Colorado University Athletics
Newcomers, Including Freshmen, Getting Their Chance Early In Buffs Camp
August 02, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Just two practices into fall camp, it has become clear that Colorado coach Mel Tucker and his staff aren't afraid to give newcomers an immediate opportunity to show their skills.
That has certainly been the case thus far with the Buffaloes — even with true freshmen who just arrived on campus this summer.
"Competition makes you better," Tucker said after Friday's workout. "We brought these guys in here to compete. We're splitting the squads up when we can so we can get in as many reps as possible, and we're giving them a chance to prove themselves. We're going to put the best guys out on the field."
That philosophy has been particularly evident on defense, where CU coaches are mixing in newcomers at just about every position. That includes the defensive line, where six newcomers — four true freshmen and two junior college transfers — are getting some significant reps.
"We have to have depth on our defensive line," Tucker said. "We have to keep guys fresh. I'm very comfortable playing eight, nine guys on the D-line in a game. We're going to need our newcomers to step up and provide depth and be able to go in games and be productive and not have any dropoff. We're going to get those guys as many reps as we can in practice."
Friday, Tucker singled out the performance of true freshman D-lineman Na'im Rodman, a 6-foot-2, 295-pounder from Lakewood, Calif., who saw some time alongside Mustafa Johnson and Jalen Sami with the No. 1 unit on Friday.
"Na'im Rodman on defense has been impressive," Tucker said. "He's a heavy-handed young man with good balance and body control. He's been well-coached and he gives really good effort. He's in good shape."
Also getting time with the top units in the trenches have been JC transfers Jeremiah Doss and Janaz Jordan (Doss was in Boulder for spring ball), as well as true freshmen Austin Williams and Lloyd Murray Jr.
But it is not just the defensive line where new faces are getting their shot with the top two units. Among the other newcomers getting some quality reps in the first two practices have been inside linebackers Marvin Ham II (a true freshman) and JC transfer Jash Allen; grad transfer Mikial Onu at safety; true freshmen Jaren Mangham at running back and Vontae Shenault at wide receiver; true freshmen Mark Perry (safety), D.J. Oats (corner) and K.J. Trujillo (corner) in the secondary; and JC transfer Quinn Perry at linebacker.
"We're going to see who can play," Tucker said. "We'll learn a lot more when we put on the pads next week, but guys are going to get their chances. That's why they're here and we're going to compete at every position."
Tucker also continues to reiterate that he is looking for a rotation at running back rather than one "feature" back. The Buffs have been regularly rotating five backs with the first two units, giving each a chance to show their abilities.
Only one of CU's scholarship running backs, sophomore Alex Fontenot, has ever played in a college game.
"It's a talented group," Tucker said. "We'll know a lot more once we put the pads on. Ball security is going to be critically important and also pass protection. We have a very solid group of guys and we would like to have a stable we can count on."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
