Buffs RB Lindsay Says Little Things Could Add Up To Another Big Step Forward

BOULDER — A year ago, Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay was doing his best in spring ball to earn a spot as the feature back in the Buffaloes' offense.

Lindsay did just that, emerging from the spring as CU's No. 1 back before solidifying the spot in fall camp. By season's end, Lindsay had ended the Buffs' running back-by-committee approach — the norm for the previous several years — by rushing for 1,189 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Now, in his final spring session with the Buffs, Lindsay is in a new role — that of watching as the players behind him battle for playing time as Colorado's No. 2 back. It's meant limited time in scrimmages and more time working on the "little things" that will help take his game up another notch next fall.

"It's definitely different," Lindsay said after Monday morning's practice. "I'm used to going all the time, making things happen, getting out there and being in the middle of it all the time. But it does give me a good perspective to see what I can do to help."

Obviously, the Buffs know what Lindsay can do. But by limiting his reps to a degree, it has allowed CU coaches to take a longer look at the backs who will be running behind Lindsay next fall, in particular sophomore Beau Bisharat and senior Michael Adkins II.

"Phil's the guy, we know that," running backs coach Darian Hagan said. "When you have your returning starter back, you don't have to progress a guy along so rapidly. Mike and Beau are doing a really good job and with Beau, he's able to learn and continue to get better without having to be 'the' guy right away. That's a big help."

But one role that hasn't change for Lindsay is that of a team leader. A team captain last year, he is still a major factor in that department — something that will be especially important on a team that lost a host of veteran seniors.

"You always have to make sure everybody remembers where we came from," Lindsay said. "Some of these young guys, they might be a little spoiled. They're coming into something that's been built up. They have to understand that we have to work to keep it like this. We have to have that same mentality we had last year — nobody's entitled to anything. We have to be out there working every day, every month, every practice because that's the only way we're going to be better and that's the only way we're going to win games."

Lindsay, who has always been a demon in the weight room, has put on a little extra muscle and added a touch of speed. He wants to add to both again over the summer while he continues to work on the details that will bump his yardage total up next fall.

"We want Phil to be even more consistent," Hagan said. "He has to run with better knee drive. If he does that, he won't get tackled by a guy swiping his feet from him. Physically, when a guy comes up on him one on one and he has to drop his pads and bang, nobody's going to tackle him one on one. But when he's running away from guys, he tends not to pick his feet up and he can get tackled easily there."

The challenge for Lindsay will be to improve enough of the little things that it all adds up to another big step forward on Saturdays.

"The little things are always going to take you farther," Lindsay said. "Being more patient, picking my feet up, continuing to get stronger, be more in control of my body, finish strong this spring then have a strong, strong summer.

"Then, be ready for fall camp."

RUNNING BACKS EARLY LOOK: The Buffs haven't had a returning 1,000-yard rusher since 2011, when Rodney Stewart was coming off a 1,318-yard season the prior year.

The comfort level of having Lindsay returning can't be overstated. It means someone who knows the offense, knows his offensive line and knows what to expect on Saturdays.

It also means more time for the other backs to get comfortable and be ready to fill in if necessary. While the Buffs' depth took a big hit midway through spring ball when junior Kyle Evans suffered a dislocated hip, the Buffs still have plenty of players at the position.

"Mike (Adkins) and Beau (Bisharat) are doing a really job," Hagan said. "They're showing the consistency we need from them. You never know when your number's going to be called and you have to be ready. When their number has been called, both of them have been good."

Adkins has proven he can be a productive back when healthy. He rushed for 535 yards and six touchdowns as a true freshman and added 398 as a sophomore. But his numbers since have steadily declined because of a variety of injuries. If he's healthy next fall, he will add a nice dimension to the attack.

Bisharat, meanwhile, has made great strides from last fall, when he saw some time as a true freshman.

"Huge difference," Hagan said. "He's running with confidence. He knows what he's doing and he's not out there guessing."

With Evans out, and his status for next fall still unclear, the versatile Donovan Lee has been getting more time at tailback again. A former wide receiver turned running back, he started the spring working at defensive back, but he's now seeing some time with the offense again.

"He's just a really smart kid," Hagan said. "He's been practicing defense the whole time and you put in some new plays and you coach him up on the field and he can go out and do it. He's doing a good job when he's over there with us."

Next fall, the Buffs will add freshman recruit Alex Fontentot to the mix.

"We'll be fine," Hagan said.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu