After last week's 4th quarter implosion and loss to Arizona State, the Colorado Buffaloes made the walk of shame back to Boulder knowing their season of high promise had denigrated to a season based on delusions of grandeur.
Chatter on the fan boards ground to a halt this week, as fans (including this writer) sought out new ways to spend their Saturdays. Ways that involve more enjoyment and less disappointment than way too many of the Saturdays of the 2017 season in Boulder.
Tomorrow's game against USC represents the last home game of the year for the Buffaloes, and the last home game ever for the seniors on the roster. Final thoughts on some of these young men:
Michael Adkins - RB
The heart goes out for Adkins. From early on in his career, he has showed flashes of brilliance. Unfortunately, the injury bug was a persistent hindrance that kept the young man from ever really reaching his potential on the gridiron.
Bryce Bobo - WR
Bobo's nickname should be "Amazing!" No Buff fan will ever forget his unforgettable one handed catch against Oregon in the 2016 season. The young man's big hands made spectacular catches seem easy during his time in Boulder. Sadly, Colorado's woes during his stay have kept Bryce largely out of the national spotlight. Fortunately for Bobo, his skill set should play well at the next level.
Shay Fields - WR
Shay earned the nickname "Big Play Shay" due to his speed and ability to get in the open from early in his Colorado career. Even when the Buffaloes were struggling during his tenure, Fields could be counted on for a number of big yardage plays every season. He also struggled at times, making fans wonder if there were some unreported physical issues hindering his play.
George Frazier - TE/DT
Frazier is one of those guys who make us older fans yearn for the olden days. He's a guy who gives his all every play he's on the field, and also a guy who plays both offense and defense. If that seems strange, it's because only a handful of FBS players play both sides of the ball in the specialized world of college football.
Jeromy Irwin - OL
Irwin has been in Boulder for longer than the typical college football player. Sadly, that extended stay was due to several severe injuries that kept him off the field despite his tenacity and talent.
The final three players listed have a special place in the writer's heart.
Derek McCartney - OLB
Anyone with any sense of history knows that Derek is the grandson of the greatest coach in Colorado history, Bill McCartney. He grew up with football in his blood. His NFL father Shannon Clavelle was an all-time great at CU. But as good as his football bloodlines are, Derek is a world class student as well. He finished his pre-med degree in three years and will earn his masters degree next month. Barring a stint in the NFL, Derek will soon take his prodigious intellectual talents to medical school.
Ryan Moeller - DB
Most people have never heard of Rifle, Colorado. That is the small town where Ryan Moeller grew up and became a Colorado high school football legend. Ryan's senior year in high school was what most players would call a career. He rushed for more than 3,000 yards and scored 50 touchdowns in one year. Really.
Despite those gaudy stats, Moeller had to walk on at Colorado instead of being given a scholarship. Back in the days when we could still watch practice, Moeller stood out to the serious football followers. Soon enough, the young man from Rifle had earned a place on the field and also earned a scholarship. Watching the young man go down to injury against Arizona State was one of the lowest points of a disappointing season. Like the last player on this list, Ryan Moeller gave his all every play during his time at Colorado. His influence will be missed.
Phillip Lindsay - RB
Lindsay was such a force of nature during practice for Colorado that he quickly earned the nickname "The Tasmanian Devil" for his intensity. Not everyone remember the roots. Phillip grew up and Colorado Buffaloes fan and surprised many when he committed to Colorado following the disastrous 1-11 season in 2012. He proclaimed that he intended to help Colorado return to winning ways.
Even during his redshirt year, Lindsay stood out and was selected scout player of the year by the Colorado coaches. Over the next four years he became one of the best to ever line up at tailback in Colorado. He is the first running back to ever run for back to back 1,000 yard seasons at CU. Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam didn't do it. And all-time leading rusher Eric Bieniemy didn't do it either. Only Lindsay can make that claim.
Sadly, Lindsay will likely fall short of the all-time rushing record. He's close, but it's a tougher row to hoe than some of his predecessors. Both Salaam and Bieniemy had a stable of future NFL offensive linemen leading their way. Lindsay never had that luxury. His yards were earned the hard way.
More important even than the numbers, however, was the leadership that Lindsay gave the team. He gave his heart and soul every play and every practice, and also on the sideline. A great coach in Colorado's past once talked about they type of player that Lindsay represents. He said those types of players were the key. Give him 20 of those guys and he could beat anyone.
I will be on hand to give these guys my final salute tomorrow. I hope that both the serious and casual fan of Colorado football will appreciate the sacrifice and dedication these young men gave to dear old CU.
Showing posts with label Ryan Moeller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan Moeller. Show all posts
Friday, November 10, 2017
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Colorado Buffaloes Have Delivered a Magical Season. It's Time for Fans to Return the Favor!
The Colorado football family has enjoyed a magical season so far in 2016. The Buffaloes sit at 8-2, and their six conference wins this season has more than doubled their previous five year total since joining the Pac-12 in 2011.
Folsom Field has once again become a hard venue to play in for opposing teams. And, as Ryan Moeller pointed out, the Buffs are now a team with a "certain swagger" to how they carry themselves off and on the field. It's the end result of countless hours of relentless work to turn the Buffaloes from one of the worst teams in the country to one which is now in the Top 10 of teams ranked for the College Football Playoff.
Fans should appreciate the quality of football being offered to them this month. They would have to look all the way back to 1996 to find a November in which the Buffs played two games against ranked opponents while also being ranked themselves.
This year is a special treat for the Buffs family, because both of those games are set to be played at Folsom Field. Number 20 Washington State, riding an eight game winning streak, comes to town this Saturday to pit the Pac-12's #1 team from the North against the #1 team from the South.
Next week, #11 Utah comes to Boulder. If the Buffs win both these games, they will represent the South division in the Pac-12 championship game. If they lose even one of the two, the championship game scenario becomes much more unlikely.
Some have erroneously reported that if the Buffs lose even one game that they cannot win the South. That is not true. But they would need serious help. The Buffs would absolutely have to beat Utah, and USC would have to lose to UCLA (unlikely, I know, but Trojan-Bruin rivalry is not based on records). That would give the Utes and the Trojans three conference losses, and the Buffs would only have two if they beat Utah and lose to Wazzu.
What is absolutely true is that any loss would end Colorado's unlikely possibility of playing in the college football playoffs. What is also true is that if Colorado wins the last two games and earns a trip to the Pac-12 Championship game, it will mean ending the season against FOUR ranked teams if CU's bowl game is counted.
These things make this a rare year for those in the stands at Folsom Field. The opportunity to watch TWO ranked teams take the field in Boulder does not happen very often, and to have it happen twice in the Golden Games of November is rarer still.
Fans should enjoy the job that has been done by Mike MacIntyre and his entire coaching staff. And they should also appreciate the work done by a remarkable group of student athletes.
We can show our appreciation by making Folsom Field LOUD, PROUD, and CROWDED for the final games of the year. The Buffs have done their part this year to make this season magical. It's time for Buffs fans to do their part as well and give their boys a full house to play in these last two weeks.
Go Buffs.
Folsom Field has once again become a hard venue to play in for opposing teams. And, as Ryan Moeller pointed out, the Buffs are now a team with a "certain swagger" to how they carry themselves off and on the field. It's the end result of countless hours of relentless work to turn the Buffaloes from one of the worst teams in the country to one which is now in the Top 10 of teams ranked for the College Football Playoff.
Fans should appreciate the quality of football being offered to them this month. They would have to look all the way back to 1996 to find a November in which the Buffs played two games against ranked opponents while also being ranked themselves.
This year is a special treat for the Buffs family, because both of those games are set to be played at Folsom Field. Number 20 Washington State, riding an eight game winning streak, comes to town this Saturday to pit the Pac-12's #1 team from the North against the #1 team from the South.
Next week, #11 Utah comes to Boulder. If the Buffs win both these games, they will represent the South division in the Pac-12 championship game. If they lose even one of the two, the championship game scenario becomes much more unlikely.
Some have erroneously reported that if the Buffs lose even one game that they cannot win the South. That is not true. But they would need serious help. The Buffs would absolutely have to beat Utah, and USC would have to lose to UCLA (unlikely, I know, but Trojan-Bruin rivalry is not based on records). That would give the Utes and the Trojans three conference losses, and the Buffs would only have two if they beat Utah and lose to Wazzu.
What is absolutely true is that any loss would end Colorado's unlikely possibility of playing in the college football playoffs. What is also true is that if Colorado wins the last two games and earns a trip to the Pac-12 Championship game, it will mean ending the season against FOUR ranked teams if CU's bowl game is counted.
These things make this a rare year for those in the stands at Folsom Field. The opportunity to watch TWO ranked teams take the field in Boulder does not happen very often, and to have it happen twice in the Golden Games of November is rarer still.
Fans should enjoy the job that has been done by Mike MacIntyre and his entire coaching staff. And they should also appreciate the work done by a remarkable group of student athletes.
We can show our appreciation by making Folsom Field LOUD, PROUD, and CROWDED for the final games of the year. The Buffs have done their part this year to make this season magical. It's time for Buffs fans to do their part as well and give their boys a full house to play in these last two weeks.
Go Buffs.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
CU Buffs: Reasons for Optimism... and an Epic Beatdown of the CSU Rams
The defense was vastly improved last year even though defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt and Joe Tumpkin did not join the Buffs until right before spring training. With a full year to evaluate talent and gear their defense to take best advantage of the Buffs' skill-set, L+T have put together the Buffs best defensive unit in a decade.
Making the job easier for the defensive gurus is the return of three key components. Man-mountain nose tackle Josh Tupou (6-3, 32 lbs) returns from suspension and will be a force to be reckoned with anchoring the defensive front. At linebacker, the return of Addison Gillam should be a huge factor. Coaches and fans are hoping that Gillam has recovered enough to return to his Freshman All-American form. And in the defensive backfield, tackling machine Ryan Moeller is starting at free safety after missing most of last season due to injuries received in a scary moped accident. Their collective impacts should be immense.
Returning offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren has rightfully taken a lot of heat over the last three years for the Buffs' inability to find an offensive identity other than being wholly predictable in their play calling. But head coach Mike MacIntyre came to the rescue and hired fireball Darrin Chiaverini as co-offensive coordinator. Lindgren's quiet and cerebral yin and Chiaverini's innovative and emotionally fire-charged yang have come together to give the Buffs something that has been missing for many years.
On the strength and conditioning front, Mac made a home-run hire in Drew Wilson following last season. Wilson combines the intellectual knowledge of the old S&C coach, with leadership and motivation that had long been missing from the program. The players rave about Lewis and what he has brought to the Buffs.
And, finally, after months and months of rehab following his devastating Lisfranc foot fracture, QB Sefo Liufau is back in the saddle and ready to go for the season. One of the good things to come out of the rehab was that Liufau's ongoing shoulder injury that had hampered him for more than a year is now also completely healed. He's also lost weight while gaining strength and coaches and players alike rave about how much more zip the QB seems to have on the ball. Playing without pain for the first time in several years, Liufau is looking to lead the Buffs to their first bowl game since 2007.
Yes, there are reasons to be very optimistic about the University of Colorado football team this year. If all goes accordingly, the Buffs should put a beating on Colorado State to open the season in a manner that hasn't been seen since 2001, when the Buffs handed the Rams a 41-14 loss.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Colorado Buff Football: Praise the Players, and Criticize the Coaches by NAME
The worst thing about the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team "shooting themselves in the foot, the leg, the head" (Head Coach Mike MacIntyre quote) in their embarrassing loss to Hawaii is that the blogosphere and web and news comments have been riddled with angry fans singling out PLAYERS by name to blame for the loss. That should not happen.
