Colorado Football 2013: Camp Opens on the Mike MacIntyre Era

The University of Colorado officially opened camp for the upcoming 2013 season, and Buff fans and players alike are looking for a vast improvement over the darkest days in the history of the program. And the man everyone is looking at to lead the Buffs back to brighter days is Head Coach Mike MacIntyre.

Of course, one of the main reasons why so many people are confident that Mac2 is the right man for the job is his ability to build a great team of coaches to work with him and each other and the players under their command. Mac knows teamwork and the team of coaches he has assembled know it as well. And together, their job is to bring that knowledge and enthusiasm to the players.

It appears that the effect since beginning Spring practices has been rather profound. Early on, it was evident to all who watched that the new coaches were VERY organized and efficient. They realized just how precious actual NCAA approved practice time is, and the used every minute at their disposal to teach their young men. The coaches knew what they wanted to achieve before practice started and got every player involved in as many reps as possible in the time allotted. 

The Summer months are a "hands off" time for the coaches, but a very important time for the Buffs to work hard in player led workouts. The coaches made sure the team knew this and trained them during the Spring on how to practice and work out. They stressed conditioning and proper weight and gave guidelines to those who needed to gain or lose some pounds. Their planning is paying dividends now that Fall camp has begun.

Due to guidance from coaches and proper physical training, the 2013 Buff squad entered camp in the best physical shape the team has seen in years. And it is not just returning Buffs who took their jobs seriously this summer. The incoming freshmen also did their duty to be in shape before camp began.

The main benefit of being physically prepared when camp opened, of course, is that MacIntyre and his coaches can now focus on TEACHING instead of just whipping them into shape. And being in the good shape that they are will allow them to get lots and lots of reps in during each practice. The days of standing around watching are over, and that is a great thing for the future of Colorado Buffaloes football.

Right now, those of us who follow and write about the Buffs have been asked to refrain from discussing specifics about plays and players. In this day and age when so few schools even allow the press or fans to attend practice, this is a completely reasonable request.

Right now, the only 11 men that fans should focus on are the ones who will truly allow the Buffs to succeed this season and into the future. Those men are:

Mike MacIntyre -- Head Coach

Kent Baer -- Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers

Brian Lindgren -- Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks

Klayton Adams -- Running Backs / Tight Ends

Gary Bernardi -- Offensive Line

Charles Clark -- Safeties

Jim Jeffcoat -- Defensive Line

Andy LaRussa -- Cornerbacks

Toby Neinas -- Special Teams

Troy Walters -- Wide Receivers / Recruiting Coordinator 

Dave Forman -- Director of Sports Performance

These fine men will make the Colorado Buffs a better football team, and they will do it because they know the value of commitment, dedication, sacrifice and teamwork. They will help the young men they work with become better people and leaders in all aspects of their lives, and by doing so will build a TEAM that can accomplish on and off the field.