Buffs QB Montez Developing Consistency In Fourth Fall Camp
August 19, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — While Colorado junior quarterback Steven Montez hesitates to call this his best camp yet as a Buff, his fourth fall session has been by far his most consistent.
Coming off his first full season as a starter and with 15 career starts under his belt, Montez is going through his progressions with a steady eye, has reduced the number of risky throws, and has developed a much better pocket presence.
He has also shown a consistent ability to connect on the deep ball, and has had two back-to-back solid showings in Folsom Field scrimmages.
"We've been working hard," he said. "I don't know if it's my best camp — each camp is a learning experience. I've learned things this camp that I didn't know last year, and every year, you use those things to get better. In the end, it all about repetition, coming together as a unit and getting that timing with your guys."
Much of Montez's progress can be attributed to extra film work and the influence of new quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper. Montez spent countless hours over the summer studying film and working with Roper on the mental aspect of the game, and Roper's impact has been noticeable.
But Montez is also benefiting from the luxury of experience, one of the best teachers of all. Now, he is doing his best to apply to practice what he learned in the film room — and then translate it all to game day.
"Last year I was criticized a lot for leaving the pocket early, and after watching film, everybody was completely correct," Montez said. "I was leaving the pocket way too early. We'd have a clean pocket and the O-linemen were working hard up front and I would just bail. I think that's been one of the things I've been emphasizing in the offseason — stay in the pocket, stay in the pocket. People are going to get close to you, but you just have to keep your feet alive and stay in the pocket."
It all boils down to what he calls the process of learning how to "be comfortable being uncomfortable."
In two scrimmages and through most of camp, Montez has done just that. He has been accurate, made good decisions and has shown excellent timing with his receivers. That timing is not only the product of fall camp, but of plenty of hours over the summer throwing with his receivers whenever they had the chance.
"I tell you — we've got some depth there," Montez said. "Don't get me wrong, we've had some dudes here at receiver. But this might be the deepest we've been. You can easily go six or seven deep, maybe eight."
It is also clear that Montez trusts them all. He has connected with each of those receivers on a regular basis, throwing deep as well as connecting on precise routes across the middle and to the sidelines.
As for his offensive line, Montez is developing that trust necessary, knowing they will give him time to set up and find an open receiver. While CU coaches entered the weekend still working on a variety of combinations, Montez is confident the starting five will be a solid group.
"They're doing really well," he said. "They still have time to learn, time to get better and improve, just like everyone on the offense. But they're holding it down well up front and they're tough. Really tough. It's a good group that makes you feel good as a quarterback."
Montez isn't the only quarterback who has had a consistent camp. Backups Sam Noyer and Tyler Lytle have also thrown the ball well. While Noyer has a slight edge in the battle for the No. 2 spot, both have performed well in scrimmage situations. Meanwhile, true freshman Blake Stenstrom has also made big strides, looking more comfortable each day.
"Be consistent, make plays and take care of the ball," Roper said. "That's what you want from your quarterback and I think all of our guys have done that."
With 10 practices to go, Montez knows there is plenty of work to be done as the Buffs attempt to fine-tune their up-tempo offense. It is an offense they believe has the potential to put up big numbers, but only if they can establish a rhythm early and develop consistency.
"We just have to keep learning, keep getting better, keep working, keep pushing forward," Montez said. "I think we've had some good scrimmages, but you don't win games in scrimmages. You win them in the fall by making sure you did everything possible to get ready."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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