vowed to be ready when camp opened. Meanwhile, Webb spent most of the winter and spring vowing he would be a Buff.
Fortunately for the Buffs, Liufau made good on his, solidifying a locker room that he has commanded for three years. Not that the Buffs wouldn't have rallied around Webb; had his rehab not been successful and his return delayed, Liufau likely would have led the pro-Webb pep rally.
But make no mistake: this is Liufau's team, and a leadership change at such a vital position might have required more break-in time than the offense could have afforded.
It's all a matter of conjecture now, with a healthy and reenergized Liufau once again having settled into his captain's role and eager for his final season.
"Sefo is a four-year starter and a captain," Gehrke said. "I think everyone voted for him. He's our leader and he's had a lot of responsibility since he was a true freshman. The guys have known that; we've looked to him as our leader and he hasn't let us down. He's here to stay, he works hard and he definitely backs it all up with his work ethic."
Asked if Webb entering the picture would have created a "tough situation" in the locker room, Gehrke answered, "I don't know. Tough situation? That's up to the coaches. But knowing Sefo, I know he would have worked as hard as he could and we would have let the coaches decide whatever."
Lindgren's goals for Liufau in 2016 are essentially what they were in 2015: Make good decisions, take care of the ball, keep the offense speeded up, and don't try to do it all alone. The last might be the easiest for CU's senior QB; Liufau appears to have a more talented and efficient supporting cast than at any time in his career.
Having already set a career's worth of school records (75), Liufau enters his final season in pursuit of what he's been chasing since his freshman year. Wins. The records, the personal numbers might be nice to reflect on someday, but not now.
He's 8-21 as a starter and would like nothing better than adding at least six more W's and helping the Buffs reach a bowl game for the first time since 2007. He speaks often of leaving the program better than he found it – and helping CU reach the postseason would be a nice parting gift.
But by doggedly pushing himself to be ready for the 2016 season, he's already posted a personal 'W.' Of course, there's more to it (and him) than that. True to his personality and devotion to team, Liufau will measure the success of his final CU season in the win column, not the record book.
"It's been a long road," Liufau reflected on Media Day, "but it has been a great one, to be able to come back and achieve my goal of being ready for fall camp."
Had he not been . . . well, it's something Mike MacIntyre doesn't like to think about.
THE BACKUP PLAN: Lindgren isn't rushing the search for a No. 2 QB. It might not take until game week to settle on either Montez or Gehrke, but if it does that's OK.
"That's a competition that we'll see how plays out in the next two weeks or so," Lindgren said. "It's a decision for Coach MacIntyre but I'd imagine that going into the Colorado State game we'll have a clear cut guy."
Neither player is spending needless time on how the depth chart is structured.
"It's always in coach's hands, and whatever he sees fit he's going to do what's best for the team," Gehrke said. "Steven has been playing really well lately. We'll know when the time comes."
"It's always a coach's decision," Montez added. "We're both trying hard to come out every day and give our best. I think we're both doing really well. We've both got things to correct but we've both got our strong suits, too . . . it's going to come down to the wire and whatever coach wants is what we'll have."
Lindgren points out that Gehrke has had game experience and has previously been in a backup role. Just as quickly, though, Lindgren notes that Montez "is a really talented young guy who had a very good spring.
"Both are running with the second group right now, and every now and then we'll give Sefo a rest and put them in with the 'ones' and see what they can do."
Gehrke and Montez both said their summer off-season work was productive, with Gehrke noting he strengthened his grasp of the offense. "I'm looking forward to the new wrinkles we're putting in," he said. "Really, I'm just excited about the whole season."
While Gehrke was brushing up his understanding of the offense, Montez was delving deeper into the playbook. "I did a lot of work there," he said, "and I feel like I'm more precise in my reads now knowing the playbook."
After the first seven days of camp, Lindgren says this of Montez: "Things are slowing down for him, he's seeing the field better (and) his command of the offense is better, which has helped with his decision making."
Lindgren also noticed that Montez "looks thicker" – and Montez won't disagree. "I am stronger," he said, but adding that he lost about seven pounds (down to 228) before camp opened. "I lost a little speed but I think I'll be harder to bring down now if I take off (and run)."
THE NEWBIE (NOYER) REPORT: The Buffs' only scholarship freshman QB is Sam Noyer, who is expected to spend a redshirt season soaking up as much as he can from the upperclassmen ahead of him and Lindgren. He's also likely to see scout team duty while he adjusts to his new world.
"It's tough for a freshman who didn't have spring practice," Lindgren said. "We've got him with the younger guys learning the system. I've been really impressed with how he carries himself – he's got a lot of confidence and has been showing good leadership signs. We'll see how he progresses in the next week."
Also, Lindgren and his other quarterbacks all have noticed that Noyer appears to have good arm strength and is accurate.
"He kind of reminds me of myself when I came in – he's eager, ambitious, working every day and throws a really good ball," Montez said. "And he's got some speed on him as well."
THE INSIDE LOOK AT . . .
Quarterbacks
Coach: Brian Lindgren, fourth season at CU.
Returning starters: Sefo Liufau, Sr.
Returnees: Jordan Gehrke, Sr.; Steven Montez, RS-Fr.
Newcomers: Sam Noyer, Fr.; Tyler McGarry, Fr.; T.J. Patterson, Jr.
Key losses: Cade Apsay (dismissed from team)
Stat line: Liufau has set or tied 75 school records, with more marks in reach as he begins his final college season, including needing just 13 yards to set the CU record for career passing yards (7,397).
Bottom line: The Buffs have a proven QB in Liufau, who with a more talented, more experienced cast now surrounding him should be primed for a stellar senior season. Liufau's relative quick recovery from a Lisfranc injury was nothing short of remarkable, and CU needs him to stay healthy for the entire season. Behind him, Gehrke has starting experience and appeared in three games last season while the talented Montez is waiting to take his first college snap.
Next: Defensive backs
Contact: BG.Brooks@Colorado.EDU
BOULDER – Today's non-news flash: There's no quarterback controversy at the University of Colorado. Instead, there's a compelling story about a fairly miraculous comeback, one vow kept and another dismissed.
A QB controversy appeared to be taking shape last winter, but as August camp ends its first full week there's not even the skimpiest doubt (unless the unthinkable occurs) of who will take the opening snap when the Buffaloes line up against Colorado State on Sept. 2.
Camp's most pressing question at the QB position is who will back up three-year starter Sefo Liufau – and the answer to that also might be as clear as CU's No. 1.
However, you'll probably have to wait until game week or a couple of days prior for that official word, with either redshirt freshman Steven Montez or senior Jordan Gehrke designated by coach Mike MacIntyre as his QB-in-waiting.
With the greatly anticipated transfer of Davis Webb having fizzled in the 11th hour, Liufau's largest challenge to become the Buffs' four-year starter returned to what it was all along – rehabbing his Lisfranc injury and getting a medical green light to start August camp.
A determined Liufau received the go-ahead, began practice with his teammates on Aug. 4 and hasn't displayed a hint that his left foot was damaged goods in mid-November. It's safe to say that his coaches and teammates have been amazed and awed by his recovery.
"You see him running around, dropping back, scrambling," mused QB coach/co-offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, "and if you hadn't known he got hurt you'd never know. It's a testament to him and the work he's put in since last November."
"You really couldn't tell he was injured," echoed Gehrke. "He's 100 percent; you can see it. In fact, this is the best we've seen him."
And Montez was no less effusive about the upperclassman he's already said he'd like to emulate during what looks to be a promising CU career.
"In my eyes, he's 100 percent healthy right now," Montez said. "He's looking fantastic, making big plays in practice and is awesome. I picture him continuing to make big plays through the rest of fall camp. He looks like a stud right now, he's looking great."
One wonders, if only briefly, how a Webb-Liufau camp competition might have unfolded or whether Webb's snub of CU – he signed with Cal instead – provided any extra motivation during the critical, final stages of Liufau's rehab work.
Webb's presence in camp might have further sharpened Liufau. We'll never know. It also might have provided a few days of entertaining camp storylines, but we'll never know that either.
What we do know is that shortly after his injury against USC and subsequent surgery, Liufau vowed to be ready when camp opened. Meanwhile, Webb spent most of the winter and spring vowing he would be a Buff.
Fortunately for the Buffs, Liufau made good on his, solidifying a locker room that he has commanded for three years. Not that the Buffs wouldn't have rallied around Webb; had his rehab not been successful and his return delayed, Liufau likely would have led the pro-Webb pep rally.
But make no mistake: this is Liufau's team, and a leadership change at such a vital position might have required more break-in time than the offense could have afforded.
It's all a matter of conjecture now, with a healthy and reenergized Liufau once again having settled into his captain's role and eager for his final season.
"Sefo is a four-year starter and a captain," Gehrke said. "I think everyone voted for him. He's our leader and he's had a lot of responsibility since he was a true freshman. The guys have known that; we've looked to him as our leader and he hasn't let us down. He's here to stay, he works hard and he definitely backs it all up with his work ethic."
Asked if Webb entering the picture would have created a "tough situation" in the locker room, Gehrke answered, "I don't know. Tough situation? That's up to the coaches. But knowing Sefo, I know he would have worked as hard as he could and we would have let the coaches decide whatever."
Lindgren's goals for Liufau in 2016 are essentially what they were in 2015: Make good decisions, take care of the ball, keep the offense speeded up, and don't try to do it all alone. The last might be the easiest for CU's senior QB; Liufau appears to have a more talented and efficient supporting cast than at any time in his career.
Having already set a career's worth of school records (75), Liufau enters his final season in pursuit of what he's been chasing since his freshman year. Wins. The records, the personal numbers might be nice to reflect on someday, but not now.
He's 8-21 as a starter and would like nothing better than adding at least six more W's and helping the Buffs reach a bowl game for the first time since 2007. He speaks often of leaving the program better than he found it – and helping CU reach the postseason would be a nice parting gift.
But by doggedly pushing himself to be ready for the 2016 season, he's already posted a personal 'W.' Of course, there's more to it (and him) than that. True to his personality and devotion to team, Liufau will measure the success of his final CU season in the win column, not the record book.
"It's been a long road," Liufau reflected on Media Day, "but it has been a great one, to be able to come back and achieve my goal of being ready for fall camp."
Had he not been . . . well, it's something Mike MacIntyre doesn't like to think about.
THE BACKUP PLAN: Lindgren isn't rushing the search for a No. 2 QB. It might not take until game week to settle on either Montez or Gehrke, but if it does that's OK.
"That's a competition that we'll see how plays out in the next two weeks or so," Lindgren said. "It's a decision for Coach MacIntyre but I'd imagine that going into the Colorado State game we'll have a clear cut guy."
Neither player is spending needless time on how the depth chart is structured.
"It's always in coach's hands, and whatever he sees fit he's going to do what's best for the team," Gehrke said. "Steven has been playing really well lately. We'll know when the time comes."
"It's always a coach's decision," Montez added. "We're both trying hard to come out every day and give our best. I think we're both doing really well. We've both got things to correct but we've both got our strong suits, too . . . it's going to come down to the wire and whatever coach wants is what we'll have."
Lindgren points out that Gehrke has had game experience and has previously been in a backup role. Just as quickly, though, Lindgren notes that Montez "is a really talented young guy who had a very good spring.
"Both are running with the second group right now, and every now and then we'll give Sefo a rest and put them in with the 'ones' and see what they can do."
Gehrke and Montez both said their summer off-season work was productive, with Gehrke noting he strengthened his grasp of the offense. "I'm looking forward to the new wrinkles we're putting in," he said. "Really, I'm just excited about the whole season."
While Gehrke was brushing up his understanding of the offense, Montez was delving deeper into the playbook. "I did a lot of work there," he said, "and I feel like I'm more precise in my reads now knowing the playbook."
After the first seven days of camp, Lindgren says this of Montez: "Things are slowing down for him, he's seeing the field better (and) his command of the offense is better, which has helped with his decision making."
Lindgren also noticed that Montez "looks thicker" – and Montez won't disagree. "I am stronger," he said, but adding that he lost about seven pounds (down to 228) before camp opened. "I lost a little speed but I think I'll be harder to bring down now if I take off (and run)."
THE NEWBIE (NOYER) REPORT: The Buffs' only scholarship freshman QB is Sam Noyer, who is expected to spend a redshirt season soaking up as much as he can from the upperclassmen ahead of him and Lindgren. He's also likely to see scout team duty while he adjusts to his new world.
"It's tough for a freshman who didn't have spring practice," Lindgren said. "We've got him with the younger guys learning the system. I've been really impressed with how he carries himself – he's got a lot of confidence and has been showing good leadership signs. We'll see how he progresses in the next week."
Also, Lindgren and his other quarterbacks all have noticed that Noyer appears to have good arm strength and is accurate.
"He kind of reminds me of myself when I came in – he's eager, ambitious, working every day and throws a really good ball," Montez said. "And he's got some speed on him as well."
THE INSIDE LOOK AT . . .
Quarterbacks
Coach: Brian Lindgren, fourth season at CU.
Returning starters: Sefo Liufau, Sr.
Returnees: Jordan Gehrke, Sr.; Steven Montez, RS-Fr.
Newcomers: Sam Noyer, Fr.; Tyler McGarry, Fr.; T.J. Patterson, Jr.
Key losses: Cade Apsay (dismissed from team)
Stat line: Liufau has set or tied 75 school records, with more marks in reach as he begins his final college season, including needing just 13 yards to set the CU record for career passing yards (7,397).
Bottom line: The Buffs have a proven QB in Liufau, who with a more talented, more experienced cast now surrounding him should be primed for a stellar senior season. Liufau's relative quick recovery from a Lisfranc injury was nothing short of remarkable, and CU needs him to stay healthy for the entire season. Behind him, Gehrke has starting experience and appeared in three games last season while the talented Montez is waiting to take his first college snap.
Next: Defensive backs
Contact: BG.Brooks@Colorado.EDU
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