Buffs TE Bounds Embraces 'Do-Everything' Role
August 06, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Quick: name the three Colorado Buffaloes who are tied atop the list of returning players with the most touchdown receptions last year.
Two should be relatively easy. Senior wide receivers Jay MacIntyre and Juwann Winfree both had two touchdown catches last year, the most of any wideouts on CU's current roster.
But the third might not jump to mind because it was a relative rarity. When Colorado's Chris Bounds nabbed two touchdown scores last year — both against Arizona — he became the first tight end since 2014 to have more than one touchdown catch in a season. He also became the first Buffs tight end since Joe Klopfenstein in 2005 to have a pair of touchdown catches in the same game.
But lest you think Bounds is planning on making such two-touchdown games a regular occurrence, know that he did not spend any time in his offseason working on an end zone celebration. Rather, he and his H-back/tight end teammates did what they always do — prepare to do whatever necessary to help the Buffs win. Block, tackle, run, serve as a decoy — whatever it takes.
It is what the position demands.
"Ever since I got here, the whole tight end group has been playing for the team," Bounds said after Monday morning's practice. "Whatever we can do, that's great. If I can catch the ball more and that helps the team, great. If I can block more and that helps the team, great. Whatever it is — I just want to win games."
Last season, Bounds caught seven of the eight passes that went to CU's tight ends. Those seven receptions for 102 yards were three more than CU tight ends had in 14 games in 2016, when Buffs TEs caught just four passes for 35 yards.
That progression may continue this year. Colorado has added some talented players at the position in the last couple of recruiting cycles, with Jared Poplawski, Darrion Jones, Brady Russell and Derek Coleman all capable players behind Bounds on the depth chart. The Buffs are slowly but surely working them into the equation more and more.
"We're doing a lot of stuff out there," Bounds, who had a nice grab on the sidelines in Monday's practice. "Some of the same stuff as last year, and then some different things. We're working in the running game, working in the passing game, working in the screen game — they definitely have us moving around a little more, which is great. Honestly, I think that's all I can ask for — just a chance to help the team in any way we can."
Bounds' first touchdown last year in Colorado's 45-42 loss to Arizona came on a fourth-and-goal play from the 2-yard line. On CU's very next possession, he hauled in a 39-yard scoring pass, covering most of the ground after grabbing the pass.
"Whatever it takes," he said with a shrug. "I had some good blocks in that game that people don't remember."
After four days of practice in shorts, the Buffs will finally put on full pads for the first time this camp on Tuesday. Bounds — who has plenty of the "old-fashioned" tight end in his system — said he's looking forward to the occasion.
"I can tell you as an older guy, you definitely look forward to full pads," he said. "You finally get to smack some heads. The atmosphere is always a little different, there's a little more hype going around and a little more energy. I think everyone is always ready for it."
PRAISE FOR RUSSELL: Speaking of tight ends, redshirt freshman walkon Brady Russell continues to have a solid camp. Russell turned heads several times last year when some nice catches in fall camp, and continued to play well on the scout team throughout the fall.
Now, the nephew of former CU linebacking great Matt Russell is listed  at No. 3 on the depth chart, along with Darrion Jones.
"Brady's a young man who's done really well for us," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "(He) helped us on special teams and at tight end. He's also working on long snapping. There's a lot of different things Brady can do. I've been very proud of Brady. He'll travel and help us this year."
PRACTICE REPORT: Quarterback Steven Montez, who spent plenty of time in the film room in the offseason, is showing that study time didn't go to waste. Montez has not only been sharp with his passes, he's taken a big step forward in his read progressions, moving from receiver to receiver to receiver instead of locking on to one and waiting for him to get open.
It has shown in team drills, with virtually every receiver on the field being the recipient of a big catch or two in almost every practice.
"You've seen him really mature from last year to this year," said offensive co-coordinator Darrin Chiaverini. "Last year what he would do if No.1 wasn't open, he'd still hang on No. 1 and try to force the ball, try to back shoulder, try to make a great throw instead of just going to No. 2 or N. 3 in his progression reads. I've seen early in fall camp. One's not there, go to two. Two's not there, go to three, find the back that checked down. I've been really, really pleased with how fast he processes things now." ...
After a day off Sunday, the Buffs returned to the field Monday for their fourth practice of camp, working out in shorts and shoulder pads again. After the offense had some big days last week, the defense bounced back with some big plays Monday, including an interception and long return from linebacker Nate Landman against the No. 1 offense. It was Landman's second big pick of camp … Also coming up with a beautiful knockdown on a deep ball was cornerback Trey Udoffia, who got up just in time to bat a ball away from Kabion Ento, who was poised to score. …
Wide receiver Jaylon Jackson, battling from after a pair of tough injuries over the last couple of seasons, has had a strong early camp and hauled in a nice ball over the middle to go the distance. … Quarterback Sam Noyer and running back Beau Bisharat both had long runs. … Senior transfer running back Travon McMillian is showing a knack for catching the ball out of the backfield. … True freshman defensive lineman Israel Antwine is getting some snaps with the No. 2 unit. …
The Buffs continue to work on a variety of situational drills, with Monday's time dedicated to Hail Mary plays for the offense and defense.
Head coach Mike MacIntyre said the team must squeeze in more of those situational drills earlier in camp because there are now just 25 practices in fall camp instead of the 29 in years past.
"Before you had four extra days and more time," MacIntyre said. "(But) I think it will be good because we've put it in early and we can go over it more times. Then we had to speed up our install a little bit more and cut some things down. You want to be able to repeat it enough that you're good at it."
FULL PADS, SCRIMMAGE: The Buffs will put on full pads for the first time in camp for Tuesday's practice, and are scheduled to host a scrimmage open to the public Saturday at Folsom Field.
The scrimmage, which will also feature a Select-A-Seat session, will run from 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Gates will open at 9 a.m. The open scrimmage will begin at 10:30 a.m. Following the scrimmage, players and coaches will stick around for a meet-and-greet and selfie session with fans on the south side of the field.
The Select-A-Seat program offers fans a chance to watch live action from the best locations still available to purchase season tickets or three-game flex plans.
Those interested in Select-A-Seat can go to https://buffs.me/2M8Eb1l and fill out an RSVP form.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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