Colorado University Athletics
CU's Tucker Praises Blocking Of Buffs Receivers
September 02, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Colorado head coach Mel Tucker didn't see much that surprised him when he watched tape of Friday night's 52-31 season-opening Buffs win over Colorado State.
Most of what Tucker saw simply confirmed what he had seen during the game.
But there were some things that jumped out when he reviewed the film, including the job CU's receivers did blocking downfield. While it's not a task many folks equate with being a wide receiver, it's an integral part of playing wideout for the Buffs — and Tucker liked what he saw in the opener. Along with coming up with some key receptions, Colorado's receivers also had some big blocks in the run game, including some key knockdowns on touchdown runs.
"I thought our receivers did a really good job blocking in the game," Tucker said. "Going back and watching the tape, they really got after it. I was really proud of that. Coaches are doing a great job emphasizing blocking, Chev (wide receivers coach Darrin Chiaverini) and the whole offensive staff."
One of those receivers who did his part Friday was Tony Brown. The senior wideout caught three passes for a team-leading 71 yards, and also had two key blocks on a pair of Alex Fontenot touchdown runs.
"The whole group is really taking blocking to heart," Chiaverini said. "Dimitri Stanley, here's a guy that had a pancake block on Laviska's screen (a 15-yard pass to Laviska Shenault Jr. in the second quarter). Tony had a couple touchdown blocks, K.D. was blocking hard, Maurice Bell got in there and blocked hard, Jaylon Jackson blocked hard. The group as a whole is taking ownership of that part of their game and helping our backs — just like our backs help in pass protection for them."
Indeed, it is a true team concept with a reciprocal return for all involved. The receivers know that when they block downfield on a running play, the running backs will return the favor and add a little extra in pass protection.
"We have a lot of guys that can make plays, but guys not worrying about targets is big," Tucker said. "What's my job on this play? Playing for the guy next to you and being unselfish. Football is the ultimate team sport, we talk about that all the time. That really showed up and I think that's a credit to our coaches and our young men."
For Brown, his improved blocking downfield is just adding to an already steady, consistent game. Two of his receptions Friday night put the Buffs deep in CSU territory and set up touchdown runs, and he followed those passes up with some key blocks.
"Blocking is a big deal," Brown said. "It's part of what I need to work on the most and I think I did OK in the game. Blocking is important — you hear that from the scouts and other NFL guys. I'm improving at it and I take pride in it. I'm not the biggest guy out there (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) but I do my best to be that irritating guy who gets in there and helps someone else get extra yards."
Brown has also developed a strong chemistry with quarterback Steven Montez, who looks to Brown more and more often in difficult situations.
"Montez trusts him," Chiaverini said. "At the end of the day, as a receiver, the greatest compliment you can get is that your quarterback trusts you, and Montez trusts him. Tony always seems to show up and make big plays. He did in that game and he's going to do it all year for us."
Brown spent countless hours in the offseason working on routes with his quarterback — but he says the entire receivers group has Montez's trust.
"Honestly, I think we're all dependable," Brown said. "I just do my best to get open. Sometimes if nobody's open, I'm the guy he looks for."
But it is his complete game — work ethic, discipline and focus — that continues to impress his head coach.
"He does it every day," Tucker said. "We saw him every day in camp. He comes to work and he gets the job done in the run game and the passing game. He makes plays he's supposed to make. He's an experienced guy, and that's really leading by example."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
