Position Preview: Tight Ends/H-backs Still Have Key Role

BOULDER — They must know how to pass block and run block from two different positions, run routes and catch the ball. They can line up tight on the offensive line, in the slot or in the backfield.

They are Colorado's tight ends/H-backs, a combination position that requires a wide variety of skill sets, a "team first" mentality and no need to see their names in the headlines.

"They're out there a lot more often than fans probably notice," said position coach Gary Bernardi. "They do a lot of different things and they have to do a lot of stuff that doesn't appear in the paper on Sunday. But that's football. No matter where you play, you have to make sure you're doing your job. They love the game and they do their job."

From a pure statistical standpoint, CU tight ends/H-backs haven't exactly put up big numbers over the last couple of seasons. As the Buffs have become more up-tempo and more spread oriented, the tight ends' receiving chances have been limited (although they have been more involved in that area thus far in training camp).

Still, the position is a key cog in CU's offense, particularly in short yardage situations and on the goal line. There, they may be asked to line up next to a tackle and block defensive linemen, line up in the backfield and provide a lead block for the tailback, or even go in motion and serve as a safety valve receiver.

"Whatever they want us to do," said sophomore Chris Bounds with a grin. "I feel like people look at us and think it's a simple position. We have to do all those things — run block, pass block, run routes, catch the ball, line up in the backfield, line up on the line, line up wide. Coach Bernard does a real good job of helping us learn how to do all those things properly."

Bounds was on the receiving end of one of three passes completed last year to the position. While he would obviously love to have a few more thrown his way (who wouldn't?), he also knows how valuable the Buffs tight ends are when it comes to picking up valuable real estate in short-yardage situations.

"It's a ton of fun," he said. "I love being able to go wherever they need me. I think all of us want to be able to help the team in any way we can, and I think that's what we're doing out there."

One of Bounds tight end teammates, senior captain George Frazier, takes that philosophy even one step farther. Along with playing tight end, Frazier is also getting snaps as a defensive end. Frazier played both ways as a sophomore, a season when he scored four touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing) and also recorded 15 tackles on defense.

Last year, he focused solely on offense, but he's back playing —- and will likely be contributing again — on both sides of the ball.

"Chris and George obviously know what to do," Bernardi said. "They're instinctive and they help teach the young guys what we're doing. What people don't realize is how much mental work goes into the position. They're involved in the run game, they're involved in the pass game, they're involved in having to learn a bunch of different formations and positions, they're involved with motion and they're involved with the protections. They have to have the ability to do a lot of different things in the course of a game."

Along with Frazier and Bounds, the Buffs also have junior Eddy Lopez at the spot, who made the position change this season from defensive line, as well as redshirt freshman Derek Coleman (son of former Buffs offensive lineman Bill Coleman) and true freshmen Jared Poplawski, Brady Russell (nephew of former Buffs linebacker Matt Russell) and Eric Klemmer. Also back this year but out indefinitely with a back injury is junior Dylan Keeney.

At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, the highly recruited Poplawski has the build of a prototype tight end. As he matures, it's not hard to imagine him becoming much more involved in the receiving side of the equation in the near future.

"Jared's doing a good job," Bernardi said. "He's picking it up quickly. Eddy has picked it up really well over the last week or so and is more instinctive out there with what he's doing. The other young guys are also showing some things."

Each day, the group works as much as possible on each different skill required. It means sessions learning pass protection, run blocking and running routes.

"The tempo stuff they understand better and how it's beneficial, how you have to go-man-go," Bernardi said. "Then there are times when we have heavier people in there and we line up in our big-boy packages. But the bottom line is it's still football. You still have to bend your knees, move your feet, keep a base, strike with your hands and eyes and those kinds of things. What you have to ask yourself every day is have they gotten better? Yes. They've gotten better. That's what's important in the end, and that's what we keep working on."

WHO'S BACK: Senior George Frazier, junior Eddy Lopez, junior Dylan Keeney, sophomore Chris Bounds, RS freshman Derek Coleman.

WHO'S NEW: Freshman Jared Poplawski, freshman Brady Russell, freshman Eric Klemmer.

WHAT'S IN STORE: With Bounds, Frazier and Lopez, the Buffs can line up some size at fullback or on the line. Bounds and Frazier are also both capable receivers. While they won't be primary targets, it won't be a surprise to see a few more balls thrown their way this year.

STAT TO REMEMBER: Colorado's tight ends caught three passes last year. We're betting that number goes up this season.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu