Colorado University Athletics
Handler Looks For Different Path In Senior Season
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He was coming off a year in which he rose from third on the depth chart to 11 game starter at center and by the end of spring practice, had firmly established himself not only as the teamGÇÖs unquestioned starter, but as one of the leaders of a talented offensive line. In July, he was one of 51 centers selected as preseason candidates for the Rimington award, presented annually at seasonGÇÖs end to the nationGÇÖs premier center.
Then in the seasonGÇÖs second game, everything changed.
While serving as a game day captain for the first time in his career in a home game against FCS foe Sacramento State, Handler suffered an ankle injury that would sideline him for three weeks. After rehabbing, Handler returned to the lineup in mid-October only to suffer a sprained knee two weeks later that effectively ended his tumultuous season.
GÇ£Last year was disappointing,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£IGÇÖm just glad to finally be back out here. I feel like IGÇÖm back to 100 percent, IGÇÖm getting more flexible and IGÇÖm anxious (for the season to begin).GÇ¥
Handler enters spring practice the same way he did year ago, atop the depth chart and completely healthy, the only difference is he comes into this season with another year under his belt and a strong desire to atone for the unfortunate setbacks he dealt with last year.
GÇ£IGÇÖve been putting a lot of work in to get back to where I was,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£I feel like IGÇÖm headed in the right direction. I never had to deal with any kind of serious injuries before (last season) and IGÇÖm just anxious to get going again.GÇ¥
HandlerGÇÖs return comes at time when optimism is high for the program which welcomes a new coaching staff, led by former San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre, who is clearly focused on directing a return to glory for a program that has gone six seasons without a winning record.
GÇ£I like the new coaching staff,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£IGÇÖve been adjusting and getting used to them and so far so good. IGÇÖm confident this is going to work.GÇ¥
Handler is no stranger to change at the top. This will be the third coaching staff he has had to deal with in his four years as a Buff. Each change also means adapting to the different philosophies and standards of each staff which can be challenging for many players.
GÇ£It is kind of frustrating to deal with so much change in my career,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£The hardest part is dealing with the different strength and conditioning programs and getting used to what they want because itGÇÖs always different.GÇ¥
HandlerGÇÖs newest offensive line coach, his third at CU, is longtime college assistant Gary Bernardi, whose illustrious coaching career spans more than three decades and six different programs, all of which saw significant success and growth under BernardiGÇÖs guidance. Bernardi has coached a long line of talented offensive lineman throughout his career and also helped guide UCLA tackle, Jonathan Ogden and USC tackle and Boulder native, Tony Boselli, on their way to remarkable NFL careers.
GÇ£I like how coach Bernardi is straight and to the point and doesnGÇÿt beat around the bush,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£Plus the fact that he has coached some great players shows me that he knows his stuff and his words resonate that much more.GÇ¥
With the return of skillful veterans like Handler and wide receiver Paul Richardson from the injuries that prematurely ended their seasons a year ago, there is a strong belief amongst many of the loyal faithful that the team will be able to improve significantly on last yearGÇÖs 1-11 record and last place finish in the Pac-12. Handler echoes that sentiment.
GÇ£We didnGÇÖt have a real deep threat last year,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£So getting Richardson back will help a lot plus, with the way the offensive line jelled last year and me returning means weGÇÖre definitely headed in the right direction.GÇ¥
Although this yearGÇÖs group of returning offensive lineman includes nine underclassmen and only two seniors, Handler is excited about their potential as a whole. Despite the losses of standout junior left tackle David Bakhtiari, and seniors Ryan Dannewitz and Eric Richter, the unexpected playing time many of the underclassmen received in lieu of a litany of injuries suffered by last yearGÇÖs starters will go a long way in preparing them for an increased workload in 2013. Upperclassmen Bakhtiari, Handler, and tackle Jack Harris missed a combined 13 games last year due to injury.
GÇ£This is a really good group,GÇ¥ said Handler. GÇ£It always great to have the experience last yearGÇÖs guys brought but the younger guys played a lot more (than expected) last season and they got better. I think weGÇÖll be good this year.GÇ¥
As Handler enters his final season as a Buff once again at full strength and sees firsthand the growth of a once very inexperienced group of lineman he probably feels that this season he will get a chance to live out the kind of season he was on the brink of last year. A season filled with hope and promise.