Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Focus On Improving Run Game Production
April 09, 2024 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — If the Colorado offense is going to take a step forward this year, the Buffaloes' run game will have to make some healthy strides.
It's no secret that Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders' team struggled to produce anything resembling consistency on the ground last season. Colorado finished last in the nation in rushing yards per game (68.9) while averaging just 2.3 yards per carry.
No doubt, those numbers were skewed by the number of sacks CU allowed — 56 for 492 yards.
But even with sack-adjusted totals, Colorado averaged just 110 yards per game on the ground. That's not the kind of balance that makes an offense its most productive, and it gives opposing defenses a green light to tee off on the quarterback.
CU's leading rusher last season, Dylan Edwards, finished with 321 yards on 76 attempts. Now a sophomore, Edwards returns this year aiming for more production, and he's joined by returnees Sy'veon Wilkerson (190 yards last season), Alton McCaskill (59 yards in four games) and Charlie Offerdahl (11 yards).
But the biggest news in the running backs room might be newcomer Micah Welch, a 5-foot-9, 205-pound true freshman who has quickly been turning heads in camp with his combination of power and speed. Welch, out of Milledgeville, Ga., had some big plays in last weekend's scrimmage and running backs coach Gary Harrell has been impressed with what he's seen.
"He started off slow because he was trying to get acclimated to college football as far as the information overload that was put on him, but now he's starting to build confidence and make plays," Harrell told the media Tuesday morning. "He's the guy that we thought he would be as far as downhill aggressively seeking the end zone. He's done a good job."
Harrell knows Colorado's run game will be critical in helping the Buffs' offense to the next level. CU had an outstanding passing game last year under the direction of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who returns with another bevy of quality receivers.
But if the Buffs can't force opposing defenses to respect CU's run game, Sander will once again spend every game with a target on his back.
"If we're able to run the football, that means the box gets a little heavier," Harrell said of the opposition's front seven. "That means we have one safety, so the passing game is where it needs to be and it clears things up for Shedeur. We want to make sure that we dictate to the offense what we want to bring that week."
There's little doubt the run game will look different this season.
For starters, CU will have a new playcaller this year, as Pat Shurmur takes the reins as offensive coordinator. The Buffs will also look much different up front, as it's possible that every position on the offensive line will have a new starter.
"It's been a good conversation," Harrell said. "Last year was dictated based on the tempo of the offense and what the defense presented to us. It wasn't where we needed to be. So when you invest into it, when you bring Pat Shurmur to OC, when you bring in coach Phil (Loadholt) as O-line coach and then you bring in a whole new O-line, we feel there's a different mindset, that you're investing into the run. So we have to do our job and make sure we're ready for when the run is called."
The Buffs are also hoping for more consistent production from Edwards and McCaskill. Edwards showed flashes of explosiveness both as a receiver and carrying the ball while McCaskill played just four games because of injury and was awarded a redshirt.
"(Edwards) had a decent year but I think we could have gotten more out of him," Harrell said. "We have to do better as coaches as far as putting him in a better position to have success. But he had a great offseason. He's bigger than he was last year. He's stronger than he was last year. He did all the necessary things to better himself. With Pat Shurmur as offensive coordinator I think we have a better plan for him as far as a different scheme, and making sure that he's in when we need him in to get certain things done."
Players Mentioned