ALL BLAME FOR LOSSES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL BELONGS WITH THE MEN MAKING MILLIONS OR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
IT SHOULD NOT EVER BE PUT ON THE SHOULDERS OF YOUNG MEN WHO ARE FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Fans need to remember that kids on the field DO NOT call the plays and they DO NOT decide who is going to play. Those prerogatives belong to the coaches, and ultimately, the Buck Stops on the Head Coach's desk.
If a fan feels that the quarterback is to blame, the reality is that the blame belongs with the QB coach/offensive coordinator (Brian Lindgren) and Mike MacIntyre. Not Sefo Liufau. The quarterback does not call the plays, the coaches do. Also, the coaches decide which young men will be playing.
If fans feel the offensive line blocked horribly on passing plays, the blame goes to the offensive line coach (Gary Bernardi), Lindgren, and MacIntyre. Not the players on the field. The coaches are responsible for training the unit as a team dedicated to protecting the quarterback. When the QB gets hammered over and over again, the blame is on the coaches.
If special teams gave up turnovers and points, blame the special teams coordinator (Toby Neinas) and MacIntyre. It's not the punter's fault that no one blocked. If a return man makes a bad decision, it is ultimately because he was not trained properly by the people who are paid very handsomely to teach him.
MANY OF THE COLORADO BUFF PLAYERS PLAYED VERY WELL. THEY DESERVE TO BE PRAISED BY NAME.
The Colorado Defense played remarkably well when one considers the pressure put on them by turnovers and play calling on the offensive side of the ball which often left the defense backed up in their own end.
Last year the defense managed only three interceptions all year. In the game against Hawaii, they grabbed three of Hawaii's passes. One was nullified on a horrible pass interference penalty called on a player 15 yards away from the interception. Ryan Moeller showed why he earned a starting nod by being all over the field.
The rebuilt defensive front put lots of pressure on the Hawaii QB and will only get better as they get more experience under coach Jim Jeffcoat. Derek McCartney got an interception played very strong, and new players Jase Franke and Jordan Carrell made fine debuts. Ahkello Witherspoon also showed why fans were excited about him last year before he was slowed by injuries.
The influence of new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt and new safeties coach Joe Tumpkin was obvious. This might turn out to be the best Colorado defense in a decade.
Michael Adkins was beginning to dominate running the ball. Yet, inexplicably, the man calling the plays (LINDGREN) decided to stop running the ball and try to move the ball almost exclusively through the air.
Diego Gonzalez made all of his field goals and extra points in his first game and made it look effortless even though his FG's were from 40 yards out. Many fans are excited to see this young man with the powerful leg get a chance to boom one in from 50-60 yards out or more.
FANS NEED TO HOPE THE COLORADO COACHES MAKE THE ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY TO WIN SOME GAMES. THE TALENT IS THERE, BUT IT IS UP TO THE COACHES TO USE IT PROPERLY.
The Buffs beat themselves against Hawaii. They have three more games to correct the mistakes and ready themselves for Pac-12 play. Fans should give them a chance to make those changes before wholeheartedly dismissing the 2015 Buffs. And if they must criticize, they should criticize those professionals who are being paid very well to do their jobs.
Go Buffs!
ALL BLAME FOR LOSSES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL BELONGS WITH THE MEN MAKING MILLIONS OR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
IT SHOULD NOT EVER BE PUT ON THE SHOULDERS OF YOUNG MEN WHO ARE FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Fans need to remember that kids on the field DO NOT call the plays and they DO NOT decide who is going to play. Those prerogatives belong to the coaches, and ultimately, the Buck Stops on the Head Coach's desk.
If a fan feels that the quarterback is to blame, the reality is that the blame belongs with the QB coach/offensive coordinator (Brian Lindgren) and Mike MacIntyre. Not Sefo Liufau. The quarterback does not call the plays, the coaches do. Also, the coaches decide which young men will be playing.
