Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: 11 To Watch On Buffs Offense In Fall Camp
July 18, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — With just four starters returning, the Colorado Buffaloes' offense will quite clearly have a different look this year.
That fresh look will also stretch beyond the lineup, as the offense this year will be under the direction of co-coordinators Darrin Chiaverini and Klayton Adams. It is the first year for Adams in the post, as he adds to his offensive line duties, while Chiaverini (who also coaches receivers) will make his debut as the man calling plays.
But even with at least seven new starters in the lineup, it will be an offense with the potential to put up big numbers. While the Buffs must replace star running back Phillip Lindsay, along with three starting wide receivers and three linemen, there is plenty of talent — albeit inexperienced talent — to fill those holes.
Earlier this week we took a look at 11 players on defense whose development will be key in fall camp. Today, we'll look at 11 offensive players — and again, we won't include established starters.
Some of these players do have some starting experience, and some are newcomers. By no means will all be starters in the fall. But they each have a chance to become significant contributors and play a major role in CU's progress in 2018:
Freshman OL Colby Pursell — A tough-minded, hard-working freshman, Pursell came close to having his redshirt pulled last year when coaches were trying to patch up an injury-plagued line. Now, Pursell has four years of eligibility and the inside track on the starting center spot. He had a solid spring and he's added some strength, size and agility. If he can make the same kind of strides in fall camp, the position should be in good hands for the next several years.
Sophomore WR Laviska Shenault Jr. — Described by his teammates as a "freak" in the weight room, Shenault is big (220 pounds), incredibly strong and fast. Fans got a taste of his potential last year, when he averaged 24 yards per catch, and also had a 55-yard touchdown after scooping up a fumble on a punt. This year, CU coaches will do their best to get him the ball in a variety of situations, and he has the potential to be a playmaker that will cause major headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.
Sophomore WR K.D. Nixon — Another potential big-time playmaker who can line up at a variety of positions. He has excellent speed and quickness and could be a terror in open space, and his versatility could make him a big-time weapon.
Junior RB Beau Bisharat — At 6-foot-2, 225, Bisharat is the biggest back on CU's roster. While he hasn't had a lot of experience running the ball — just 36 carries for 108 yards in his career — he is a powerful back who can run inside and has good speed when he hits the second level. He is also a quality blocker and an outstanding special teams player. He'll be in the mix to get at least some of the carries vacated by the graduation of Lindsay, and it will be interesting to see if the Buffs return to at least some degree of a "committee" approach in the backfield.
Senior WR Kabion Ento — Ento had a spectacular spring in 2017, but ended up redshirting last fall when CU was loaded with returning starters. Now, after another solid spring, it will be Ento's turn to grab a piece of the spotlight. His potential is clear — he had eight catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns as a junior in 2016, including a 69-yard TD on his first catch as a Buff. He's spent a year adding strength and speed, and will almost certainly be a big part of the equation as CU moves to take its passing game up a notch.
Senior WR Juwann Winfree — Yet one more reason CU coaches believe this year's receiving corps will be better than the 2017 version, even though that group had four returning starters. Two years ago, Winfree was the best receiver in fall camp before a knee injury ended his season. He worked tirelessly to get back on the field last year, but was stuck behind the seniors for most of the season. Still, he flashed his potential in a big way late in the year when he caught five passes for 163 yards and a pair of scores against USC. He once again spent countless hours in the offseason working on his game, and now he will now have a lead role in an offense geared to get the ball to playmaking wide receivers — a role he should fit quite well.
Senior RB Travon McMillian — A grad transfer from Virginia Tech, McMillian was an every-down back for the Hokies three years ago as a redshirt freshman, when he ran for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns. But, he gradually saw his role reduced each of the last two years and made the move to CU in the offseason. McMillian is a solid runner with good speed outside and enough power to run inside, and he's also a competent receiver. His versatility and experience will no doubt be a factor in fall camp.
Freshman RB Alex Fontenot — We'll go  ahead and put three RBs on this list because it will be interesting to see how the equation shakes out in the end as position coach Darian Hagan tries to come up with the best formula possible. Fontenot had a very good spring, showing the ability to get around the edge in a hurry as well as hit open holes inside quickly. Obviously, not all three RBs on this list will be significant contributors in the run game — but how it all shakes out will no doubt make for an intensely competitive fall camp.
Senior OT Josh Kaiser — Kaiser had five starts last year at tackle (two on the left side, three on the right) and emerged from spring ball atop the depth chart on the right side. He has also taken on a major role as a team leader in summer strength and conditioning workouts, and has earned the respect of his teammates. He will be an important piece of the puzzle as his experience and leadership will be integral to the development of an otherwise very young offensive line in camp.
Freshman OL William Sherman — After redshirting last fall, Sherman had an outstanding spring, emerging atop the depth chart at right guard. While the right side is normally occupied by Tim Lynott Jr. (who missed spring ball rehabbing an Achilles injury), Sherman nevertheless showed he is ready to battle for a starting spot. If Lynott is healthy — and all indications are he will be ready to go — Sherman could flip to the left side, where Brett Tonz held the No. 1 spot at the end of spring. Sherman is now a very athletic 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, and coaches like his potential. If he has a fall camp to match his spring, he could definitely be a factor for the Buffs this year. Â
Freshman QB Tyler Lytle — What would an offensive list be without a quarterback? We include Lytle here because he's coming off his second spring with the Buffs, and he made some big strides in the 2018 session. Lytle has added some bulk to his frame and showed a big-time arm in spring ball. It's hard to imagine him displacing incumbent starter Steven Montez, and he'll also be battling last year's No. 2, Sam Noyer. But Lytle has quietly turned heads among coaches and his teammates, and he will no doubt increase the level of competition in fall camp.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
