Last Look Back, First Look Ahead For Tucker's Buffs
May 13, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — With spring ball now in the rearview mirror and fall camp still a couple of months on the horizon, here are some odds and ends, observations and (un)educated guesses concerning the Buffaloes as we head into summer.
— Players who made consistently good impressions on coaches. In no particular order, some of the players who had solid, consistent camps from beginning to end included linebacker Nate Landman, defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson and nose tackle Jalen Sami on defense; and center/guard Tim Lynott Jr., guard/center Colby Pursell, tackle William Sherman, quarterback Steven Montez and tight end Jalen Harris on offense.
Not that there weren't plenty of other players who had head-turning days or even weeks in spring ball. But in terms of nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic, showing up every day to go to work and making it clear they understood Tucker's requirements for physical football, these guys left no doubt they knew what was expected of them.
— Best bet to play most snaps on defense next fall. It's hard to imagine Colorado's defense being on the field without Landman being in the middle of it all. Last fall, Landman was CU's leading tackler, even though he played 200 fewer snap than fellow inside 'backer Rick Gamboa. But it will now be Landman making the calls and making the plays on an every-down basis. He is a guy CU's coaches are no doubt depending on to be the glue of a defense that will need every bit of the stability the junior can bring to the table.
— Yes, tight ends matter. No doubt, the newfound emphasis on tight ends was a consistent theme throughout the spring, and it showed up in the spring game finale, when TEs caught four passes (two each from Jalen Harris and Brady Russell).
But the most-revealing signal that the tight end will be a regular part of Colorado's offense? Try the depth chart that accompanied the spring game press release, which included two spots for tight ends. That's a clear indication that Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson will be making regular use of the tight end as both a receiver and blocker for the run game. It will mean plenty of playing time for both Harris (whose receiving skills improved dramatically through the spring) and Russell, a dependable H-back who is a solid blocker in the run game and a dependable receiver; and it will also mean legitimate opportunities for Darrion Jones and converted running back Beau Bisharat, along with Jared Poplawski (who missed the spring with an injury).
So what does that mean for wide receivers, which might just be the deepest position on the roster? We're glad you asked …
— Competition at WR will be intense. Even without junior Laviska Shenault Jr. in spring ball, the daily competition at wideout was fierce. Every day, someone came up with big plays, and every day, somebody made a case for playing time.
Now figure the new math at the position: unlike the last few years, when CU regularly lined up four wideouts, that number has been reduced by one for the most part. While the Buffs may occasionally go to four-wide sets, it will be the exception rather than the rule. Thus, it means no fewer than seven quality receivers vying for basically three spots — and that doesn't even count a host of newcomers who could figure in right away.
Odds are most of them will see time in the fall. But those who make an early impression in camp and then consistently maintain that level of effort and performance will likely be those who are on the field when the lights go on Aug. 30 in Denver against Colorado State.
— Quarterback Steven Montez has a big opportunity ahead. Yes, we know — Montez did not have a great spring game. The backups, in particular Sam Noyer, had much better numbers (albeit throwing against the No. 2 defense).
But it is still Montez's job, and his overall performance in the spring was consistent enough to convince CU's coaches he has more to offer.
The best news is the Buffs will have a run game to support Montez — meaning the entire load of the offense won't rest on his shoulders. The new staff has been impressed with Montez's physical abilities since Day One; now they need to see him take the next step in ball security and decision making. If he continues to improve in those areas, and if the Buffs can develop a consistent rush attack, Montez will have a successful fall.
— So who will carry the load in the run game? The best bet here is it won't be just one person. Tucker and Johnson have made it clear they want fresh legs in the backfield, and that usually means a rotation of some kind.
Maybe the most consistent back in spring ball was sophomore Alex Fontenot, who showed good short-yardage skills along with breakaway capability, as well as good receiving skills and pass protection ability (a must under Tucker). The most promising back might have been true freshman Jaren Mangham, who was impressive from the beginning and who also improved steadily through the spring.
But there's nothing sewn up here — Deion Smith, Jarek Broussard and Joe Davis all had their moments, meaning this will be another spot with plenty of competition in fall camp.
— O-line taking shape. When coaches moved Lynott to center and Pursell to guard early in camp, the plan was to take a look at the combination, then move them back later in camp. But when Pursell was sidelined with an injury midway through, it left Lynott at center for the remainder. The guess here is that's where Lynott will be next fall, with Pursell staying at guard, as coaches liked what they saw from both at those positions.
The other guard spot will be interesting to watch, as Kary Kutsch and Casey Roddick both will vie for time, and Jack Shutack could fit into the equation. On the outside, Sherman — who had an impressive, consistent spring — showed the ability that could not only make him CU's starting left tackle for the next three years, but a player who could be a next-level performer.
The other tackle spot will be a battle. Coaches like the long-term potential of redshirt freshman Kanan Ray, and sophomore Frank Fillip also had some solid moments in the spring. Meanwhile, incoming grad transfer Arlington Hambright will no doubt be expected to be in the starting mix from the get-go.
— D-line starting to gel. One crucial development of the spring was the progress of nose tackle Sami. The redshirt freshman shed some unnecessary weight, added some muscle and showed the potential for being a dependable man in the middle.
Meanwhile, coaches loved what they saw from Mustafa Johnson, a solid, dependable tackle who has the work ethic, motor and mentality Tucker and his staff love. They are counting on Johnson to be a leader up front and he should fill the role nicely. JC transfer Jeremiah Doss also showed enough to earn a good look in the fall and at defensive end, Terrance Lang showed the physical tools; his next step will be developing consistency.
We'll throw outside linebackers into the mix here, as they are oftentimes part of a four-man front. Carson Wells, Jacob Callier, Nu'umotu Falo and Alex Tchangam are all part of the equation, but those who show the best pass-rush ability in fall camp will have the best chance of earning a starting nod.
— Secondary is up for grabs. The Buffs lost both of their starting safeties from last fall, and it's a position that will be up for grabs in August. Derrion Rakestraw, Trey Udoffia and Isaiah Lewis all had their moments in spring ball, but consistency was not a strong point. This is a spot where newcomers could make an impact right away, along with Aaron Maddox, who missed spring contact drills with an injury.
On the corners, Delrick Abrams Jr. had perhaps the best overall spring, with Mehki Blackmon making a push late. A likely starter here, Chris Miller, missed the spring with an injury but is a player coaches believe will step back into form in a hurry in the fall.
— Newcomers will be critical. One guess here? There are at least a couple of players we haven't seen yet who will be in the starting lineup next fall, and several more who will figure prominently in the two-deep.
This much we do know: coaches are anxious to get a look at a number of players from the last signing class, including a handful of incoming freshmen who could find themselves in the mix right away. That includes defensive linemen Austin Williams, Lloyd Murray, Na'im Rodman and Jayden Simon; defensive back Mark Perry; linebacker Marvin Ham II; and defensive back Trustin Oliver.
Also arriving this summer will be several JC transfers, including linebackers Jash Allen, Quinn Perry and Jamar Montgomery, along with D-lineman Janaz Jordan. All could make a push immediately.
— One more time: summer will be crucial. What Tucker has made excruciatingly clear is that he places a huge emphasis on strength and conditioning. Those players who show up to work every day have the chance to play.
When the Buffs open their summer conditioning drills in the first week of June, you can bet Tucker and his staff will be drawing a distinction between those who put in the extra effort and those who simply go through the motions.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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