If fans feel the offensive line blocked horribly on passing plays, the blame goes to the offensive line coach (Gary Bernardi), Lindgren, and MacIntyre. Not the players on the field. The coaches are responsible for training the unit as a team dedicated to protecting the quarterback. When the QB gets hammered over and over again, the blame is on the coaches.
If special teams gave up turnovers and points, blame the special teams coordinator (Toby Neinas) and MacIntyre. It's not the punter's fault that no one blocked. If a return man makes a bad decision, it is ultimately because he was not trained properly by the people who are paid very handsomely to teach him.
MANY OF THE COLORADO BUFF PLAYERS PLAYED VERY WELL. THEY DESERVE TO BE PRAISED BY NAME.
The Colorado Defense played remarkably well when one considers the pressure put on them by turnovers and play calling on the offensive side of the ball which often left the defense backed up in their own end.
Last year the defense managed only three interceptions all year. In the game against Hawaii, they grabbed three of Hawaii's passes. One was nullified on a horrible pass interference penalty called on a player 15 yards away from the interception. Ryan Moeller showed why he earned a starting nod by being all over the field.
The rebuilt defensive front put lots of pressure on the Hawaii QB and will only get better as they get more experience under coach Jim Jeffcoat. Derek McCartney got an interception played very strong, and new players Jase Franke and Jordan Carrell made fine debuts. Ahkello Witherspoon also showed why fans were excited about him last year before he was slowed by injuries.
The influence of new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt and new safeties coach Joe Tumpkin was obvious. This might turn out to be the best Colorado defense in a decade.
Michael Adkins was beginning to dominate running the ball. Yet, inexplicably, the man calling the plays (LINDGREN) decided to stop running the ball and try to move the ball almost exclusively through the air.
Diego Gonzalez made all of his field goals and extra points in his first game and made it look effortless even though his FG's were from 40 yards out. Many fans are excited to see this young man with the powerful leg get a chance to boom one in from 50-60 yards out or more.
FANS NEED TO HOPE THE COLORADO COACHES MAKE THE ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY TO WIN SOME GAMES. THE TALENT IS THERE, BUT IT IS UP TO THE COACHES TO USE IT PROPERLY.
The Buffs beat themselves against Hawaii. They have three more games to correct the mistakes and ready themselves for Pac-12 play. Fans should give them a chance to make those changes before wholeheartedly dismissing the 2015 Buffs. And if they must criticize, they should criticize those professionals who are being paid very well to do their jobs.
Go Buffs!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
A Look at the Newcomers for the CU Buffs on Defense and Special Teams to Keep an Eye On
It's officially game week in Boulder.
On the horizon this Friday is the annual clash in Denver with CSU at the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Yesterday featured a look at newcomers (Freshmen, Redshirt Freshmen, and Transfers) on Offense for the 2014 Colorado Buffaloes football team.
Today features a look at the newcomers who might make an impact on Defense and Special Teams.
Mike MacIntyre's first year in Boulder was last year. He took over a squad that was lucky to win one game in 2012 that many Buff fans feel was the worst team in Colorado's long and storied history. He took that 2012 squad, and with the help of some marvellous newcomers to the program, turned it into a 4 win team.
On offense, freshmen QB Sefo Liufau and RB Michael Akins II worked their way into the starting line-ups and were major causes for hope among the Buff faithful.
On defense, Linebacker Addison Gillam had perhaps the best freshmen defensive year in the history of the program. He was a freshman All-American and set the CU record for tackles by a freshman.
Who will be the newcomers this year that will make an impact?
Among defensive backs, these young men are looking to make a name for themselves guarding the fleet hordes of wide receivers in the Pac-12 and chasing down speedy return men.
Witherspoon caught everyone's attention in Spring practices and has maintained it throughout fall camp. He has all the intangibles of a great cornerback at both the collegiate and professional level. He has the size, speed and physicality to be the next great cornerback at Colorado.
