Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: As Opener Nears, Buffs Have Addressed Priority Areas
August 21, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — It's getting down to the nitty-gritty.
After the completion of Tuesday morning's practice — the 17th of fall camp — Mike MacIntyre's Colorado Buffaloes have just eight practices remaining before their Aug. 31 season opener against Colorado State in Denver (7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network).
It has been a productive camp. A number of key veterans have taken the next step in their development, and a host of players — many of whom who have yet to take a game snap in a CU uniform — have emerged as well. Competition has been intense at several positions, and the Buffs have built much-needed depth at a number of places.
With the season opener now less than 10 days away, here's a look at some key developments:
PRIORITY AREAS
Improving pass rush: The Buffs went into camp knowing this was a place that needed to see big improvement, and they've done their best to make it happen.
One positive development has been improvement on the D-line. Nose tackle Javier Edwards has improved his stamina and junior college transfer Mustafa Johnson has been extremely steady and has shown an ability to push the pocket. Meanwhile, true freshman Israel Antwine and redshirt freshman Terrance Lang have made big strides in getting to the quarterback, and senior Chris Mulumba has had some solid moments as well.
Meanwhile, CU coaches have added some much-needed speed on the outside. Buff back Davion Taylor brings a great rush off the edge, and the move of Drew Lewis to the outside adds even more speed to the equation. Meanwhile, OLBs Jacob Callier, Carson Wells and Nu'umoto Falo have also shown the ability to get to the quarterback.
Red zone offense: The Buffs came into camp knowing they had to turn field goals — 12 inside the red zone last year — into touchdowns. They have spent plenty of time working on those situations and looked to have developed more consistency and confidence near the goal line. How much improvement they have actually made obviously won't be clear until they have played a few games, but the effort, attention and emphasis has clearly been there in camp.
Defensive takeaways: After seeing their production in this area drop significantly last season (just nine interceptions and five fumbles recovered by the defense), it's another area in which the Buffs have invested significant time.
The interceptions piece of the puzzle should improve. CU's secondary has been breaking on the ball well and making plays in camp, and last year's interception leader — Evan Worthington — is back. One key here, of course, is the progress of the pass rush. If the Buffs can get a better push up front, it will create more opportunities on the back end.
The Buffs also devote a portion of practice every day to drills working on forcing and recovering fumbles. The interesting twist is this — CU's running backs seldom fumble, meaning the live-action opportunities for the defense are few and far between.
Still, the emphasis is there. While we won't know until a few games into the season whether the investment has paid off, there's no doubt the Buffs have put in the time and effort.
COMPETITION CONTINUES …
Cornerback starters: Two spots that have been up for grabs among five players — Trey Udoffia, Dante Wigley, Chris Miller, Delrick Abrams Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon — are still open and CU coaches are still testing a variety of combinations. Udoffia and Miller missed some time with some minor ailments, but are back in the mix at full speed and it is a competition that could go down to the end of the week.
The best bet is all those involved will see some playing time. "They're all competing," MacIntyre said after Tuesday's practice. "I expect to see most of them play at different times because they also play on special teams. Opening game, early in the year, adrenaline, heat — it makes it where those guys need to play. CSU and all the guys we play have great receivers and will be throwing it. We want to make sure we rest those guys some."
Offensive line rotation: This could be a spot that could see some shuffling even into September.
The right side of the line — Aaron Haigler at tackle and Tim Lynott Jr. at guard — appears to be set, along with redshirt freshman Colby Pursell at center. But O-line coach Klayton Adams is testing a variety of combinations on the left side that has seen Josh Kaiser, Jake Moretti and William Sherman at left tackle, while Brett Tonz, Kaiser, Moretti and Sherman have also seen time at left guard.
What is clear is the Buffs are developing depth and versatility up front, something that has been a problem in the past. While Adams is a big believer in continuity, it wouldn't be a surprise to see several different combinations early in the season, especially as they keep Moretti on a "pitch count" as he continues to come back from a knee and leg injury.
Wide receiver rotation: There are as many as eight players here who have made plays throughout camp — and all of them could see some playing time.
While senior Juwann Winfree has been hampered by a minor injury recently, he is expected to be full go by the opener. Meanwhile, Laviska Shenault Jr., Tony Brown, Jay MacIntyre, K.D. Nixon and Kabion Ento have each had solid camps, as have Jaylon Jackson and Maurice Bell.
Odds are, we'll see most of them in the rotation (unless there are injuries) — and if CU can get its Folsom Fast offense clicking, there will be opportunities for each of them to make plays.
Running back rotation: This is a spot that's slowly been sorting itself out as camp has progressed. Senior Kyle Evans and grad transfer Travon McMillian give the Buffs a nice one-two punch, while junior Beau Bisharat can play the one- or two-back set and will be valuable in short-yardage and goal-line sets. Redshirt freshman Alex Fontenot has had some good moments, and senior Donovan Lee continues to be a utility back who gives the Buffs lots of options on third downs.
PRACTICE REPORT: MacIntyre announced that sophomore tight end Jared Poplawski underwent shoulder surgery on Tuesday and will be out for the season. The Buffs do, however, have plenty of depth at the spot. Junior starter Chris Bounds returns from last year, redshirt freshman Brady Russell has had a terrific camp, and junior college transfer Darrion Jones continues to improve. …
Back in the regular rotation at their positions Tuesday were safety Evan Worthington, cornerbacks Chris Miller and Trey Udoffia, and wide receiver Juwann Winfree. … MacIntyre said freshmen offensive linemen Kanan Ray and Casey Roddick, both of whom have yet to put on pads because of injuries, continue to progress. However, MacIntyre said, both are likely candidates for redshirts. Under the new rule, that means they could still play four games this year, and with both expected to be back by midway through the season, the opportunity for both to get a little playing time could occur.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
Players Mentioned
