Colorado University Athletics
Walters No Stranger In Getting The Most Out Of WRs
An ideal coach would be one who has done it before and succeeded at it; a coach who knows what it takes to become a champion because he himself has reached the pinnacle of success.
After nearly two decades of honing his craft as both a player and an instructor, new Colorado wide receivers coach, Troy Walters has proven that he is that coach.
During his remarkable four year career as a wide receiver at Stanford, WaltersGÇÖ resume included a litany of accolades and honors. After an eight-year NFL career, Walters returned to the college ranks as an assistant coach and with two decades worth of expertise in tow, has overseen the maturation of a number of receivers who saw tremendous signs of improvement under his tutelage.
GÇ£You have to be willing to work to become great,GÇ¥ said Walters. GÇ£You have to outwork your opponent. We werenGÇÖt all blessed with great ability so you have to do the little things well.GÇ¥
As the receivers coach at Texas A&M from 2010-11, Walters took a young and inexperienced group of receivers and molded them into a group that included record setters and all conference performers.
Then,? after one season at North Carolina State WaltersGÇÖ top three receivers went from a combined 60 catches and seven touchdowns in 2011 to 149 catches and 18 touchdowns in 2012.
In January, he agreed to join the coaching staff of newly-hired head coach Mike MacIntyre, inheriting a receiving corps in which only three players recorded a reception last season. Despite a plethora of inexperience, Walters believes this unit has a chance to be just as good as his previous groups.
GÇ£I think we can (be as good),GÇ¥ said Walters. GÇ£They have the potential. They come in and work hard every day. This is a good group.GÇ¥
Although there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, WaltersGÇÖ confidence could hinge mostly on a junior who, despite being a firmly entrenched in the program for the past three seasons, could be considered the biggest off-season addition of any team in the Pac-12.
Receiver Paul Richardson, who had as many touchdown catches in 2011 as all the teamGÇÖs receivers combined for last year, returns to a lineup in desperate need of his game breaking abilities after tearing an ACL in spring camp last year. Despite the setback, Walters believes Richardson isnGÇÖt showing any signs of the injury one year later.
GÇ£If you look at him now you couldnGÇÖt tell he ever got hurt,GÇ¥ said Walters. GÇ£He has his speed back and heGÇÖs ready to go.GÇ¥
After a year away from the gridiron, the talented Richardson brings his 14.6 yards per reception and 4.4 speed to a passing offense which ranked second worst statistically in the Pac-12 last year and with insight from one of the conferenceGÇÖs all-time greatest receivers at his disposal on a daily basis, thereGÇÖs no telling how good RichardsonGÇÖs 2012 campaign may turn out to be.
GÇ£He has all the talent,GÇ¥ said Walters. GÇ£I just try to stay on him and help him to never become complacent. I want him to the best.GÇ¥
Richardson heads a corps which includes last yearGÇÖs leading receiver in sophomore Nelson Spruce, speedy 5-11 sophomore Gerald Thomas and the lengthy, 6-5, 210-pound junior Tyler McCulloch, all of whom have made camp intriguing as they battle for positioning on the depth chart.
GÇ£Competition has been intense,GÇ¥ said Walters. GÇ£ItGÇÖs exciting. You have to have that work ethic (to succeed).GÇ¥
At 5-7, Walters had to find a niche in order to thrive on the field. Although he was never as big and strong as the players he competed against, he never allowed any physical disparities keep him from outworking his opponent. Walters believes height or physical ability shouldnGÇÖt hinder any player and with four receivers on the Colorado roster under 6-0 he has at least a few pupils to whom he can preach those beliefs.
GÇ£Every guy has to use his size to his advantage. The bigger guys can jump higher and get the ball, the smaller guys have a lower center of gravity so they can run better routes and have better balance. Everyone has to just play within themselves.GÇ¥
WaltersGÇÖ own coaching philosophies are the predominate reason why he decided to make Boulder the latest stop in his coaching journey. After North Carolina State head coach Tom OGÇÖBrien was in November, Walters found himself looking for a new job. His search eventually led him to MacIntyre whose beliefs on how to both mold young men and build a successful program fit nicely with the kind of opportunity Walters was looking for.
GÇ£I really like (coach MacIntyreGÇÖs) vision,GÇ¥ said Walters. GÇ£He wants to help develop these men off the field too and to realize the importance of academics. He has a good plan and it fit my own beliefs.GÇ¥
As coach Walters embarks on yet another reclamation project and brings his immense pedigree to Colorado, he stands out as yet another example that if a coaching staff is the foundation for the success of a program, the Buffaloes are well on their way to laying the building blocks for a winner that will stand for years to come.