Moeller rushed for over 3000 yards and averaged over 40 yards per catch as a receiver. As a defensive back, he had 8 interceptions, two of which were returned for TD's. He was the 3A player of the year and also on the Denver Post All-Colorado team as well as being a small school All-American.
Ryan redshirted last year and has quickly moved his way up to being 2nd on the depth chart at Free Safety. With the season ending injury to starter Jered Bell, look for Ryan to compete for playing time and to be a terror on special teams.
Coach MacIntyre is a big proponent of redshirting freshmen whenever possible, but has noted that it will be very hard to keep Evan White off the field on special teams.
As a true freshman in 2012, Wright was tossed into the fire and fed to the wolves of NFL caliber wide receivers in the Pac-12. He started six games that season, missing four games to injury.
Due to injuries and a desire to help the young man develop physically and academically, Coach MacIntyre chose to redshirt Wright last year. Look for Wright to compete for playing time in the nickel and dime packages so often used in the pass-happy Pac-12.
---------------------------------------------
At Linebacker, Buff fans are hoping to strike gold for a 2nd year in row.
In high school, Rippy was a celebrated 4-star recruit and was considered one of the top prospects in the state of Pennsylvania. His cousin (Doug Rippy) was talented four year letterman at CU.
Buff fans are hoping that Rippy lives up to his promise and makes an impact sooner rather than later as a big time linebacker.
------------------------------------------
The Defensive Line is an area with a lot of questions. These newcomers may make the difference between 4 wins and 6 wins.
Last year during his redshirt, Derek was selected as the scout team player of the year. This spring, he was selected as the most improved defensive lineman. Buff fans and coaches are hoping that bloodlines make a difference and that Derek can grow into a top-tier defensive lineman in the Pac-12.
Eddy comes to Colorado from El Paso, Texas, where he was the co-defensive player of the year. Even though he is a true freshman, his work in camp will make it very hard for coaches to keep him off the field.
---------------------------------------------------
To the casual fan, Special Teams can be somewhat of a mystery. In reality, the work done by these performers can be as much of a determinant on the win/loss column as the Offense and the Defense.
On punts and field goals, everything starts with the guy holding the ball to begin the play. His job is to get the ball on target to the punter or the holder on field goals. The name of this position is Long Snapper.
He is currently #1 on the depth chart at his position.
--------------------------------------------
Another special teams performer that fans are anxious to see is a combination of Punter and Placekicker.
As only those who have seen Diego practice can attest to, this young man has an extraordinarily powerful leg. The ball explodes off his foot. The sound it makes coming off his foot on kickoffs is unlike anyone at Colorado since Mason Crosby, the current Green Bay Packer kicker. The only other kicker at CU that I can remember that sound coming from a kicked ball came from two-time All-American punter Barry Helton back in 1985 and 1986.
If this young man can adjust to the speed of the game at the level of the Pac-12 and learn to be highly accurate, he will have a long career ahead of him in the NFL.
On the horizon this Friday is the annual clash in Denver with CSU at the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Yesterday featured a look at newcomers (Freshmen, Redshirt Freshmen, and Transfers) on Offense for the 2014 Colorado Buffaloes football team.
Today features a look at the newcomers who might make an impact on Defense and Special Teams.
Mike MacIntyre's first year in Boulder was last year. He took over a squad that was lucky to win one game in 2012 that many Buff fans feel was the worst team in Colorado's long and storied history. He took that 2012 squad, and with the help of some marvellous newcomers to the program, turned it into a 4 win team.
On offense, freshmen QB Sefo Liufau and RB Michael Akins II worked their way into the starting line-ups and were major causes for hope among the Buff faithful.
On defense, Linebacker Addison Gillam had perhaps the best freshmen defensive year in the history of the program. He was a freshman All-American and set the CU record for tackles by a freshman.
Who will be the newcomers this year that will make an impact?
Among defensive backs, these young men are looking to make a name for themselves guarding the fleet hordes of wide receivers in the Pac-12 and chasing down speedy return men.
