Dorrell's Buffs Turn Attention To Detail, Efficiency

BOULDER — With just two more weeks to go before the season opener, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Karl Dorrell and his staff are turning even more of their focus on attention to detail.

No doubt, it is an area that is always important. But as Dorrell and his staff watched the NFL and other college conferences open their seasons, they noticed a higher percentage of mistakes and inefficiency than in normal seasons.

It is the result, Dorrell believes, of a combination of factors. In the NFL, no preseason games contributed to more issues early. For college programs, the mistakes have come about at least in part because of circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic — no spring ball (in many instances), limited summer access and condensed fall camps.

Thus, the Buffs staff has been focusing on the details that will hopefully reduce those mistakes when they open their season Nov. 7 against UCLA at Folsom Field.

"We need to play as efficient as we can, really understanding our systems well," Dorrell said after CU's Thursday practice, the 12th of training camp. "That's what I see, where there are ill-timed plays, mistakes being made. A lot of those things you are seeing in college football is because of the inefficiency that you see. We're trying to guard against that."

Part of Dorrell's remedy has been to constantly emphasize the "little things" that will help his players react instinctively and not have to think about scheme specifics in the heat of battle.

"That's what I've been preaching to these guys every day — the details of our execution, the details of our focus in our meetings, the details in walkthroughs, where you're really trying to teach a lot of football fundamentals and scheme at the same time," he said. "It's extremely important, especially for us. Not having a spring session, we're having to do it all at once. There's a sense of urgency we need to have. We have to make sure we're utilizing what's needed to be used for us to be successful."

Of course, that has meant CU coaches have had to create a delicate balance between efficiency and information. They want their team to have the schemes necessary to win at their disposal — but they don't want to create an information overload.

It is a task that has been more difficult than usual given the time constraints of this very unusual season.

"We as coaches have to do a really thorough job in our assessment about how much information to give these guys," Dorrell said. "We want them to play fast, we want them to turn it loose and do the things that are going to allow them to be great players. But there's a fine line between getting that type of ability and reaction from your players. You want them to play that way but you don't want them to have so much information where they're thinking (too much)."

So far, Dorrell likes the balance his staff has been able to strike. The Buffs have had solid, productive practices up to this point, and he continues to see improvement on a daily basis.

"I've been impressed with how hard this group works and how conscientious they've been," Dorrell said earlier this week. "We're heading in the right direction. I feel really good about that."

WEATHER FACTOR: The Buffs practiced outdoors Thursday in cool, wet weather — something Dorrell said he wants his team to embrace.

College football seasons normally open in September, when the weather is warm. But the Buffs' first game this year won't be played until Nov. 7, with the last game set for Dec. 19 (not counting a possible bowl).

It means the possibility of inclement weather for every home game is increased. That's something that could actually work to CU's advantage, especially against visiting California and Arizona schools, who aren't used to such conditions.

"We've got to be better at our execution and the details when it's damp and cold and a little misty," Dorrell said. "I was pleased with the work today."

LYNCH BACK 'HOME': Buffs tight end Matt Lynch, a graduate transfer from UCLA, played high school ball at Legacy in Broomfield. He said he always wanted to play for CU growing up, but when the opportunity didn't emerge, he was happy to play for the Bruins.

Now, he's back in Colorado and will face his old teammates in the Buffs' opener.

"Getting them right off the bat is something I'm fired up about," he said. "But right now, we're just focusing on what we can do and get up to speed."

Lynch played quarterback his first three years at UCLA before making the switch to tight end last season. It's a position he enjoys, but he's still learning the nuances.

"Probably one of the most difficult things is the run blocking footwork and being more physical," he said. "Quarterback, you're stepping back in the pocket and not getting touched in practice. But one thing that came well was route concepts. I see offensive pass plays a little differently. I'm seeing it full picture. It makes it a little easier to understand and grasp what we're trying to do."

Lynch has had a good camp. He's shown a knack for running precise routes and getting open, and has also displayed good hands when the ball comes his way. He's part of a tight end group that includes returning starter Brady Russell, returnee Luke Stillwell and another transfer, Nick Fisher.

LONG JOURNEY FOR THOMAS: The road to Boulder has been a long one for outside linebacker Guy Thomas, who was a four-star recruit out of high school. After spending two seasons at Nebraska — including a redshirt year — he transferred to Coahoma Community College in Mississippi (the same CC that produced former Buff Davion Taylor).

Thomas then signed with the Buffs last season, and has been getting lots of reps with the No. 1 defense.

"Everything happens for a reason," he said. "I'm happy to be here at Colorado. It's a great place. I love the people here, I love the players, I love the coaches. I didn't expect to be at three schools, but I"m happy to be here."

Thomas plays a position that doesn't have a lot of experience, outside of returning starter Carson Wells. But he has turned the heads of coaches with his effort thus far. At 6-4, 230 pounds, he has the size and length to come off the edge, plays the run well and can drop into coverage when necessary.

"Guy Thomas is having a good camp," Dorrell said earlier this week. "He's learning the system."

SCHEDULE: The Buffs will practice again Friday before conducting their second scrimmage of camp Saturday.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu