Fall Camp Notes

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Fall Camp Notes

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August 27th

*Video: Karl Dorrell talks quarterbacks; injury updates*

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffStamepede.com … LG Tommy Brown “very promising. We think he’ll be able to play” … “Same thing with RJ Sneed. We think that he’ll be able to play” … DB Nigel Bethel “he’s still working. We’re still waiting … He’s got a good chance to make it as well” … DB Trevor Woods “has been practicing … He’s ramping up, getting back in playing shape, but he should be ready to go” … On three TCU quarterbacks: “They’re going to have an athlete at that position” … “Offensively, they do a really good job of creating space … Our challenge is to keep a lid on their skill” … On quarterbacks: “We decided to announce not to announce … We’ve talked with both of them. They know what our game plan is, but I think it’s wise for us to not do that announcement at all” … “We told them that they’re both going to play, which is a good thing” … On wide receivers: “We feel we have some quality, tangible depth there” … “I think the offensive line is going to develop into a really good group” … On playing TCU’s 3-3-5 defense: “There is not a lot of air, with five defensive backs spread out across the field … It’s built not to give you a big play” …

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August 26th

Buffs looking for great things from West Virginia transfer LB Josh Chandler-Semedo: “He’s a great player and a great guy”

From the Daily Camera … After four years in Morgantown, W.V., Josh Chandler-Semedo, a native of Canton, Ohio, has embraced Boulder and, by all accounts, has made a seamless transition to the Buffs, where he’s expected to have a significant impact in his only season at CU.

Head coach Karl Dorrell said Chandler-Semedo is already becoming one of the Buffs’ top leaders, despite arriving just three months ago. Senior linebacker Quinn Perry is among several players who have praised the addition of the talented transfer.

“Josh is a great player,” Perry said. “He adds the versatility to the group and he also adds a lot of competition. He raises my game, I raise his game. So I think it’s a great addition to the group and he can play any position. He’s a great player and a great guy.”

At West Virginia, Chandler-Semedo played in 44 games, with 31 starts, racking up 260 tackles. Last year, he led the Mountaineers with 110 tackles. He was All-Big 12 honorable mention twice (2021 and 2019) in his career and earned his bachelor’s degree a year ago.

Chandler-Semedo had the opportunity to return to West Virginia for his final year but chose a fresh start.

“I got there in December of 2017 and had been there forever, seeing coaching staffs change, seeing friends leave; people I consider family now,” he said. “I fulfilled my scholarship and had an extra year and wanted to do something different.”

… Continue reading story here …

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OL Coach Kyle DeVan building depth through versatility: “Having that versatility allows you to play the best five or the best six”

From CUBuffs.com … New Colorado offensive line coach Kyle DeVan likes the depth the Buffaloes bring to the table this year up front.

But along with some solid starters and backups he believes can produce, DeVan has emphasized another quality across the line — versatility.

DeVan wants players who can not only play one position well, but can move to another spot on the line and be equally productive.

The result, he believes, means the ability to put your best players on the field.

“Having that versatility allows you to play the best five or the best six,” said DeVan, who joined Karl Dorrell‘s staff last winter from Michigan, where he worked as an offensive analyst. “You’re not pigeon-holed where he’s your fifth-best or your eighth-best offensive lineman, but he’s the only one that plays left tackle. Then the competition raises.”

DeVan inherited a line that included three returning starters, but also one that lacked depth.

This season, he believes the Buffs will not only be able to field a solid starting five, but also have quality backups who can step in and maintain production when the need arises.

CU’s three returning starters are tackles Frank Fillip and Jake Wiley and guard Casey Roddick. Between them, they logged 31 starts last season, when Wiley manned the left side while Fillip and Roddick played on the right. This August, they have been getting work on both sides, just a small part of the versatility DeVan is trying to build.

The Buffs also have a group of returnees who played a handful of snaps last year and have seen their practice reps increase dramatically in the spring and fall camp. That group includes center Noah Fenske, center/guard Austin Johnson and tackle Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan. Fenske and Johnson have been battling for the No. 1 spot at center, with Johnson also able to move over to guard. Christian-Lichtenhan — the tallest player on the Buffs’ roster at 6-foot-10, 325 pounds — has been getting working at tackle.

But DeVan has also been developing a group of newcomers who could be contributors. That includes Alabama transfer Tommy Brown, who was running with the No. 1 group early in the spring before being sidelined with an injury, Arizona transfer Luke Eckardt and junior college transfer Alex Harkey, who has been taking his share of reps with the No. 1 group at guard in August.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 25th 

*Video: Meet Linebackers Coach Mark Smith*

From BuffsTV …

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August 24th 

*Video: Meet WR Montana Lemonious-Craig*

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Montana Lemonious-Craig …

From the Daily Camera … There is plenty of college football ahead for Montana Lemonious-Craig, yet after two seasons at Colorado, he’s eager to have his breakout season.

A third-year sophomore receiver from Inglewood, Calif., Lemonious-Craig has just 11 catches in his career but is one of the leaders of a talented group with the Buffaloes.

“I’ve been here for a minute now and now it’s time for me to expand my role,” he said after a recent practice. “I’ve gotta go out there and do what I know I can do and show up and handle business when it comes to that time.”

Seven of his 10 catches last year produced either a touchdown or first down. He’s hoping for more of those opportunities this year.

“I love the big moment,” he said. “You’ve got to embrace it instead of run away from it. So what it comes down to, we need to play, we need to do something I want to be that guy that can be relied on to, if I get the opportunity to make the play, I will make it.”

Lemonious-Craig missed the final two games of the 2021 season with an injury, but has come back stronger this year. With a productive offseason and under the tutelage of first-year receivers coach Phil McGeoghan, he feels more prepared to be one of the Buffs’ leaders.

“I feel as if I grew as a player, both leader wise and fundamentally on the field,” he said. “Coach Phil has taught me a lot of different knacks and tricks to use in terms of just route running and locking into the details on what I have to use within my game.”

… Continue reading story here …

From BuffsTV …

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CU inside linebackers 130 combined games played: “The value in that is really incredible” 

From the Daily Camera … There aren’t many positions on the Colorado football team where veteran experience is a primary asset.

At inside linebacker, however, the Buffaloes have a trio of seniors that are not only leading their group but could be the backbone of the defense.

Robert Barnes and Quinn Perry are both sixth-year seniors returning to the Buffs, while Josh Chandler-Semedo is a fifth-year transfer from West Virginia. Combined, they’ve played 108 games at the Power 5 level (plus Perry’s 22 games in junior college).

“The value in that is really incredible just from a position coach, because they played a lot of snaps,” inside linebackers coach Mark Smith said. “The nucleus of those guys and the experience they have, there’s not many situations where you put them out in the field and they haven’t been there, seen that before. So there’s a great deal of value that’s in that. It gives me a real comfort level.”

Chandler-Semedo led West Virginia with 110 tackles a year ago and was All-Big 12 honorable mention. Perry was second at CU with 78 tackles, while Barnes had 44 tackles.

As the Buffs transition to a 4-3 base defense, all three of them are going to be on the field a lot, including often at the same time.

“I hope it’s pretty even between all of them right there,” Smith said of the playing time. “We’ve crossed-trained Quinn and Josh. Rob, we’ve kept him at the same spot and he’s got a real comfort level with that. But I really see those guys playing an even number of snaps throughout the course of the game.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 23rd 

Sophomore wide receiver Chase Penry looking for a big season: “It’s a great room. We’re having fun and we’re competing hard”

From the Daily Camera … A successful high school career gave Chase Penry the confidence that he could do well in college football.

Experiencing some success with the Colorado Buffaloes last year was important, however.

The former Cherry Creek High School star enters his second season at CU hoping to build off what he did as a true freshman in 2021.

“It was obviously big mentally to know that I could go out there and make plays,” Penry said. “I think knowing that, now this year there’s a new expectation and a higher standard for me and our team. I’m going out there to meet the standard this year and make even more plays for the team so we can have a more successful season this year and get some wins and get this place rolling like it used to be.”

Penry didn’t put up big numbers last year — nobody did as the Buffs struggled offensively — but took advantage of some injuries to others that provided him an opportunity to get on the field.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Penry caught eight passes for 86 yards, including a touchdown at Arizona State. He also was used as a punt and kickoff returner at times.

“Honestly, I think my preparation and hard work leading up to those moments allowed me to trust myself,” he said. “I don’t think anything surprised me. I trusted what I was doing in the offseason and leading up to the season and during the season to continue to make plays throughout. I think my work this offseason is going to showcase that even more and I’m just excited.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 22nd

*Video: Defensive line coach Gerald Chatman*

From YouTube, courtesy of CUSportsReport …

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August 21st 

No practice … (brunch, treatment, meetings, dinner) … Photo Day/AD Welcome back barbeque .. 

Neill Woelk: Inside the Fence Takeaways from Scrimmage No. 2

From CUBuffs.com … Some takeaways from Saturday’s workout at Folsom Field:

— Improved short yardage and goal line offense. The Buffs pounded it into the end zone a couple of times on short-yardage calls — something that was sorely lacking a year ago. Big back Jayle Stacks no doubt gives the Buffs a new dimension in that area, and he delivered Saturday with a couple of scoring runs. But Kyle DeVan‘s offensive line also gets some credit with improvement here, along with the play calling. Nothing fancy, but it has the appearance of being much more solid in terms of establishing a physical run game, then producing.

— Explosive plays. This appears to be another area of improvement for the offense. Colorado was sorely lacking last fall in those game-changing moments from the offense. Saturday’s workout saw the offense produce at least four catches in the 20-yard-plus area, with four different receivers delivering big plays.

— Receiver depth. Is it possible to lose a couple of your top receivers and be an improved overall group? The Buffs are threatening to make a case for being able to do just that. Five different receivers had at least two catches in the workout, including true freshman Jordyn Tyson. Others with two or more included Jack Hestera, Maurice Bell, Ty Robinson and Daniel Arias, while Montana Lemonious-Craig dialed up the longest reception of the day. Every one of these players could be a difference maker in a game or two this season — and CU’s depth could be a plus.

— Quarterback execution. J.T. Shrout looks more and more comfortable in the Buffs’ offense, as he had another efficient, productive day, leading a couple of nice scoring drives. Meanwhile, true freshman Owen McCown looks like anything but a newcomer. He is displaying a veteran’s presence, a keen eye for reading defenses and an overall instinct for the game that can’t be taught. Aside from being a lefty, he reminds some observers of another slender young Texas high school prep product from years ago who also came to Boulder with strong QB bloodlines, Koy Detmer. (Who, by the way, arrived at CU in 1992, the same year Colorado hired a young wide receivers coach by the name of Dorrell).

— Pass rush improving. It wasn’t all bad news for the defense Saturday. The Buffs continue to show an improved ability to put pressure on the quarterback, another big priority of camp. The defense produced four sacks in the scrimmage from four different players. It’s a sign Chris Wilson‘s defense is going to throw a variety of looks at offenses and make sure the pressure is coming from different directions, something no quarterback likes to see.

— Steady D-line play. Another priority for camp has been building defensive line depth, which would allow Colorado to rotate fresh legs into the game with regularity. The Buffs appear to be establishing that depth. Na’im Rodman continues to be a consistent force in the interior, Jalen Sami can still clog the middle, Justin Jackson is active and the edge rushers are productive.

— Linebackers again solid. Colorado’s linebackers could be a surprise around the conference this year. Josh Chandler-Semedo, Robert Barnes and Quinn Perry all made nice plays Saturday and continue to be an anchor for CU’s defense. Also sticking his nose into business was Mister Williams. CU has talent and depth at this spot.

— O-line depth. With Jake Wiley back at tackle this week — but on the right side — the Buffs continue to build much-needed depth up front. They have several players who can play multiple positions, including Austin Johnson, who can play center and guard.

BUFFS BITS: Josh Chandler-Semedo, Quinn Perry and Mister Williams all came up with some stops in goal-to-go situations … Shrout’s “hard count” cadence caused the defense some of its problems … Dorrell said he hopes to have O-lineman Tommy Brown and wide receiver R.J. Sneed II back in practice Monday … Deion Smith looked sharp in brief work at halfback, notching the longest run of the day … The Buffs awarded senior safety Anthony Lyle a scholarship earlier this week.

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August 20th

Practice No. 16 … Meetings (8:00 a.m.)  … Scrimmage (9:15 – 11-30 a.m.) – closed to the public … Walk-through (p.m.) … 

*Video – Karl Dorrell post-scrimmage talk with media*

… Not great audio … So below is a synopsis of what coach Dorrell had to say to the media following CU’s second scrimmage of Fall Camp … 

… Scrimmage played with regular referees … Offense had only three penalties, but the defense shot itself in the foot with nine penalties … With two weeks to go, it’s fixable … Felt better about special teams, even with kicker Cole Becker being held out (sore hamstring) … Quarterbacks are playing well … Receivers continue grow and make plays … There was progress in a lot of ways, but it was over-shadowed by the penalties … Offensive lineman transfer Tommy Brown will be back and practicing on Monday – Will he be ready for the opener? Tommy thinks he can play, but even if he doesn’t, he’ll be ready for the remainder of the season … Offensive line coach Kyle DeVan, who like Dorrell, has coached in the NFL, has trained his lineman to play different positions, which gives the team more flexibility in terms of lineups … Overall, we feel a lot better about the offensive line than we have in years … Defensive lineman Na’im Rodman has had a great camp. He continues to show up and make plays … Defense made good plays in goal line situations, but the play of the defense overall was overshadowed by the penalties, including four offsides penalties … Wide receiver Jack Hestera stood out in the scrimmage … Offense better than at any time in the past two years, and offensive coordinator Mike Sanford hasn’t even been here a year yet … Wide receiver RJ Sneed will also be back in practice on Monday … We’ll see how well he progresses … Even if he isn’t up to speed for TCU, he will be back … Senior walk-on backup safety Anthony Lyle given CU’s 85th scholarship for this fall … Transfer linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo has been making plays, and has taken on a leadership role, but hasn’t been at CU long enough to assume the leadership role Nate Landman had in the locker room …

From YouTube, courtesy of CUSportsReport …

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Neill Woelk: Buffs Who Could Increase their Impact (Offense)

From CUBuffs.com … If the Colorado Buffaloes are going to take a step forward from last season’s 4-8 record, they will no doubt need their veteran leaders to step up.

On offense, that means players such as tight end Brady Russell,  O-linemen Frank Fillip, Casey Roddick and Jake Wiley, running back Alex Fontenot, and wide receiver Daniel Arias. Defensively, those returnees with significant playing experience who will need to take their games up a notch include such vets as D-linemen Jalen Sami, Na’im Rodman and Terrance Lang, safety Isaiah Lewis, and linebacker Quinn Perry.

But if the Buffs are indeed going to improve, they will need big contributions from players who saw little playing time last year (or none at all in a CU uniform).

Quarterback J.T. Shrout — We all know Shrout’s story — a transfer from Tennessee who was vying for the starting spot early in camp last year before a knee injury sidelined him for the season. Now, he’s competing with incumbent Brendon Lewis for the starting spot and is having a very good fall camp. He’s picked up the offense quickly and is showing a nice presence in the pocket. He can throw short, medium and long with accuracy, and is displaying no signs of his injury, instead making plays with his legs with regularity. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, he will quite likely see some action — and at the very least, he has made Lewis better through competition.

Wide receivers Maurice Bell and Chase Penry — This is Bell’s sixth season in a Colorado uniform. He is a player who has shown flashes of excellence throughout his time in Colorado, but has had some terrible luck with injuries. This could be the year that his patience and hard work pays off. He’s running excellent routes, displaying good hands and becoming a reliable target for both of the leading quarterbacks. Penry, who had eight catches last year, started slowly in camp this season but has come on of late. He’s dependable, sure-handed and has a knack for getting open.

Running back Deion Smith — Now in his fifth year with the Buffs, he’s another player who has displayed potential but also been hampered by injury. He’s having his best camp yet and will almost certainly get a decent share of playing time.

Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson — A true freshman who turned heads quickly in camp, he’s showing the ability to line up at different spots, get open, make catches and pick up yards after the catch. This is another youngster who could contribute this year and blossom into a stellar performer over the next few seasons.

Offensive lineman Tommy Brown — A transfer from Alabama, Brown had a good early spring before being sidelined by an injury. He could return to practice next week, and his immediate goal will be to regain his conditioning. If he can quickly rebound, he should be a huge help to CU’s offensive line as the season progresses.

Wide receiver R.J. Sneed II — A transfer from Baylor, he brings experience and savvy to CU’s WR room. He has also been hampered by injury, but could return next week, and is another player who could provide a big boost as CU’s season progresses.

O-linemen Austin Johnson, Noah Fenske, Alex Harkey, Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan— Harkey is a JC transfer, Fenske came in from Iowa last year, Christian-Lichtenhan is in his third year and Johnson is in his fourth season in Boulder. Fenske and Johnson have been competing at center, with Johnson also playing some guard. Harkey has been getting some snaps with the top unit at guard and Christian-Lichtenhan has been getting some reps at tackle. Obviously, they won’t all be starters — but they have had solid camps and will give CU some much-needed depth up front.

… Read full story here …

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August 19th 

Practice No. 15 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … BC Kickoff Luncheon … 

CB Coach Rod Chance on his young roster: “I’m gonna earn my money this year”

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffStamepede.com …

From the Daily Camera … During his coaching career, Rod Chance has mentored several experienced veterans, some of which are now in the National Football League.

There might be future NFL players among his group at Colorado, but Chance’s main task is to simply get a young set of cornerbacks ready to play.

“We’ve got a lot of bodies out there running around; we’ve got a lot of bodies out there competing for playing time, but as we end camp we’re gonna need a little bit more production, a little bit more situational football to kind of see what we truly have,” Chance, CU’s first-year cornerbacks coach, said Thursday.

“We have four true freshmen in the room. I’m gonna earn my money this year for certain, but these guys have a really good growth mindset thus far and I’m excited to work with them, because it’s never too much for them.

CU’s two starting corners from 2021 are now playing at other Pac-12 schools and the oldest player in this year’s group, junior Nigel Bethel Jr., is still working his way back from a knee injury.

Chance and the Buffs will go into the season leaning on a pair of true sophomores and four true freshmen.

“Most rooms that I’ve come into have some sort of experience,” Chance said. “In my mind, they’re all freshmen. There’s got to be some learning and some growing and there’s gonna be some challenges along the way that they’re gonna have to grow from.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 18th

Practice No. 14 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … Walk-through (p.m.) … No player interviews (team lift)

*Video: Meet Tight Ends Coach Clay Patterson*

From BuffsTV …

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Darian Hagan on running backs: “I love my group. They feed off each other and they’re just a joy to be around”

From the Daily Camera … Colorado’s lead dog in the backfield ran off to another school this offseason, but Darian Hagan still has a group of dogs lining up to eat.

“I think the approach that we’ll take is to feed them and feed them all,” Hagan, the Buffaloes’ running backs’ coach, said Wednesday. “All of them gotta eat, like the kids say. If they’re all consistent, they’ll all eat.”

Even without Jarek Broussard, who transferred to Michigan State after leading the Buffs in rushing the past two years, Hagan is confident in the group he has going into this season.

Senior Alex Fontenot and junior Deion Smith lead the pack, but sophomore Jayle Stacks, a pair of talented true freshmen and some gritty walk-ons have Hagan pleased as the Buffs prepare for the Sept. 2 opener against TCU.

“They’re looking good,” Hagan said. “I love the group that I have. They come with attention to detail every day. You don’t have to prod them and push them along. They understand when the whistle blows that they go 100%. It starts with the drills; it actually starts with our walkthroughs and then it goes to the drills and then into the practice where you got your team (periods) and your 7-on-7s. I love my group. The competition is healthy. They feed off each other and they’re just a joy to be around.”

That is, in part, because of Broussard’s departure. Losing the 2020 Pac-12 offensive player of the year has left a void in the backfield, in terms of production, but has created a giant chip on the collective shoulder of the group.

“I see a lot of hunger,” Hagan said. “The thing that I like dangling over their heads every day is, ‘No one outside of this room thinks you can do anything, but as long as the people inside this room believe in you, that’s all that matters. Go out every day and shock the world.’”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 17th

Practice No. 13 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … Meetings (p.m.) … 

Neill Woelk Notes from Inside the Fence

From CUBuffs.com … Tackle Jake Wiley and wide receiver Chase Penry have both returned to full duty after missing some time. Wiley has stepped back in with the No. 1 unit and Penry is making an immediate impact, coming up with several big catches in Tuesday’s workout … After Saturday’s scrimmage, Jamar Montgomery and Chance Main are getting their share of reps as edge rushers with the top defensive unit … D-linemen Na’im Rodman continues to be a presence inside, making plays against the run game from the backside in pursuit …

Linebackers Robert Barnes and Josh Chandler-Semedo continue to be a solid pairing … RB Deion Smith had a nice burst up the middle for a big gain Tuesday … QB Brendon Lewis connected with tight end Brady Russell for a big play touchdown … QB J.T. Shrout had an extremely accurate day, working the short game with precision and also connecting on some deeper balls … Dorrell said he hoped to have OL Tommy Brown and WR R.J. Sneed II back next week … RB Charlie Offerdahl is making a case for some playing time, showing a good ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

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August 16th

Practice No. 12 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … 

*Video: Karl Dorrell post-practice talk with media*

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffStamepede.com … CU head coach Karl Dorrell fields questions about special teams standout Jaylon Jackson, transfer linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo, and safety Isaiah Lewis …

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Brady Russell excited for change of roles for tight ends: “I was dang near just a 250-pound O-lineman at CU”

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Brady Russell …

From the Daily Camera … It’s never too difficult to get a smile out of Brady Russell, but there’s an extra bounce in his step this month.

Perhaps that comes from knowing the end of his career at Colorado is near and he’s soaking in the final moments.

The senior tight end is also feeling healthier than he has in two years.

Mentoring a young group of tight ends has been a joy, as well.

Ask him about his role in the Buffaloes’ new offense, however, and he really lights up.

“Oh, I’m loving it,” he said after a recent practice. “We’re getting to do more in terms of blocking and more in terms of catching, so it’s cool getting to experience doing new things. I feel like I’ve done the same thing the last five years. I was dang near just a 250-pound O-lineman at CU.

“Now that I’m getting to explore more and do things outside of just running a flat or sliding across the formation and catching out of the backfield, I’m getting to do a little bit more and incorporate myself and lead — not just by example when I’m blocking, but actually spark the offense a little bit, hopefully. That’ll be a game changer, I hope, for us this year.”

CU hasn’t revealed much about the scheme being designed by new offensive coordinator Mike Sanford and the rest of the staff, but it’s clear that the tight ends are going to have a different role than in the past.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 15th

Practice No. 11 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … No Player Interviews (team lift) …

Freshman WR Jordyn Tyson turning heads: “I’m just trying to shock the world and show them how I really am”

From the Daily Camera … On the first day of Colorado’s preseason camp, quarterbacks Drew Carter and Brendon Lewis were asked to name some players that have impressed them this summer.

Several days later, senior receiver RJ Sneed and sophomore cornerback Nikko Reed were asked the same question.

The first player they all mentioned was true freshman receiver Jordyn Tyson.

“His athleticism and how he approaches the game,” Sneed said when asked what makes Tyson special. “In runs, he makes sure he’s in the front. I remember doing summer 7-on-7, he was making plays here and there. As a young guy, you kind of get stuck, like, ‘OK I’m doing good,’ but every day he was trying to do something to show off that, ‘I belong here.’”

Although not the most highly recruited player in CU’s 2022 class, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Tyson is showing that he does, in fact, belong. Yet, even as he hears the hype around him, Tyson is striving to remain humble.

“Really, (receivers coach Phil McGeoghan) keeps me humble,” Tyson said. “He says all the little stuff I’m working on, he’s not going to compliment me too much so I don’t get a big head. I just try to be humble and just keep working and keep working so I can just be a good player in the Pac-12.”

… “I was definitely a late bloomer,” said Tyson, who turned 18 on Friday. “I committed kind of early, so I was a late bloomer and I ended my recruitment process early.”

After a breakout season at Allen, Tyson has continued to blossom in his early days at CU.

McGeoghan, CU’s first-year receivers coach, said the early hype is justified, but that he doesn’t let the most talented players he coaches get caught up in the hype.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 14th

… No practice … (brunch, treatment, meetings, dinner) …

Neill Woelk: QB, RB and OL starters? To be determined …

From CUBuffs.com … Karl Dorrell‘s Colorado Buffaloes put training camp practice No. 10 into the books Saturday with a scrimmage that covered roughly 90 plays and included some solid performances on both sides of the ball.

— If you’re looking for an answer to the quarterback question, odds are you’ll be waiting at least another week or so.

Incumbent starter Brendon Lewis was the first to take the field in Saturday’s workout and he looked comfortable in coordinator Mike Sanford’s new offense. He utilized the short passing game, had a high completion percentage, took the offense across the goal line in red zone drills and was efficient overall.

J.T. Shrout, meanwhile, had a long scoring pass to tight end Brady Russell to cap a seven-play scoring march. He showed the ability to keep plays alive in the pocket, made plays with his feet and — perhaps most importantly — escaped the first scrimmage of camp unscathed. It was just a year ago that he saw his season come to a premature end with a knee injury in the opening scrimmage.

“Both of those guys are battling, doing some really good things,” Dorrell said. “It’s really been nip and tuck, which is what I thought it would be. They’re both really good players, both different, but they both have great leadership and the team likes both of them … It’s a good problem to have.”

— Colorado could have a productive backfield without one workhorse. Alex Fontenot and Deion Smith both had solid days, and both are still the clear favorites to be the one-two punch on opening night against TCU.

But Jayle Stacks once again showed that he can bring a different dimension to the backfield, walkon Charlie Offerdahl followed up a solid spring with another impressive performance, and true freshman Victor Venn showed receiving ability out of the backfield, hauling in a scoring pass from Drew Carter.

“That group is starting to create the mystique of toughness that I like to see,” Dorrell said. “They’re running hard.”

SCRIMMAGE SHORTS: The Buffs are developing depth on the offensive line in part by making sure some players can line up at multiple positions. Tackle Frank Fillip, a right tackle last year, has been working on the left side while guard Casey Roddick has also been lining up on the left side. The Buffs are still waiting for the return of transfer Tommy Brown, who could add even more to the equation when he’s healthy … WR Maurice Bell, coming back from an Achilles injury, has been having a solid camp and was among the leading receivers Saturday … True freshman Owen McCown continues to show a quick grasp of the offense … Overall, six different receivers caught at least two passes, including true freshman Chase Sowell … Overall, the Buffs offense hit the end zone six times, including red zone and short-yardage goal line drills.

… Read full story here …

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Lewis/Shrout battle ongoing: “They’re both different, but they both have great leadership in their own ways”

From the Daily Camera … On Saturday, the field was in pristine shape while junior JT Shrout and sophomore Brendon Lewis continued their competition for the starting job.

“Between the top two, it’s really been nip and tuck,” Dorrell said of the competition that has been ongoing through preseason camp. “This is what I thought it would be. It should be that way. They’re both really good players.”

Shrout completed several passes, including a 30-yard touchdown to tight end Brady Russell.

“That timing was impeccable,” Russell said. “It was a cool look, because I knew outside, I had to let the receiver grab the corner so that I had an open zone over there. So I was waiting, waiting, waiting, holding off, trying to wait before I broke out on it and JT threw the ball before I even broke, which was cool. I turned and it was right there. So that was exciting seeing that coming together.”

That play was an example that Shrout is fully recovered and getting his timing back with his receivers.

“He looks pretty good,” Dorrell said. “I think he’s making good decisions. He did some really good things.”

So did Lewis, the incumbent starter. His day included a touchdown run on a fourth-and-goal situation from the 1-yard line.

Less than three weeks away from the Sept. 2 season opener against TCU, Dorrell said the two continue to battle for the lead role.

“They’re both different, but they both have great leadership in their own ways,” he said. “When one of the others is in the game, (the offensive players) respond to either one of them so those are all really, really positive things. I think the team really likes both of them. It’s a good problem to have. If the team didn’t like one of them, it would be a little bit more of a challenge. The team, or the offensive unit, feels that they can win with either one of them, so they feel good.”

… Read full story here …

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August 13th

Practice No. 10 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … Walk through (p.m.) … Scrimmage

*Video: Karl Dorrell post-scrimmage talk with media*

… Not great audio, so below are some of the highlights … 

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffStamepede.com … 90-play scrimmage … No major issues … I can see that the team needs this kind of work … Playing eight, nine, ten plays in a row is different than playing two or three plays in a row … The execution was good. The quarterbacks made good decisions … We ran the ball effectively … We did what we needed to do on the defensive side of the ball … We passed the first mid-term … J.T. Shrout’s timing is coming back (may have been a little bit nervous. It was at this scrimmage last year when he got hurt, so it was good to get past this hurdle) … Nip and tuck between the top two quarterbacks … The offense responds regardless of which quarterback is in … The team really likes both of them … The team feels like they can win with either one of them … Getting back into game shape is the biggest challenge right now … Walk-on running back Charlie Offerdahl continues to impress … Alex Fontenot, Deion Smith and Jayle Stacks had hard runs today … Wide receiver Maurice Bell looks better than he did before he was injured last year … Nothing set along the offensive line, with players like Casey Roddick playing on both sides (and playing some tackle as well as guard) … Freshman quarterback Owen McCown having a good camp … Buffs haven’t had a bad practice yet. A “sloppy” on a few days ago, but no bad practices …

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August 12th

Practice No. 9 (of 25) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … Walk through (p.m.) … 

Isaiah Lewis the lynchpin of the secondary: “He’s the guy; he’s like the catalyst”

Related … CUATG Interview: Safety Isaiah Lewis …

From the Daily Camera … Putting his nose down and working has paid off for sixth-year senior safety Isaiah Lewis, who is one of the most integral parts of the Buffs’ defense.

“He’s the guy; he’s like the catalyst,” safeties coach Brett Maxie said. “He gets everybody together. They watched film in the offseason. During summer workouts, he was the guy that was driving that. I’m just so delighted to have him and I’m proud of him.”

Lewis finally got an opportunity to shine in 2020 and he ran with it. He was one of CU’s best defenders that year, with 27 tackles, two tackles for loss, and eight pass breakups during the pandemic-shortened season.

“It was awesome, just being able to represent the team and represent the defense is a huge privilege,” he said.

While in high school in 2016, he watched former CU defensive backs Chidobe Awuzie, Tedric Thomas and Ahkello Witherspoon shine and couldn’t wait to follow them.

“Those are the guys who I grew up watching from high school, and just kind of wanting to emulate what they did,” he said. “Getting the opportunity to do so through working hard and staying patient, it played out pretty well.”

Last year, Lewis led the Buffs with 79 tackles and added two interceptions.

The other three starters from last year’s secondary all transferred and Lewis is now the only defensive back on the team with significant experience. Being a leader has motivated him as he’s improved this offseason.

“The coaches challenged the players to be leaders and a lot of the veteran guys, if not all of them, accepted that challenge and have done a great job of being a leader,” he said. “Other than that, I wanted to improve my ball skills.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 11th

Practice No. 8 … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … Meetings (4:00 p.m.) … No player interviews (team lift) … 

Even without Nate Landman, Buffs appear set at inside linebacker

From CUBuffs.com … For the last four seasons, the Colorado Buffaloes had a rock as a fixture at inside linebacker, where Nate Landman served as a cornerstone of CU’s defense.

When Landman went down with an injury last year in Game 7, the defense took a step back. When Landman moved on to the NFL last spring, the general consensus — at least from the outside — was that the Buffs’ defense would struggle this year without his presence.

But after a productive spring and a robust fall camp thus far, a twist has been added to the equation.

Overall, Karl Dorrell‘s Buffs might actually be better at inside linebacker this year, and that could have a positive impact on the entire defense.

Not that the Buffs don’t miss the physical and emotional influence Landman brought to the field every day. But after years of relying on that influence — and perhaps even leaning a little too heavily on his presence — the Buffs are seeing a host of new leaders emerge throughout the defense.

“Right now, there’s eight or nine guys on that defensive unit that are all doing a great job of keeping everybody on the same page,” Dorrell said after a recent practice.

Several of those players are in the middle of the defense, including inside ‘backers Robert Barnes, Quinn Perry and newcomer Josh Chandler-Semedo.

Barnes and Perry emerged last year following Landman’s injury. Perry finished as the team’s second leading tackler, averaging more than eight tackles per game over CU’s last five contests. Barnes, coming back from an injury that hindered him early in the season, finished with four consecutive games with at least six tackles, including a 10-tackle, two-takeaway performance in the Buffs’ win over Washington.

Chandler-Semedo is a newcomer who arrived via the transfer portal from West Virginia and who is having an immediate impact. He’s already getting plenty of repetitions with the No. 1 and No. 2 defensive units, is meshing well with Barnes, and is showing a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

… Continue reading story here …

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Phil McGeoghan on new role as assistant head coach: “It gives me an opportunity to impact 100-plus athletes, rather than just the 14 receivers”

From the Daily Camera … This summer, Dorrell added the title of assistant head coach to first-year receivers coach Phil McGeoghan. It’s not just a title, though.

“For me, it gives me an opportunity to impact 100-plus athletes, rather than just the 14 receivers,” McGeoghan said. “It gives me a license to really get involved with them, find out about their personal histories. If they’re struggling, if they’re down, if there’s something going on with them, then I can just be a calm resource for them. They can shut the door and have a quiet place to talk to somebody where I’ll be vulnerable with them if they’re vulnerable with me.”

In addition to helping players, McGeoghan strives to help Dorrell as much as possible.

“I think being the assistant head coaches is to take as much off of coach Dorrell so he can do whatever he needs to do for this program to be successful,” he said. “If I can do anything in that day that makes coach Dorrell’s day go by little more quickly, more efficiently and a little bit more calmly, I think that’s my responsibility to do that.”

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August 10th

No practice today … (brunch, treatment, meetings, dinner) … 

Buffs building some depth along the offensive line: “We have more pieces there than we’ve had in the past”

From the Daily Camera … A week into preseason camp, the Colorado Buffaloes have yet to solidify their starting group on the offensive line.

The Buffs are, however, developing their depth.

“We do have depth, which is good — really a good thing,” head coach Karl Dorrell said. “That’s one of those areas, among many, that in the past we just didn’t have enough quality depth from our first team to our second team. I would say that’s completely changed.”

Tackles Frank Fillip and Jake Wiley and guard Casey Roddick are returning starters. When healthy, Alabama transfer Tommy Brown will likely start, as well. Meanwhile, Noah Fenske and Austin Johnson are battling for the starting job at center.

“I kind of look at them as 1A and 1B, because they’re competing for that spot,” said Dorrell.

Behind that group, Dorrell said several players are playing well in camp.

Arizona transfer Lucas Eckardt and junior college transfer Alex Harkey are “progressing really well,” Dorrell said. Sophomore Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan is the third tackle, while true freshmen Travis Gray and Van Wells are playing well.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 9th

Practice No. 7 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … Meetings (8:00 a.m.) … Practice: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … Meetings (4:00 p.m.) … 

Neill Woelk: Quarterback competition involves more than charting practice stats 

From CUBuffs.com … The biggest story in camp — one that will have plenty of chapters before the opener — is the competition between Brendon Lewis and J.T. Shrout.

A year ago, the two were neck-and-neck in camp before Shrout suffered a season-ending knee injury. Lewis then battled his way through a difficult season in an offense that never found anything resembling a consistent rhythm. While his numbers were by no means eye-popping (1,540 yards, 10 TDs), he did show a great maturity in protecting the ball, finishing the season with just three interceptions.

Now, the two are involved in what promises to be an interesting battle — and both should benefit from the competition.

CU’s coaching staff will closely chart every practice. That means every play every day will be recorded and scored and become part of every quarterback’s overall camp performance. Every completion, explosive play, incompletion, interception and scoring drive will be part of the performance rating.

But, noted Sanford, CU’s coaches will utilize more than just pure numbers to select a starter.

“There’s a statistic that doesn’t show up on a piece of paper, and that’s just the overall flow and operation of the offense, the pre-snap communication, those types of things I think are going to play into it just as much,” Sanford said. “If we’re in rhythm offensively and all 11 guys that take the field each and every snap have an ultimate belief in how the information is being communicated to them, we’ll execute at a higher level.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 8th

Practice No. 6 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … walk-through (p.m.) … First day in full pads …

Daniel Arias looking to set himself apart: “I can tell you right now he’s not the same player you guys have seen in the last few years”

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Daniel Arias …

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Montana Lemonious-Craig …

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Jaylon Jackson …

From CUBuffs.com … An argument could be made that over the last several years, expectations have exceeded production at the Colorado Buffaloes’ wide receiver.

But this year, despite losing two of their top three wideouts from last year, there’s a quiet feeling of optimism in the Buffs’ wide receivers room.

This could be the year that CU’s wideouts flip the script — a year in which expectations might not be big, but the production could be steady and consistent.

For starters, the Buffs didn’t lose all of their production at wide receiver from last year. Senior Daniel Arias, who has shown flashes of big-play ability over the last couple of seasons, appears ready to add consistency to his repertoire. Arias has 29 career catches for 441 yards and three scores, including 19-for-237 last year, third-best on the team.

“I can tell you right now he’s not the same player you guys have seen in the last few years,” head coach Karl Dorrell said recently. “He’s a hell of a football player.”

Arias’ improvement is not coincidental. It has come with the arrival of new wide receivers/assistant head coach Phil McGeoghan, who has quickly had an impact on the entire group. His arrival coincided with that of new offensive coordinator Mike Sanford, and McGeoghan has quickly instituted an environment of sound fundamentals and execution.

Those traits will be a key part of CU’s new offense, especially when it comes to staying one step ahead of opposing defenses and giving Colorado’s wideouts the best opportunity possible to make plays.

“There’s all these different variations of formations and motions and shifts that are going to allow us to give great multiplicity to the defense but keep it simple for us,” McGeoghan said. “We just have to do a great job of making it easy for us and difficult for the defense to adjust.”

… Continue reading story here …

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DL Janaz Jordan hoping for strong senior season: “I had to improve my conditioning”

From the Daily Camera … Defensive lineman Janaz Jordan has been a model of how to maximize the junior college route.

Following an injury-riddled redshirt year in 2017, Jordan was named all-conference in 2018 at Hinds. He turned that experience into a scholarship from CU.

Jordan now enters his fourth season at CU as a key part of the defensive line rotation.

“The rotation is like an NFL defensive line rotation, so you’re gonna play; the best players are going to play,” he said. “The support of your D-line and the defense, it helps everybody grow and play better together. The rotation and everything is great.”

On the field, Jordan has appeared in 27 games at CU, with six starts. He’s been on the field for 542 snaps, recording 21 tackles while clogging the middle of the defense.

A regular starter in 2020, Jordan was in a backup role last year. He said he has worked to become better this year.

“I had to improve my conditioning,” said Jordan, who played last year between 330-340 pounds. “I think that’s what set me back a little bit, my conditioning and my weight. So this spring, I got my weight down and got my conditioning back.

“It was just me being undisciplined about my weight and the food I’m putting in my body. But, me getting with my nutritionist, my strength coach and my coaches, they got me into the right direction of what food I need to put in my body and how to condition it into strength and everything.”

With preseason camp now underway, Jordan continues working to get himself ready for the season.

“He’s progressing,” defensive coordinator Chris Wilson said. “I think Janaz would tell you he’s not where it needs to be. … He’s got some steps to make and he’s taking those steps. Our job is to help him get there. He’s doing good.”

With the help of Wilson and first-year defensive line coach Gerald Chatman, Jordan said he feels more prepared to dominate this year.

“I feel much better,” he said. “I don’t feel like it’s too much on my shoulders. I feel comfortable. I feel my D-line coach is amazing, my defensive coordinator is amazing. All the coaches are amazing. It makes me comfortable to play, especially at Colorado.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 7th

… No practice … (brunch, treatment, meetings, dinner) … 

Leadership: “That’s been the missing component here for the past couple of years”

From the Daily Camera … Dorrell said he gave the seniors a challenge to take care of the freshmen and he credits the veterans for fully embracing that challenge.

“They know that we need this depth,” Dorrell said. “Just like a year ago when we had those freshmen that played for us and how successful they were in giving us great depth, and I feel the team understands that process. They want to play with our best potential out there and sometimes our best potential might be having a freshman behind that senior or junior. They understand that bringing those guys along quickly is going to help us to have a successful season.”

Senior running back Alex Fontenot is one of many veterans doing their part. He is the leader of a backfield that has only five players on scholarship. Two of them are true freshmen.

“They come in, they’re all flustered, they don’t really get how certain stuff works,” Fontenot said. “So I have to pull them to the side and explain to them, ‘No, you do this, this and that.’ They’re understanding and I just gotta keep them on the right track.”

Fontenot and safety Isaiah Lewis are both in their sixth seasons with the Buffaloes and both said the leadership is better than they’ve seen in their time in Boulder.

“It’s critical,” Lewis said. “That’s been the missing component here for the past couple of years is we’ve not really had a significant leader on the team. We’ve had a lot of guys who give their ‘rah-rah’ and we trust what they say, but there hasn’t been a set group of guys who the young guys or even the less experienced guys can count on and that’s the biggest difference is we’ve got those guys now.”

In some areas of the team, the Buffs have players who are four or five years apart in age and experience. That could cause some division, but Lewis said the cohesion between veterans and youth is strong.

“Tremendous difference (from the past),” Lewis said. “Those freshmen are relying on the seniors to give them that information and so are the coaches, because they’re not with them like we are all day. The seniors taking on that leadership role has been something that’s been working out for us.”

Most of the seniors, such as Fontenot and Lewis and tight end Brady Russell, are secure in their roles on the team but have also recognized the importance of getting freshmen ready to play.

“Everybody I’ve seen has been putting the freshmen under their wing and just tried to lead them in the right direction,” Fontenot said. “You can tell that we’ve just taken that next step into leadership because people actually mean what they say and they’re showing it and they’re backing it up now. And then that feeds off to the freshmen and makes them feel like they have to fall in line, which is what you want.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Transfers Tommy Brown and R.J. Sneed on pace to be on the field September 2nd

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Tommy Brown …

From the Daily Camera … Two of the top newcomers to the Colorado football team haven’t practiced this month, but the Buffaloes are expecting them to return soon.

Offensive lineman Tommy Brown, a transfer from Alabama, and receiver RJ Sneed, a transfer from Baylor, have missed each of the first five practices of preseason camp with injuries.

CU head coach Karl Dorrell said both could start practicing next week.

Brown, a graduate transfer, played a backup role at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide win a national title in 2020. He was playing left guard in the spring before a minor knee injury.

“I got it cleaned up and met with a doctor today actually and we’re ahead of schedule,” Brown said Saturday. “I feel great. If this was the old days when you didn’t have to get cleared by a doctor, I’d be playing right now. But thankfully, it’s not the old days, so I will get healthy and I fully plan on being out there for (the Sept. 2 season opener against) TCU. Right now, that’s what it’s looking like, so I’m excited to finally get to go back out there and play some football.”

Sneed is a graduate transfer who caught 133 passes during his time at Baylor. He was having an impressive spring before injuring his foot during the spring showcase on April 23.

“I’m feeling good right now,” he said Saturday. “We’re just slowly coming back, recovering just to make sure we’re out there and ready for Sept. 2.”

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August 6th

Practice No. 5 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … walk-through (p.m.) … Football Media Day … Karl Dorrell to speak at noon … Assistant coaches and player interviews at 12:30 … 

Dorrell at CU Media Day: “I think we have a chance to be an outstanding football team”

From CUBuffs.com … Five practices into training camp, Colorado coach Karl Dorrell‘s quiet confidence in his Buffaloes continues to grow.

“The summer work they invested as a team was very impactful,” Dorrell told reporters at CU’s annual media day. “They did some really good things that have put us in a position to be a very competitive team, particularly in our conference … I’m excited about this team. I really am. I’m excited about how far they can go.”

 Dorrell is not a head coach prone to hyperbole, even in training camp, when every team is still undefeated. But after five practices, he believes he’s seeing improvement at virtually every position, both in terms of talent at the top and depth throughout.

Dorrell also likes how quickly his team has adjusted to a coaching staff that has six new faces.

“I think we have a chance to be an outstanding football team,” he said. “The coaching staff has done a really good job with meeting the expectations of what our players expect themselves to be … We still have a ways to go but I’m very encouraged that we’re going to continue to get stronger and better each week because of the attitude and commitment these players have exuded about themselves.”

Dorrell and his players are well aware of the outside perceptions of this year’s team. They know they were picked by the media to finish last in the Pac-12, due in part to the departure of several key starters from last year, both to graduation and the transfer portal.

But one fifth of the way through camp, CU’s coaching staff is getting confirmation of what they suspected at the end of spring ball — despite the losses of some key players, the Buffs might very well be better at many of those positions.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 5th

Practice No. 4 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … walk-through (p.m.) … no player interviews … 

LB Robert Barnes: “Nate made a lot of plays, and now I gotta go make those plays” 

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Robert Barnes …

From the Daily Camera … Robert Barnes said through the entire season, his role was to play in particular defensive packages and when Landman went down, that didn’t change. However, he said, “I think that at the end of the day, we just needed a playmaker. Nate made a lot of plays, and … now I gotta go make those plays. We’ve got to have a playmaker and we can’t just be a whole bunch of play managers out there just managing the game. We need a playmaker that’s gonna go make plays.”

Barnes made a lot of plays and he has spent this offseason putting himself in a better position to make plays this year.

As Riley noticed, CU defensive coordinator Chris Wilson said Barnes is more physically adjusted to playing linebacker.

“He’s done a great job,” Wilson said. “(Director of football sports performance Shannon) Turley has done a great job with him in the weight room. He’s put on some good solid mass; he’s stronger. And the biggest thing is he’s gotten quality reps and playing the position. (Linebackers coach Mark) Smith has done a good job of kind of custom tailoring certain guys for certain roles and now guys can just thrive in those roles.”

In addition to his physical development, Barnes said he has improved his mental approach since the spring.

Selected to represent the Buffs at media day – along with guard Casey Roddick – is a sign that Barnes is also a leader for the Buffs and he takes pride in that. Riley isn’t surprised.

“You’re talking about a leader, a kid that loves football,” Riley said. “Very physical, competitive, tough player. I’m thrilled to see that he’s doing well and I would think with all his experience, and now he’s developed, he’d be primed to have a great last year.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 4th

Practice No. 3 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … walk-through (p.m.) 

Safety Isaiah Lewis last man standing in the defensive backfield: “They don’t see how good the next guy up is”

… Related … CUATG Podcast Interview with Isaiah Lewis …

From CUBuffs.com … In his time at Colorado, safety Isaiah Lewis has played for three different head coaches, three different defensive coordinators and three different position coaches.

But now, in his sixth season in Boulder, Lewis and his teammates believe they finally have a sense of stability as the Buffaloes enter their third year under the direction of head coach Karl Dorrell.

“We undoubtedly needed that stability, that feeling that we are going in the right direction,” Lewis said after Thursday’s practice. “We needed that trust, the accountability and maturity that comes with that across the board. You can feel a different level of confidence now.”

Not that the coaching staff has remained the same since Dorrell took the reins in 2020. Last winter, he conducted a major overhaul, bringing on six new assistants, including four on the offensive side.

But the building blocks of the culture Dorrell began putting in place when he arrived are still there.

For Lewis, whose growth has been a steady climb to the top of the depth chart since his redshirt season of 2017, the continuity of the same position coach for the last three seasons — Brett Maxie — has been a steadying influence. Meanwhile, the Buffs are entering their second year of defensive coordinator Chris Wilson‘s scheme, another element of continuity he believes will help the defense take a step forward this season.

“We’re not looking for a comfort level as much as we are improved execution every day,” Lewis said. “But now, we’re not trying to not make mistakes. We’re working on being more efficient, knowing the keys, knowing our run fits and being confident that we’re executing at a high level. We believe we can be a lethal defense.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Offensive line looking for improvement: “There’s a new culture, there’s a new identity being brought by coach DeVan”

From the Daily Camera … Casey Roddick said the entire offensive line group has been motivated this offseason after the group struggled in 2021. Led by new line coach Kyle DeVan, there is a renewed focus for the group.

“I think that what we’re focused on mainly is obviously taking care of the quarterbacks to an extreme level, but also knowing that each game is (determined by) how we play up front. Knowing that mentality going in every practice has been important for us in our mindset.”

Roddick, right tackle Frank Fillip and left tackle Jake Wiley are returning starters. The Buffs also have veterans Tommy Brown, Noah Fenske and Austin Johnson competing and acting like leaders, Roddick said.

“There’s a new culture, there’s a new identity being brought by coach DeVan and I think that his mentality and his work ethic has been exemplified through all of us,” Roddick said.

Offensive coordinator Mike Sanford said it’s too early in camp to evaluate the line because the Buffs haven’t had pads on through the first two days, but he sees a different group.

“I see a totally different level of confidence in that group since January,” Sanford said. “You can tell they are what you want in an offensive line group. They are extremely tightly knit. So, it is fun to just watch how that translates into just better play on the field, better communication on the field.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 3rd

Practice No. 2 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … walk-through (p.m.) 

OC Mike Sanford: “I believe that both of those quarterbacks are going to be needed at different parts of the year”

From BuffStampede.com … “Coach Dorrell and I, and the offensive staff, will make that decision when the time is right. But I am going into this season knowing that for us to achieve the goals we want, which every year should be for us to win the Pac-12 Championship, you have to talk about it to truly believe it … we’re not predicting ourselves to win it, or calling our shot, but I believe that both of those quarterbacks are going to be needed at different parts of the year, however that looks. It might be because one guys busts his shoe lace and the other guy has to go in and he throws a touchdown. It might be, obviously, for a trend in play. It is not going to be a quick leash, we want to name a starter, but the other guy is not going to hold a clipboard the whole year, right? Because they are both extremely talented players.”

… Read full story here …

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Depth no longer a major concern: “We have four teams that are repping”

Notes from the Daily Camera … Dorrell said one difference from the past two years is that the Buffs aren’t worried about depth on the practice field. “That’s not even an issue anymore,” he said. “We have four teams that are repping.” … Overall, Dorrell said the entire team had a great summer “and it shows.” … On Tuesday, the Buffs’ offense made some big plays in the passing game, while the defense forced a couple of turnovers. “We’re always going to continue to stress (turnovers), given that’s where we were lacking last year,” he said. … Other than a few “little nicks” the Buffs are relatively healthy, Dorrell said.

… As the Buffaloes opened preseason camp on Tuesday, Dorrell said the players have adjusted to the new playbook and have so far given positive reviews to the offense being installed by first-year coordinator Mike Sanford and the staff.

“The playbook has changed quite a bit because it is new,” Dorrell said. “It’s completely new terminology, new system of everything because there’s four new coaches on that side. We kind of scratched it and started all over.”

Sophomore quarterback Brendon Lewis, who started all 12 games last year, said the offense isn’t necessarily simpler, but he said it’s “very, very comfortable for me. (Sanford) makes sure to call plays that fit our personality. He’s not just calling plays to call plays. He’s calling plays off certain looks, getting us in the right situations.”

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August 2nd

Practice No. 1 … (Note: None of the fall practices are open to the public) … 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. … walk-through (p.m.) 

Neill Woelk: Fall Camp Storylines to Watch

… Related … CUATG Podcast: “Pac-12 Media Day Recap / Realignment (Speculation) Updates / Fall Camp Unit-by-Unit Preview”

From CUBuffs.com …  When Karl Dorrell‘s Colorado Buffaloes open training camp Tuesday, there will be no shortage of storylines that will be worth watching develop over the next month.

The Buffs will have 25 practices between now and their Sept. 2 season opener against TCU at Folsom Field (8 p.m., ESPN), and every one of those workouts will be crucial to their development.

On what will Dorrell and his revamped staff be concentrating?

The correct answer is “everything.” But we’ve outlined some obvious storylines to follow, as well as some inside-the-numbers issues that will be critical as August unfolds.

Position battles — No doubt, there are plenty worth watching here, beginning with the most important position on the team.

Can incumbent Brendon Lewis hold onto his job as the starting quarterback, or will he be unseated by J.T. Shrout, who is fully healthy and itching to get back into the mix? Dorrell has stressed that Lewis is in the driver’s seat, saying it’s his job to lose. He has been effusive with his praise of Lewis, who has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his work ethic and leadership.

But Shrout was impressive last summer before his injury and had a solid spring in limited work. He has also spent plenty of time studying Mike Sanford‘s new offense, and the guess here is this is a battle that won’t be decided until the final weeks of camp.

Of course, there are plenty more positions up for grabs. Running back, wide receiver, inside linebacker, edge rusher and both sides of the line will have playing time on the line. The first couple weeks of camp will be interesting to see what players make an early impression and work their way into more reps as camp progresses.

Workhorse or running back by committee? Colorado’s leading rusher the last two seasons decided to hit the transfer portal — but there’s still talent in the RB room, led by 2019 leading rusher Alex Fontenot. The senior is healthy and might just have a chip on his shoulder after spending the last two seasons playing second fiddle.

Meanwhile, junior Deion Smith has shown flashes of breakaway ability, sophomore Jayle Stacks adds a different dynamic to the position and walkon Charlie Offerdahl is coming off an excellent spring.

But the bottom line here? The position is in great hands under the direction of RBs coach Darian Hagan, who might just be one of the most underrated position coaches in the Pac-12. Hagan has consistently produced excellent running backs in his two stints as Colorado’s RBs coach. From Rodney Stewart to Phillip Lindsay to Trayvon McMillian to Fontenot and Jarek Broussard, Hagan’s backs have always produced.

Thus, we’re confident of one thing — whoever lines up in the backfield will be ready to play.

… Continue reading story here …

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Buffs confident as Fall Camp opens: “We’re very happy to show you guys what’s gonna go on this season”

From the Daily Camera … This time of year, every team has a measure of optimism and CU players are generally fairly confident at the start of camp every year. Much of this year’s team, however, has seen the difference between the highs and lows.

The Buffs were 4-2 and played in a bowl game during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Then, they followed that with a dismal 4-8 season in 2021, when the offense was dreadful.

“Last year was the worst year and I never want to be a part of another year like that,” Roddick said. “That’s definitely driven us in this offseason and helped motivate us.”

Barnes said that after last year, the Buffs had to “reset” the program, realizing it’s a different team.

“I think the work that we put in this offseason speaks for itself,” Barnes said. “I know every team will say that, but I think our focal point is focus on the next game. I think we have a lot of leaders and veteran guys.”

CU has an interesting roster in that it’s a mix between veterans and youth. The Buffs lost several key players to graduation and they were hit hard by the transfer portal. Six starters — including 75% of the starting secondary — transferred to other schools.

There is a firm belief, however, from Dorrell, Barnes and Roddick that the Buffs are better now than they were a year ago.

“We wanted a committed team and we know that the stronger we are as a whole is going to allow for us to be as good as we need to be on the field,” Dorrell said.

… Continue reading story here …

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Tags: Brady Russell, Isaiah Lewis, Jayle Stacks, Josh Chandler-Semedo, Maurice Bell, Montana Lemonious-Craig, Owen McCown, Phil McGeoghan
This post, about the Fall Camp game, from the 2022 Season, is filed under Article.
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