- Ahkello Witherspoon -- 6'3'' 185 lbs (Soph.)
Witherspoon caught everyone's attention in Spring practices and has maintained it throughout fall camp. He has all the intangibles of a great cornerback at both the collegiate and professional level. He has the size, speed and physicality to be the next great cornerback at Colorado.
- Ryan Moeller -- 6'0" 205 lbs. (RS-FR)
Moeller rushed for over 3000 yards and averaged over 40 yards per catch as a receiver. As a defensive back, he had 8 interceptions, two of which were returned for TD's. He was the 3A player of the year and also on the Denver Post All-Colorado team as well as being a small school All-American.
Ryan redshirted last year and has quickly moved his way up to being 2nd on the depth chart at Free Safety. With the season ending injury to starter Jered Bell, look for Ryan to compete for playing time and to be a terror on special teams.
- Evan White -- 6'2" 195 lbs. (Freshman)
Coach MacIntyre is a big proponent of redshirting freshmen whenever possible, but has noted that it will be very hard to keep Evan White off the field on special teams.
- Yuri Wright -- 6'1" 170 lbs. (Soph.)
As a true freshman in 2012, Wright was tossed into the fire and fed to the wolves of NFL caliber wide receivers in the Pac-12. He started six games that season, missing four games to injury.
Due to injuries and a desire to help the young man develop physically and academically, Coach MacIntyre chose to redshirt Wright last year. Look for Wright to compete for playing time in the nickel and dime packages so often used in the pass-happy Pac-12.
---------------------------------------------
At Linebacker, Buff fans are hoping to strike gold for a 2nd year in row.
- Deaysean Rippy -- 6'2" 220 lbs. (Soph. Transfer)
In high school, Rippy was a celebrated 4-star recruit and was considered one of the top prospects in the state of Pennsylvania. His cousin (Doug Rippy) was talented four year letterman at CU.
Buff fans are hoping that Rippy lives up to his promise and makes an impact sooner rather than later as a big time linebacker.
------------------------------------------
The Defensive Line is an area with a lot of questions. These newcomers may make the difference between 4 wins and 6 wins.
- Markeis Reed -- 6'4" 245 lbs. (RS-FR)
- Derek McCartney -- 6'3" 240 lbs. (RS-FR)
Last year during his redshirt, Derek was selected as the scout team player of the year. This spring, he was selected as the most improved defensive lineman. Buff fans and coaches are hoping that bloodlines make a difference and that Derek can grow into a top-tier defensive lineman in the Pac-12.
- Eddy Lopez -- 6'4" 300 lbs (Freshman)
Eddy comes to Colorado from El Paso, Texas, where he was the co-defensive player of the year. Even though he is a true freshman, his work in camp will make it very hard for coaches to keep him off the field.
---------------------------------------------------
To the casual fan, Special Teams can be somewhat of a mystery. In reality, the work done by these performers can be as much of a determinant on the win/loss column as the Offense and the Defense.
On punts and field goals, everything starts with the guy holding the ball to begin the play. His job is to get the ball on target to the punter or the holder on field goals. The name of this position is Long Snapper.
- Wyatt Tucker Smith -- 6'2" 230 lbs. (Junior Transfer)
He is currently #1 on the depth chart at his position.
--------------------------------------------
Another special teams performer that fans are anxious to see is a combination of Punter and Placekicker.
- Diego Gonzalez -- 5'11" 210 lbs. (Soph. Transfer)
As only those who have seen Diego practice can attest to, this young man has an extraordinarily powerful leg. The ball explodes off his foot. The sound it makes coming off his foot on kickoffs is unlike anyone at Colorado since Mason Crosby, the current Green Bay Packer kicker. The only other kicker at CU that I can remember that sound coming from a kicked ball came from two-time All-American punter Barry Helton back in 1985 and 1986.
If this young man can adjust to the speed of the game at the level of the Pac-12 and learn to be highly accurate, he will have a long career ahead of him in the NFL.
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