Buffs Report: Senior WR MacIntyre Embraces Role As Leader
August 03, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — In three years as a wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes, senior Jay MacIntyre has earned a reputation as a dependable receiver, solid downfield blocker and a player with no qualms about going over the middle for a tough catch in traffic.
MacIntyre has also earned a reputation as a third-down specialist. In three seasons, he has 20 catches on third down — the most of any player on CU's current roster — and 17 of those have produced first downs. Last season, he was the only player on the Colorado roster to have more third-down catches (10) than first-down receptions (eight).
It is a reputation MacIntyre embraces.
"It's fun for me," MacIntyre said after Friday's practice. "I like having an identity as a player, and being a third-down guy is kind of how I live my life and how I am as a person off the field. That means just being consistent every single day in everything that I do. Just try to continue to work at my craft in different ways and be the guy they know they can trust. I think that's been me off the field and it's proving to be me on the field."
Many of MacIntyre's third-down catches have come over the middle in traffic. That invariably means a nearby linebacker or safety is ready to deliver a hit as soon as the catch is made.
That, MacIntyre said with a shrug, is just part of the game and part of the job.
"When you're in the game, so much is going on — you just focus, you and the ball," he said. "You know it's third down, but in the back of your mind, you're not putting on any extra pressure. It's just you and the ball. You just go over the middle, see the ball, catch the ball. You get hit, you catch it, get up and have a first down."
That reliability has been a MacIntyre trademark since he signed with the Buffaloes in 2014 to play for his father, head coach Mike MacIntyre. But this year, he has added another role to his duties, that of being one of seven CU team captains.
It is a role, he says with a smile, that comes with being one of the "old men" on the team.
"I never really thought of myself as getting to the point that I'd be the old man," he laughed. "It's a new role, but it's one I've seen other guys take on over the years. I think I've taken things from them, watched their leadership skills, and tried to implement that into my role. That comes with me having starting experience and me being elected as a captain. That's what I bring to the table — I have experience and I think I'm comfortable being a leader."
MacIntyre missed spring ball after undergoing foot surgery after the 2017 season. While missing the spring session was difficult, he's now healthy — something he couldn't say for much of last season, as he played through the injury for most of the year.
"It feels good," he said. "I have to take it day by day and I have to make sure I'm getting in the cold tubs, getting all the treatment I need. But right now it feels good. It's just exciting to to get back out here."
MacIntyre, who is 36th on CU's all-time reception list (66) and 37th in receiving yards (870), this year is playing two different positions. He's the "Y" (slot) receiver when CU has three wideouts on the field; and he'll switch to the "H" receiver when the Buffs move to a four-wideout set.
"It's not that difficult," he said. "I've played Y and H my whole career, so now I'm just playing both. I can play wherever we need me, wherever I fit in the rotation. I like it because it gives me more reps. It's fun getting some reps again."
MacIntyre isn't the only elder statesman among CU's receivers this year. Fellow seniors Juwann Winfree and Kabion Ento — both of whom were also chosen as captains — are in their fifth years as well. The three are part of a talented, deep group of receivers who have the potential to put up some big numbers this year.
But right now, that's all it is — potential. The production will come only if CU's receivers continue to put in the work in fall camp.
"We're extremely talented across the board and it's fun to watch," MacIntyre said. "I'm a fan of the Colorado Buffaloes as much as anyone. I believe in those guys and I think we have a great group. We'll see what we do on the field this year, but I think we have the chance to do some incredible things. We have the talent, it's a matter of what we make of it."
PURSELL SETTLING IN: While it's still early, it appears redshirt freshman Colby Pursell has done nothing to shake him from atop the depth chart at center.
"He's really strong, powerful and he's extremely bright," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "He's way ahead of his time as a freshman. … He's handling everything really well.  It's going to be hard a few times as a freshman, but right now, he's showing signs of being able to handle everything mentally, handling it all physically. I'm excited about him."
Thus far, Pursell has been lining up in a front that also includes Josh Kaiser at left tackle, Brett Tonz at left guard, Tim Lynott Jr. at right guard and Aaron Haigler at right tackle.
BOBO SIGNS WITH BRONCOS: Former Buffs wideout Bryce Bobo signed with the Denver Broncos on Friday, as Denver released Kenny Bell. Bobo originally signed free agent deal with Seattle after the NFL Draft, but was then released. Bobo joins former CU teammate Phillip Lindsay on the Broncos' roster.
PRACTICE REPORT: The Buffs were on the field Friday morning for another three-hour session in shorts and helmets in relatively cool weather under cloudy skies. Along with individual and position drills, they also got in plenty of 7-on-7 and team drills, as well as some work on two-point conversions.
Those will be a bit different this year, thanks to an NCAA rule change that will start the 40-second clock immediately after a touchdown. Previously, teams were given a chance to get their PAT or two-point conversion teams on the field, then the 25-second clock would start.
"You have to make sure you have the right people in," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "It's going to be a little bit different."
Some highlights from Friday morning's workout:
The offense put on a show, with deep balls finding their target frequently. K.D. Nixon, Juwann Winfree and Kabion Ento all hauled in nicely thrown long strikes from Steven Montez, while Laviska Shenault Jr. gathered in a deep throw from Tyler Lytle. Montez, Lytle and Sam Noyer have all thrown the ball well in the first two days — and have done a good job of not turning it over. … The Buffs continue to give each of their running backs reps, and for the second day in a row, senior Kyle Evans flashed. … Getting some reps and making plays with the No. 2 defense was safety Aaron Maddox, a junior college transfer who is turning heads.
Saturday, the Buffs will add "shells" (shoulder pads) to their workout attire. Saturday's practice, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on the lower fields, is open to the public.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
Â
Â
