Colorado University Athletics
Football Wrap Up
BOULDER?University of Colorado head football coach Dan Hawkins assessed the state of the program Friday, less than a week after the conclusion of the Buffaloes’ 2007 season.
“I like the direction we are in and where we are going,” he said. “But we are not a canoe floating down the river. We are a swimmer in the ocean in a Jaws movie with people screaming at us to get to shore. There has to be that sense of urgency.
“We had an opportunity to be 10-3, and we had an opportunity to be 2-10. The reality is you are never there; you always have to be in search of a new thing, a better thing.”
Hawkins said the main goals of the off season are to work on staffing, facilities and recruiting. The Buffs are expected to give out 24 new scholarships in the spring. Included in the total will be two former walk-ons, safety D.J. Dykes and wide receiver Scotty McKnight, and three or four recruits enrolling at CU in January.
The Buffs’ entire football coaching staff is expected to return fully intact. Although Hawkins said none of his assistants have been contacted by other schools that he knows of, the culture of the coaching business will ultimately determine how long the coaching staff will be able to retain full cohesion.
“The coaching profession is funny,” he said. “One pebble slides and a whole mountain moves.”
As the team prepares for spring football and the 2008 season, Hawkins said the winter conditioning program will be harder, more demanding, more specific and more detailed.
Hawkins is excited about the how a year of experience will bode well for some of his young players come spring football, and he is sticking to his mantra that all jobs are open for competition.
“I don’t care if you are (quarterback) Cody Hawkins, (punter) Matt DiLallo or “Girthy” (center Daniel Sanders),” he said. “It’s been that way for a long time.”
Hawkins said he is excited to see the progression of a slew of redshirt freshmen-to-be, including quarterback Matt Ballenger. Defensive backs Anthony Perkins and Anthony Wright could also have an impact in the secondary along with Lamont Smith, who could contribute as a returner as well. Wide receiver Markques Simas should be ready to help the Buffs along with a number of offensive and defensive linemen.
Spring football will start the week of March 17-21, the week before spring break. The remainder of the 15 spring practices will be held after the break, with the annual spring football game scheduled for April 19.
Program Notes: Wide receivers Alvin Barnett and Jarrell Yates are not expected back next season. Kicker Tyler Cope, who served as CU’s kickoff specialist as a true freshman walk-on in 2007, is transferring to