Buffs Report: Tucker Says Buffs Not 'Sharp' In 10th Spring Workout

BOULDER — Monday's practice for the Colorado Buffaloes was far from a perfect 10.

In fact, head coach Mel Tucker said the Buffs' 10th practice of the spring might have been the first of the spring that his team didn't make positive strides.

"I don't think we took a step forward today," Tucker said. "I'm going to watch the film but I'm pretty sure we didn't because it wasn't as physical as it needs to be, it wasn't as sharp."

Tucker made sure players knew his assessment after practice, then challenged them to return Wednesday and set the spring trajectory back on the right course. With 10 practices now in the books and just five remaining — including the April 27 spring game — every minute of practice and preparation becomes more and more valuable as Tucker and his new staff continue to install CU's new offensive and defensive schemes.

But along with the installations, establishing a culture of physical football and an intense work ethic are equally important.

"I didn't think we were sharp today," Tucker said in his post-practice press conference. "I didn't think the focus and the intensity early in the practice was what it needed to be. I thought it picked up once we got going, but I thought we started slow today and I wasn't happy about that. We were careless with the ball at times, we weren't physical on defense. We have a lot of work to do to get ready for Wednesday's practice."

Tucker's disappointment in Monday's practice may have been heightened by the fact that the Buffs were coming off a solid first scrimmage of camp last Friday.

"I thought they competed," Tucker said of Friday's practice. " I thought the momentum went back and forth throughout the practice and some guys stepped up and made some plays. I thought we had probably our most physical practice and I thought it was very competitive."

But after telling his players after Friday's scrimmage that Monday's workout would be one of the most important of spring ball thus far, the Buffs effort clearly didn't meet Tucker's standards, even though they were back in full pads.

Now, he is anxious to see how they bounce back in their next workout.

"Wednesday's going to be a huge day for us," Tucker said. "I wish we could have come out and started the practice over and done it again but these guys have to go to class."

RUSSELL MAKING PLAYS: One player who continues to show up on a regular basis is sophomore tight end Brady Russell. The former walkon had several big catches Monday, including two for scores, and he also continues to block well in the run game.

"Brady is one of our hardest workers," Tucker said. "It's important to him. He always is on top of his assignments. He just plays really hard. He's a gritty guy and he's making the most of his opportunities right now."

PRACTICE REPORT: The Buffs continue to work in different combinations on the offensive line, getting a look at a number of different players — including some at two positions.

Monday, senior Jack Shutack took some reps at right tackle and guard with the No. 1 offense and true freshman Austin Johnson also got some work at guard with the ones. Meanwhile, Kanan Ray continues to get reps at right tackle and Casey Roddick is getting some time at guard. William Sherman continues to be the regular at left tackle and Tim Lynott Jr. is the regular at center. …

Along with Russell's big plays, wide receiver Jaylon Jackson caught a ball on the fly over the middle and went the distance. … Delrick Abrams Jr. had a couple of pass breakups at corner. … Kevin George and Mekhi Blackmon are getting work in the secondary with the No. 1 defense. … Uryan Hudson has been a playmaker with the No. 2 defense at corner. … True freshman running back Jaren Mangham had some nice runs, including a long one up the middle. … Sophomore safety Hasaan Hypolite has yet to be cleared for full contact, but it still getting plenty of reps on the back end whenever possible. "He's making progress," Tucker said. "He's going to be one of our better players in the fall."

SCHEDULE: The Buffs are now two-thirds of the way through spring ball, with just five practices remaining. They will be back on the field Wednesday in shorts and shoulder pads, then return to work Friday for a full-pads scrimmage, scheduled for Folsom Field.

They will then practice two more times next week before the April 27 spring game at Folsom, set to begin at noon.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu