Woelk: Buffs' Montez Knows Summer Sessions Will Be 'Crucial'

BOULDER — Uncertainty is no longer part of Steven Montez's preparation.

A year ago, the Colorado quarterback took the majority of snaps with the No. 1 offense throughout spring ball — even as he waited on news concerning the possible addition of a transfer to CU's roster, as well as updates concerning the health of incumbent starter Sefo Liufau.

Even CU's summer workouts had an air of uncertainty to them. Montez again served as the main quarterback in voluntary, player-run practices — but did so while Liufau was awaiting a final go-ahead from medical personnel to begin full-speed workouts. When Liufau received that permission, Montez was immediately relegated to a backup role when fall camp opened in August.

Of course, that backup role eventually opened a door to a bigger stage than anyone expected. After mop-up duty against Idaho State, then a second-half relief appearance in Michigan in place of an injured Liufau, he received his first career start at Oregon — and made it one to remember. Montez became the first player in CU history to throw for at least 300 yards and rush for at least 100 in the same game when he threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 135 and another score in a 41-38 win over the Ducks. He followed that with another start and a win against Oregon State, then a close loss at USC before returning to backup status.

But one year later, the CU quarterback landscape has changed. There is no senior waiting in the wings to reclaim his job, no possible transfer on the horizon.

Instead, Montez is clearly the favorite to be the starter when the Buffs open the season Sept. 1 against Colorado State. It is a different role, and he is doing his best to make sure he is as prepared as he possibly can be for the job.

"I knew how to be a leader because I did it in high school," Montez said. "But I learned a more about what it takes here last year with Sefo being out. There were things he taught me and helped me with. Now, I can always think back to what he would tell me about how to approach guys and how to approach certain situations. There are so many different characters and personalities that you need a different perspective in a lot of areas."

One of those areas is helping organize and conduct the voluntary, player-led workouts — an important piece of the overall equation. Quarterbacks often assume the role of not only organizing the workouts, but encouraging teammates to attend and participate.

It is not an easy task. Just a redshirt sophomore, Montez is working with a number of upperclassmen — most of whom spent have spent their entire college careers with Liufau as the No. 1 quarterback. He thus must make sure he is a leader through his actions as well as through his words.

To put it simply, his teammates are watching.

Thus far, the reviews are solid.

"Honestly, Montez has it down already," senior wide receiver Bryce Bobo said. "He's been taking a leadership role ever since Sefo left. He's really stepped it up. He's on top of the quarterbacks already and he overlooks everything to make sure they're doing what they need to be doing. You can see he's taking it really seriously."

Ask virtually any player from the 2016 team and they will tell you the biggest leap forward came during the summer conditioning workouts, film study sessions and player-led practices. It is then that the team coalesced, setting the stage for a 10-win, Pac-12 South title-winning season.

This year, the Buffs appear determined to produce the same kind of summer.

"Guys on the team know we lost people who are going to play at the next level," CU strength and conditioning coordinator Drew Wilson said. "Yes, we lost some ammunition. But now there's a sense of urgency to replace those guys. You can see it in their actions. 'I don't want to be the reason we're not successful. I want to do my part.'"

Montez is one of those determined to do his part. It means making the most of mandatory strength and conditioning sessions as well as dedicating himself to film study, both with his coaches and on his own. And, it means making sure the volunteer practices are productive.

"The mandatory stuff is big, obviously," Montez said. "You have to come in when it's mandatory and work extremely hard just to get ready for the fall. But you have to do extra if you want to be a champion. Coach (Mike) MacIntyre always tells us that champions do extra. We've been getting out there when we don't have to be here, getting extra lifts in, getting throws, getting routes run, getting out on the field and working. Just getting that chemistry to build up for the season when it gets here."

That chemistry isn't developed overnight. It is created over the span of a summer, when teammates get together and work when it is not required, when the only people holding them accountable are themselves.

"It's crucial," Montez said. "Everybody's doing mandatory stuff. Everybody in the nation is doing however many hours they need to get. It's what you do when it's not mandatory that's going to separate you from other teams, when there's not someone looking at you and telling you what to do and how to do it.

"That's what will make the difference."

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu