Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Practice Report: Tucker Likes Effort As Offense Has Solid Scrimmage
August 17, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Colorado's second scrimmage of fall camp had a familiar ring to it Saturday morning at Folsom Field.
For the second time in as many weeks, the Buffs' offense came up with big plays, particularly in the passing game. All four CU quarterbacks — Steven Montez, Tyler Lytle, Blake Stenstrom and Sam Noyer — were on target consistently, with Buffs receivers putting up big gains and big numbers as a result.
"All of our receivers made plays today," head coach Mel Tucker said after the workout, CU's 15th practice of fall camp. "Our quarterbacks looked sharp. I just thought it was a good day for guys to compete and produce. We've got lots of guys on offense that can make plays."
Eight different Buffs caught at least three passes in the 114-play scrimmage that saw the No. 1 offense face off against both the No. 1 and No. 2 defenses and vice versa. Senior quarterback Steven Montez was especially sharp, leading the No. 1 offense to five scores that included a long touchdown pass to Maurice Bell on the first drive of the day, along with two long touchdown tosses to K.D. Nixon.
Bell had an outstanding scrimmage, finishing with three touchdown catches and displaying an ability to make defenders miss after the catch.
"Every time we scrimmage, Maurice Bell shows up," Tucker said. "He looked explosive today."
Along with Nixon and Bell, other receivers having standout days included Tony Brown, Vontae Shenault and Daniel Arias, each of whom had at least five receptions.
Defensively, the Buffs took a step forward against the run, dramatically cutting down on big plays by running backs. The defense yielded just one rushing touchdown and gave up only one rush of longer than 16 yards.
"I feel like we can stop the run on defense," Tucker said. "(We) just have to improve in coverage, third-down defense. Overall, I was pleased with the effort. Guys really competed hard, finished plays. It was a clean scrimmage, really good organization. I think the players felt pretty good when they got off the field today."
Tucker also singled out the play of inside linebacker Nate Landman, who had perhaps his best overall day of camp.
"Nate Landman plays at a different speed," Tucker said. "I was really impressed with him. He really showed up today."
Landman, who has quickly assumed the role as the defense's leader, was everywhere on the field, making tackles in open space as well as stuffing runners at the line of scrimmage. He finished with a double-digit effort in tackles that included one for loss as well as a couple of third-down stops.
"He was sideline to sideline today and on the inside, against our run game, he was stout," Tucker said. "He was a knock-back tackler today. That's what you want to have inside. You want to have a guy who can make those plays. I was really impressed with how fast he played and his intensity the entire scrimmage, every time he was in there."
Other defensive standouts included safety Mikial Onu and inside linebacker Jash Allen, who stepped up with the No. 1 defense alongside Landman.
Next up for Tucker and his staff will be reviewing film of the scrimmage, then putting together a depth chart. That will mean more repetitions in practice beginning Monday for the No. 1 and No. 2 units, as CU will also begin working on installing a game plan for the Aug. 30 season opener against Colorado State in Denver (8 p.m., ESPN).
"I'm encouraged," Tucker said. "I'm really looking forward to seeing the film. We'll look at some of the details and then we'll start to get into our game plan here pretty soon and the depth chart is going to shake out and become more clear here in the next couple of days."
RB BATTLE: While the competition at running back is still stiff, position coach Darian Hagan said after the scrimmage, "It's starting to sort itself out."
True freshman Jaren Mangham had a solid day, showing the ability to pick up tough yards inside, while Alex Fontenot, Joe Davis and Deion Smith also had their moments. Hagan said he will look at the film and identify consistency in all phases, then build his depth chart from there.
QB RACE: While the No. 1 spot at quarterback is not in question, the battle for No. 2 doesn't look to be settled yet. Sophomore Tyler Lytle had a consistent, productive day on Saturday, taking a step up from last week's scrimmage, while junior Sam Noyer and redshirt freshman Blake Stenstrom were also on target throughout the day.
SCRIMMAGE NOTES: Montez has been especially sharp over the last week, and Saturday's scrimmage might have been his best overall effort yet. He was on target with deep balls, hit intermediate routes with authority and showed a deft touch in his short game … Nixon's speed and ability to accelerate in a hurry out of the break has made him a dangerous deep ball threat … Bell seems to be at his best on Folsom Field. In the CU Spring Game at Folsom, he had six catches for 129 yards and a score … The Buffs are rotating a number of players at cornerback, with Chris Miller, Mekhi Blackmon and K.J. Trujillo all getting some repetitions Saturday on one side … Isaiah Lewis played alongside Onu at safety with the No. 1 defense for much of the day. … Tight ends had five catches in the scrimmage … Redshirt freshman Kanan Ray stepped in to take some snaps with the No. 1 offense at right tackle late in the scrimmage … Austin Williams, Janaz Jordan and Jeremiah Doss worked on the D-line with the No. 1 unit for a few snaps, while Na'im Rodman also continues to get work up front in the rotation.
SCHEDULE: The Buffs will take Sunday off, then practice Monday through Friday next week before taking Saturday off. They will then begin game week preparation for Colorado State on Sunday.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
