Buffs Report: Tucker Likes Effort In CU's Second Scrimmage Of Spring
April 19, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — After starting the week on a down note, the Colorado Buffaloes finished strong on Friday, knocking out a scrimmage that included big plays on both sides of the ball and the intensity that head coach Mel Tucker considers to be non-negotiable.
"Really good competition today," Tucker said after the practice at Folsom Field, CU's 12th of the spring. "More physical, more intensity, really good back and forth with the offense and the defense. Good execution on special teams. I thought we put some money in the bank today."
What is evident is that the Buffs are beginning to feel more comfortable in their new schemes on both sides of the ball. As they continue to learn the nuances of their assignments, they react more instinctively — and thus have the opportunity to make plays.
"I see guys playing faster and that's because they know more of what to do and how to do it," Tucker said. "There's more communication on both sides of the ball. That's a good thing. Guys tend to communicate more because they have more awareness of what's going on. I think we've gotten better."
Offensively, quarterback Steven Montez had an outstanding day, completing 15 of 19 attempts for 169 yards and a touchdown. His longest completion of the day was a 33-yard toss to Dimitri Stanley (three catches for 65 yards), and he also had an 11-yard touchdown throw to Tony Brown (four catches, 58 yards), who has quietly been having a consistently productive spring session. Montez also led the Buffs to five scores in five red zone possessions, something that has been a priority in spring ball, and he rushed four times for 17 yards and a pair of scores, including a 14-yard scamper.
Also showing up in the passing game were CU's tight ends, who accounted for seven catches, including a 4-for-35 day from Jalen Harris and a 2-for-19 day from Brady Russell.
In the backfield, CU coaches got a good look at true freshmen Joe Davis (8 carries, 29 yards) and Jaren Mangham (9-for-26 and a touchdown), along with sophomore Alex Fontenot (7-for-28, 1 touchdown) and redshirt freshman Deion Smith (6-for-18, 1 touchdown).
But the longest scoring play of the day came from sophomore wide receiver Daniel Arias, who took a reverse 23 yards to the end zone. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Arias, who has had several good practices over the last 10 days, also had three catches for 22 yards, as CU's receivers continue to make the battle for playing time an intense competition.
"I just want to run out there and do my thing," Arias said "When I get the chance to make a play, I have to take advantage."
Tucker also said he liked what he saw up front on both sides of the ball, particularly at defensive line, where injuries have limited the number of players available.
"Our offense and defensive lines were pushed today," Â Tucker said. "We're down some guys because of injuries, some guys are banged up, and I give a lot of credit to those guys for really pushing through so we could continue to scrimmage and play. They sucked it up and gave really good effort. I feel good about that."
Linebacker Akil Jones led the defense with seven tackles, including a sack. Second on the list was 330-pound tackle Jalen Sami, who was credited with six tackles.
Other leaders on defense included safeties Hasaan Hypolite and Derrion Rakestraw (five tackles each). Inside linebacker Nate Landman finished with four tackles and a sack while true freshman Alec Pell made a big impact from the outside, registering three tackles (including a pair of third-down stops) and two sacks. Also recording sacks were inside linebacker Chase Newman and outside 'backer Alex Tchangam.
One area noticeable by its absence? Try turnovers by the offense. None of the Buffs quarterbacks threw an interception, making it the second scrimmage in a row they have gone without throwing a pick. The offense also went without a fumble Friday, and has just one in two scrimmages.
"For the most part we've really done a great job taking care of the ball," offensive coordinator Jay Johnson said. "If we do that we're going to win games."
But one area in which the offense definitely needs to improve — and conversely, one area in which the defense stood out — was third-down conversions. The offense converted just 10 of 34 third-down tries, including some scripted situations that weren't part of long drives.
"We're not very good there," Johnson allowed. "In the last two scrimmages we had a scripted third-down deal and the defense has run the show on us. That's been disappointing. It's something we have to keep working on and get better at."
Still, the final verdict was that the Buffs took a solid step forward from their first scrimmage of the spring last Friday.
"The tackling was better," Tucker said. "There was no doubt the competition, from play in to play out, was much more consistent. The execution was better on both sides of the ball."
Now, the question is how the Buffs will respond on Monday — something Tucker is anxious to see. A week ago, players returned to work Monday after a first good scrimmage and did not have a good practice, drawing Tucker's ire.
"I can't wait to see how we come out and how we practice on Monday," Tucker said. "Really, that's what it's all about. We have to continue to get better. We can't relax, we can't take a step back, we have to continue to push."
BIG LEGS: Kicker James Stefanou boomed a 50-yard field goal and was perfect on three PAT attempts while Davis Price hit his one PAT try and also connected on a 26-yard field goal.
In the punting department, Alex Kinney had an outstanding day, kicking six times for a 49-yard average, with a long of 55.
QUICK HITS: Since camp began, the Buffs have put a big emphasis on rushing the passer, particularly with the outside linebackers (who often line up basically as ends in a four-man front). The emphasis is paying off, as the defense had six sacks and three more quarterback hurries in the 84 plays from scrimmage. … Three of Tony Brown's four receptions produced first downs while Dimitri Stanley had a pair of first-down catches. …
The battle for the backup quarterback spot continues to be a close one. Tyler Lytle  was 5-for-10 for 70 yards while Sam Noyer was 4-for-9 for 35 yards. … The Buffs continue to shuffle the No. 1 and No. 2 offensive lines. … Mekhi Blackmon had a pair of pass breakups from the nickel spot with the No. 1 defense. … Cornerback Dante Wigley had a nice pass breakup in the end zone. … Alex Fontenot led the running backs with a 4.0-yard average per carry, and is showing a knack for picking up tough yards, as is Jaren Mangham. ... Ronnie Blackmon continues to play cornerback and "star" back, the hybrid spot on defense.
SCHEDULE: With just three spring practices remaining, the Buffs will practice again next Monday and Wednesday, then return to Folsom Field on Saturday, April 27, for the annual spring game (noon).
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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