Buffs Report: Tight Ends Getting Plenty Of Work

BOULDER — When Mel Tucker took the reins of the Colorado Buffaloes, he vowed that the tight end would once again become an integral part of the CU offense.

Six practices into spring ball, it has become quite clear that Tucker meant what he said. Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson's Buffs pro-style offense utilizes one — and oftentimes two — tight ends on a regular basis, and they are far more than just extra offensive linemen. Tight ends have become regular targets for Colorado's quarterbacks, and have made plays on a daily basis thus far this spring.

"It's definitely been fun," said sophomore Brady Russell, who has been getting his share of reps with the No. 1 offense. "It's been a pretty big transition, but I think we're all picking it up. I thought today was probably our best day as a position group. We stepped it up a little."

Along with returnees Russell, Darrion Jones and Jared Poplawski, the Buffs bolstered their depth at the spot in the offseason with the addition of Auburn graduate transfer Jalen Harris. Also, Tucker announced Friday that senior running back Beau Bisharat has made the move to tight end.

"We're just seeing who can help us at the position," Tucker said. "We're going to use a tight end in our offense. We'd like to use a couple of them in a game at one time if we can. The more the merrier."

Thus far in camp, Harris, Jones and Russell have all come up with some big catches, as all three present big targets over the middle. Jones had a nice catch on the sidelines Friday while Russell gathered in a reception on the goal line in short-yardage drills.

"Those guys have an opportunity to make some plays and they're making them," Tucker said.

Still, the group has plenty of work to do learning the offense and their newfound multiple responsibilities. Tight ends coach Al Pupunu said it's a process of "baby steps," but said his group is improving steadily. As they become more comfortable with their tasks, he said, they will make more plays.

As for Bisharat's move, Tucker said, "He's athletic, he can run, he's got soft hands and he's a smart player so he can learn multiple positions. He's focusing at tight end right now, but we can always put him at running back. He also does a great job on special teams."

In his first three years, Bisharat had 57 carries for 249 yards. His only touchdown came in the passing game, a 4-yard scoring catch in last season's CU win over Colorado State.

FULL-PADS PRACTICE: The Buffs put on full pads for Friday morning's workout, conducted outside on the lower practice fields. It was still mostly a "thud" practice, but there was still plenty of lively contact. The practice involved several periods of 11-on-11 situational work, including short yardage and game situations with down and distance work moving up and down the field. Both offense and defense used the time to work on situational substitution.

"Guys were very competitive," Tucker said. "It was a good physical practice. We were able to get outside and I feel good about what we were able to get done today." ...

The Buffs will be back in shorts and shoulder pads on Monday, full pads on Wednesday and again on Friday for what will be their first scrimmage of the spring. …

All three quarterbacks — Steven Montez, Sam Noyer and Tyler Lytle — threw the ball well on Friday. Montez, in particular, looks to be getting more and more comfortable with the new offense with each practice. … At running back, true freshman Jaren Mangham got some reps with the No. 1 offense and showed some good power inside. … Another true freshman, offensive lineman Austin Johnson, is getting some reps with the No. 2 offense. … Junior college transfer Jeremiah Doss continues to get work on the defensive line with the No. 1s. … Junior defensive back Mekhi Blackmon is getting time at nickel back. …

Senior linebacker Davion Taylor continues to work at the "star" position, a hybrid spot. "We've got a long way to go at that position," Tucker said. "It's not the easiest position to learn. It takes a lot of reps and it's also situational. I should have a much better idea at the end of spring ball who are best 2 or 3 guys are at that spot."

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu