Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Spring Showcase Chance For Newcomers, Youngsters
March 16, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — It's a safe bet you won't see anything too fancy in Saturday's Colorado football Spring Showcase at Folsom Field, set to begin at 1 p.m.
But if you would like to get an early look at what the Buffaloes will be working on next fall, Saturday should provide that opportunity. The Buffs will conduct about an hour of drills to start the session, then wrap it up with roughly 50 minutes of full-contact scrimmage work.
Earlier this week, Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre said the Buffs will "be pretty vanilla out there" in their 12th practice of the spring.
No surprise. For starters, coaches aren't fond of tipping their hands when it comes to any scheme changes they may have made in the spring. But it's also a time of year when coaching staffs are stressing fundamentals, finding out how some younger and more inexperienced players might react in the spotlight, and getting in some "situational" work — red zone, goal line, short-yardage, end-of-game, etc.
Saturday will have plenty of those types of things, as well as a full crew of officials to give players some work with the men with flags looking over their shoulders.
But that doesn't mean there won't be anything for fans to see. Rather, there should be plenty of areas to watch closely. CU fans will have their first chance to get a good look at a number of youngsters and newcomers who have had impressive springs, as well as a look at positions where competition has been intense.
A few things to keep an eye on Saturday:
1. Offensive tempo. Since the day he arrived, offensive co-coordinator Darrin Chiaverini has made it a priority to boost the Buffs' tempo. Now in his third spring in the position — and his first as the co-coordinator who will be calling the plays — Chev's goal hasn't changed.
The Buffs have been doing their best this spring to push the pace. It's the third spring quarterback Steven Montez has been the No. 1 signal caller and he's now quite comfortable with the process. If the offense can get a first down or two early in a drive, move the chains and pick up some momentum, it means things are clicking.
2. Quarterback play. Speaking of Montez, CU's offensive coaches have said they've liked what they've seen from the CU junior this spring, particularly over the last week to 10 days. Montez has no doubt improved his command of the offense and is operating at a consistent level — something coaches have wanted to see.
But it will also be interesting to see what kind of steps sophomore Sam Noyer and redshirt freshman Tyler Lytle have made. Both have had their moments this spring, with Noyer appearing much more comfortable in general.
3. Wide receivers. You can't talk about the quarterbacks without also mentioning the wideouts — and this bunch might have been the most consistently productive position group of the spring.
The only returning starter, Jay MacIntyre, has been with a foot injury. But the group of Juwann Winfree, Kabion Ento, Laviska Shenault Jr. and K.D. Nixon has made some big strides, as have Tony Brown and Maurice Bell. Their timing with the quarterbacks has improved steadily, and they've shown a penchant for big plays and tough catches.
4. Defensive backs. Since we've mentioned the wide receivers, it won't be hard to keep an eye on the players covering them, in particular the cornerbacks and nickel backs.
It's a spot where competition has been intense this spring, with returnees Trey Udoffia and Dante Wigley being pushed daily by redshirt freshman Chris Miller, junior college transfer Delrick Abrams Jr. and sophomore Ronnie Blackmon. All are getting reps with the No. 1 defense and Saturday will their latest chance to catch coaches' eyes in a "live" situation.
Meanwhile, Buff back Davion Taylor is already showing why his athleticism made him such a prized recruit and redshirt freshman safety Isaiah Lewis has consistently made plays — a big plus at a position where depth is a concern after starters Evan Worthington and Nick Fisher.
5. Offensive line. Another place where competition has been fierce. The Buffs have been slowed by some bumps and bruises here, but it is still a place where progress has been made, particularly with some newcomers.
Players to keep an eye on will include a number of redshirt freshmen, including Colby Pursell, William Sherman, Hunter Vaughn, Chance Lytle and Jacob Moretti; along with upperclassmen Jack Shutack and Dillon Middlemiss.
6. Defensive line. Keep an eye on defensive end Chris Mulumba here, a player who came on strong at the end of last year and has had an excellent spring. Nose tackle Javier Edwards, meanwhile, has also improved, as has Jase Franke.
Newcomers who have turned heads include Terrance Lang, Jalen Sami and Mustafa Johnson, each of whom could be competing for significant playing time next fall.
7. Linebackers. We'll throw inside and outside together here, but it's a place where the Buffs are developing some solid young depth and competition for playing time will carry well into fall camp.
Inside, CU has two returning starters in Rick Gamboa and Drew Lewis, and both have had good springs. But the play of two youngsters — Nate Landman and Akil Jones — have coaches feeling good about the depth and possibilities.
Outside, the Buffs are looking for someone who can come off the edge and create havoc in the pocket. Thus far this spring, Nu'umoto Falo Jr., Jacob Callier, Carson Wells and Dante Sparaco have all had their moments. The key will be their consistency, and Saturday will give them another opportunity to show their stuff.
8. Running back. Redshirt freshman Alex Fontenot had an outstanding scrimmage last week, and CU coaches are anxious to see if he can consistently produce. Junior Beau Bisharat has proven to be versatile, able to line up in one- and two-back sets, and it will be interesting to see how coaches decide to use them both.
SCHEDULE: Complete information on all the activities at today's Spring Showcase, including Healthy Kids Day, can be found here.
Colorado will then close out the spring session with three more practices next week.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
