Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Wide Receivers Should Be Ready To Take Another Big Step
March 06, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — There may be no position on the Colorado football team more stocked with talent and depth than wide receiver.
Not only do the Buffs have every wide receiver who caught a pass last season returning, they also have a host of other players itching to get their foot in the door, and more ready to hit the field in the fall.
It has made for an "every snap" counts mentality in spring practices and some terrific competition at the position. Virtually every practice produces a handful of big plays by receivers, as the bar gets bumped a little higher on a daily basis.
The biggest takeaway thus far?
"You've got to work if you want to be playing on Saturdays," offensive co-coordinator and wide receivers coach Darrin Chiaverini said after Monday's workout. "You have to earn your spot. Nothing's going to be given to you. If you're struggling or if you're not doing your job, you're going to be passed up."
The Buffs wideouts have taken that to heart.
To no one's surprise, the starters from a year ago have all boosted their game up a notch. Shay Fields, Bryce Bobo and Jay MacIntyre have all been consistent, productive performers while Devin Ross — who led the Buffs in receptions in 2016 — is playing catch-up after getting a late start.
"Shay's really elevated his game," Chiaverini said. "This is the first spring Bryce has really had (he's been hampered by injuries in past year) and he continues to work and push his body. Getting Devin Ross back going is good and Jay MacIntyre just does what he does, makes plays."
But along with last year's leaders, the players from 2017 who saw only spot duty on Saturdays are making bids to become more integral parts of the game plan. Senior Kabion Ento has been terrific thus far, prompting Chiaverini to say, "Kabion's been playing as good as anybody on the roster."
Indeed, Ento has had big plays in two scrimmage situations thus far — a brief session last Wednesday as well as Saturday's full scrimmage in Folsom Field.
But just about every other wideout on the roster has had a moment or two. Junior Lee Walker has been productive, sophomore Johnny Huntley has made some plays, as have Xavier Cochrane and Derrion Rakestraw.
One big plus this spring is that it is Chiaverini's second spring with the group.
"It's been huge," Chiaverini said. "The learning progression is a lot easier. There's a lot more retention and I can go through things quicker because they grasp the concepts. Now it's just a matter of them getting on the same page with the quarterbacks so they can be more efficient on Saturdays. The big thing is we're working toward our goal to be more efficient."
If the Buffs can do that, it could mean another big step forward for the offense next fall. That's no small order, as CU last year had five different players catch at least 30 passes for the first time in program history.
But it is also something that's well within reach, meaning the position battles should be fun to watch when the Buffs open fall camp.
"That's one of the things that will sort itself out," Chiaverini said. "As coaches, you create opportunities for competition for everybody and make everybody push each other to another level. I played here when we had really, really good receiving corps and competition made me better. It's going to make this group better. What they all realize is there's no entitlement. You have to earn your spot."
WIDE RECEIVER EARLY LOOK: With last season's leaders in receptions (Ross), yardage (Fields) and SportsCenter moments (Bobo) returning, the Buffs are no doubt experienced at the position. Throw in Jay MacIntyre and it is no doubt a productive group.
But there's every reason to believe the Buffs will be even better at the position next fall, and not just because of the experience factor. Kabion Ento is having a terrific spring, catching long balls and going up in traffic for tough catches. Several youngsters have also had their moments — and next fall, four talented freshmen will join the mix.
And, that doesn't take into account transfer Juwann Winfree, who missed last season with a torn ACL — an injury suffered after an outstanding start to camp.
Just as important is the receivers are getting plenty of time establishing a rapport with the quarterbacks.
Last spring, starter Sefo Liufau was on the sidelines rehabbing a foot injury. This spring, next year's starter — most likely Steven Montez — is in camp, which allows the receivers to develop timing and an understanding of the his style and nuance. It's one more thing that should pay dividends next fall.
BUFFS AT COMBINE: Three former Buffs — all defensive backs — showed their stuff at the NFL Combine on Monday and all had outstanding days.
Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, the eighth-fastest time among cornerbacks and 11th fastest thus far in the combine. His 16 reps on the bench press were 10th best for cornerbacks and he had the second-best standing long jump at 11 feet.
Awuzie checked in at an even 6-foot-0, 202 pounds.
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, meanwhile, had the best vertical jump among cornerbacks — 40.5 inches — as well as the third-best overall. His 4.45 40 was 12th best among CBs and second best for corners 6-foot-3 and taller. He also measured 33-inch arms (fifth longest among CBs), and he checked in at 6-foot-3, 198 pounds.
Safety Tedric Thompson did 17 reps on the bench press (eighth best among safeties and just three off the leaders) and his 32.5-inch vertical leap was 13th best for safeties. Thompson checked in at 6-foot even and 204 pounds.
PRACTICE NOTES: Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl, a longtime friend of CU head coach Mike MacIntyre, and his staff were visitors at Monday's practice. … MacIntyre said after reviewing film of Saturday's scrimmage, he was especially pleased with some of CU's youngsters. "I was pleased with some of the young offensive linemen really in the heat of the battle, handling on all that," MacIntyre said. "I thought the young offensive linemen did a good job for their first scrimmage." … Some players who stood out in the scrimmage on the defensive side included defensive backs Isaiah Oliver, Jaisen Sanchez, Ronnie Blackmon and Nick Fisher, along with linebacker Akil Jones.
EVANS UPDATE: Running back Kyle Evans, who suffered a dislocated hip in Saturday's scrimmage, underwent surgery on Monday. "Hopefully everything will come out good from that and hopefully we can get him back in the fall," MacIntyre said. "He's a fast recoverer. He's built well and has a good infrastructure. Hopefully they'll be able to get in there and take care of business and hopefully it's in good shape for him to be able to come back."
The Buffs still have good depth at the position, at least enough to last the spring. Along with starter Phillip Lindsay, CU still has Beau Bisharat and Michael Adkins at the position, along with walkon Tanner Grzesiek. The Buffs also have the option of moving senior Donovan Lee back to running back, but it's not something they have done yet. Lee moved to defensive back this spring.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
