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 Shay Fields. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shay Fields. Show all posts
Friday, November 10, 2017
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Nelson Spruce on Way to Rewriting Colorado Record Book for Wide Receivers
Boulder--
Lurking just behind the brilliant light cast by Paul Richardson, wide receiver Nelson Spruce quietly moved up the Colorado record book during his first two years playing for the Buffaloes. Coming into the 2014 campaign, Spruce was 13th all-time with receptions at 99, and 20th in yards at 1,096.
Four games into his junior year, Spruce has exploded across the national stage. After four games, he leads the country with seven receiving touchdowns, and is 3rd in the country in both receptions (37) and yards (518).
The quick start to the season has moved team captain Spruce much higher in the Buff annals. His 136 catches ties him for fifth with Javon Green for career receptions.
Spruce hauled in a record 13 catches for 172 yards yesterday against Hawaii. It was two more than any CU Buff has ever caught in a football game. His total for the day also vaulted him past CU receiver legends Derek McCoy, Charles Johnson, and Rae Carruth.
Spruce has also jumped up to 9th all time in yards with 1,614. If he continues at the same pace for the rest of the season, Nelson would end the season being Colorado's all time leader for yards. The Buffs have had three wideouts who have posted more than 2,500 yards in their careers. Michael Westbrook leads the pack (2548), followed closely by Rae Carruth (2540) and Scotty McKnight (2521).
Even if Spruce's numbers fall off a bit, his senior season next year promises to obliterate every career record for receptions in the history of Colorado football. His next catch will move him into 5th all alone, but he needs 16 more before catching Phil Savoy. Only 20 catches ahead of him is Paul Richardson. Spruce needs 417 yards to catch Javon Green for 8th place at 2,031 yards.
Buff receiving coach Troy Walters and head coach Mike MacIntyre know that the meat of the Buffs schedule is still ahead of them. The final eight games of the regular season are all against very tough Pac-12 opponents. While Buff fans would like to see Spruce tear up the field, they also know that the level of competition is rising ever higher.
As the Colorado team continues to improve and come together, they look forward to the new challenges each week. From the beginning of the season, they have said that their goal is to go 1-0 each week. After four weeks, they're 2-2, but showing passion and resiliency not seen by the Buffs in years.
Led by a defense which seems to get stouter by the week, the Buffs are working to make their offense less error prone. Turnovers and untimely penalties too often put a crimp in the team's goals. But the steadiest parts of the offense week in and week out have been Nelson Spruce and freshman Shay Fields. Together they have combined for 64 catches and provide valuable and reliable targets for QB Sefo Liufau.
Coming this week is a trip to play Cal in Berkeley. Cal struggled badly last season and finished 1-11. That included a loss to Colorado. The Bears came into 2014 looking like a much better team and it showed.
This year they started 2-0 and were putting a serious beating on Arizona in Tucson before collapsing toward the end of the game. After being up 28-6 at halftime, the Bears gave up an astonishing 36 points in the fourth quarter to lose 49-45 on a last second "hail-mary" pass that Arizona caught for the winning touchdown.
Cal would like to avenge their loss to Colorado last season, and they also want to defend their home turf. Colorado will be in for a tough game on the road. Of course, nearly ALL Pac-12 games are tough to win on the road.
If Nelson Spruce has his way, Colorado could head back to Boulder next weekend with a winning record after 5 games. One thing he would really like to put in the Colorado record book is a winning record and Colorado's first appearance in a bowl game since 2007.
Lurking just behind the brilliant light cast by Paul Richardson, wide receiver Nelson Spruce quietly moved up the Colorado record book during his first two years playing for the Buffaloes. Coming into the 2014 campaign, Spruce was 13th all-time with receptions at 99, and 20th in yards at 1,096.
Four games into his junior year, Spruce has exploded across the national stage. After four games, he leads the country with seven receiving touchdowns, and is 3rd in the country in both receptions (37) and yards (518).
The quick start to the season has moved team captain Spruce much higher in the Buff annals. His 136 catches ties him for fifth with Javon Green for career receptions.
Spruce hauled in a record 13 catches for 172 yards yesterday against Hawaii. It was two more than any CU Buff has ever caught in a football game. His total for the day also vaulted him past CU receiver legends Derek McCoy, Charles Johnson, and Rae Carruth.
Spruce has also jumped up to 9th all time in yards with 1,614. If he continues at the same pace for the rest of the season, Nelson would end the season being Colorado's all time leader for yards. The Buffs have had three wideouts who have posted more than 2,500 yards in their careers. Michael Westbrook leads the pack (2548), followed closely by Rae Carruth (2540) and Scotty McKnight (2521).
Even if Spruce's numbers fall off a bit, his senior season next year promises to obliterate every career record for receptions in the history of Colorado football. His next catch will move him into 5th all alone, but he needs 16 more before catching Phil Savoy. Only 20 catches ahead of him is Paul Richardson. Spruce needs 417 yards to catch Javon Green for 8th place at 2,031 yards.
Buff receiving coach Troy Walters and head coach Mike MacIntyre know that the meat of the Buffs schedule is still ahead of them. The final eight games of the regular season are all against very tough Pac-12 opponents. While Buff fans would like to see Spruce tear up the field, they also know that the level of competition is rising ever higher.
As the Colorado team continues to improve and come together, they look forward to the new challenges each week. From the beginning of the season, they have said that their goal is to go 1-0 each week. After four weeks, they're 2-2, but showing passion and resiliency not seen by the Buffs in years.
Led by a defense which seems to get stouter by the week, the Buffs are working to make their offense less error prone. Turnovers and untimely penalties too often put a crimp in the team's goals. But the steadiest parts of the offense week in and week out have been Nelson Spruce and freshman Shay Fields. Together they have combined for 64 catches and provide valuable and reliable targets for QB Sefo Liufau.
Coming this week is a trip to play Cal in Berkeley. Cal struggled badly last season and finished 1-11. That included a loss to Colorado. The Bears came into 2014 looking like a much better team and it showed.
This year they started 2-0 and were putting a serious beating on Arizona in Tucson before collapsing toward the end of the game. After being up 28-6 at halftime, the Bears gave up an astonishing 36 points in the fourth quarter to lose 49-45 on a last second "hail-mary" pass that Arizona caught for the winning touchdown.
Cal would like to avenge their loss to Colorado last season, and they also want to defend their home turf. Colorado will be in for a tough game on the road. Of course, nearly ALL Pac-12 games are tough to win on the road.
If Nelson Spruce has his way, Colorado could head back to Boulder next weekend with a winning record after 5 games. One thing he would really like to put in the Colorado record book is a winning record and Colorado's first appearance in a bowl game since 2007.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
2014 Colorado Buffaloes Offensive Newcomers to Watch
The 2014 Colorado Buffaloes football season is starting in less than one week.
Head Coach Mike MacIntyre has closed practices so the Buffs can prepare for Jim McElwain's Colorado State Rams this coming Friday at the Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver.
As with most programs across the country, the opening game of the season gives fans a chance to see new players for the first time. Since MacIntyre has opted to not share the depth chart heading into the big rivalry game with little brother up in Fort Collins, this will give a look at some of the young men who will be playing Offense (and Special Teams).
To qualify for the list of newcomers, these players have to be either Transfers, Redshirt Freshman, or True Freshman.
Starting with "Big Men" who toil in the trenches, CU fans are likely to see three new faces playing at various times.
Offensive Line Coach Gary Bernardi is a strong proponent of having his men know how to play several positions across the line. With that being the case, don't be surprised to some of these guys playing Tackle during one series and Guard later in the game. Or some might move from Guard to Center (or vice-versa).
This will be vastly different from last year, where the same five guys played nearly every snap at the same positions the entire season. That was necessary because of horrible depth last year, along with the desire to redshirt as many young linemen as possible.
New Offensive Linemen to Keep an Eye On -
Shane is a Colorado native who was a four star recruit to Auburn University. He was a backup last year for a team that made it to the National Championship game.
Due to some family issues here in Colorado, Shane transferred to CU and was granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA. His arrival makes the Colorado offensive line a much better unit.
The only depth chart issued by CU was August 2nd before the start of camp. Since Callahan had not officially joined the team yet, he is not even listed. Expect to see A LOT of Shane Callahan this fall and for the next two years.
Like Callahan above, Weifels gives CU much needed depth along the front line. Expect to see him tried at various positions as CU coaches come up with the best unit to lead the team.
He entered fall camp listed 2nd on the depth chart at both Left Guard and Center. Expect to see Jonathan at several positions this season.
Like Huckins and Callahan, expect Sam to be on the field this fall at various junctures.
New Skill Position Players to Look For this Season -
He was named the Offensive Scout Player of the Year during his redshirt year, and received the Fred Casotti Award this spring as the most improved running back.
Even though Phillip enters a crowded backfield competition with Christian Powell, Michael Adkins II, and Tony Jones, expect coaches to get him on the field to showcase his moves and enthusiasm.
CU coaches have raved about the young man this spring and fall camp. Expect Bryce to be a favorite target of QB Sefo Liufau this fall and in coming years.
Although Shay is a true freshman, expect him to get playing time both as a wide receiver and on special teams, where he excelled in high school as a return man.
With the uptempo offense of Coordinator Brian Lindgren, expect to see quite a bit from Walker this season.
Head Coach Mike MacIntyre has closed practices so the Buffs can prepare for Jim McElwain's Colorado State Rams this coming Friday at the Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver.
As with most programs across the country, the opening game of the season gives fans a chance to see new players for the first time. Since MacIntyre has opted to not share the depth chart heading into the big rivalry game with little brother up in Fort Collins, this will give a look at some of the young men who will be playing Offense (and Special Teams).
To qualify for the list of newcomers, these players have to be either Transfers, Redshirt Freshman, or True Freshman.
Starting with "Big Men" who toil in the trenches, CU fans are likely to see three new faces playing at various times.
Offensive Line Coach Gary Bernardi is a strong proponent of having his men know how to play several positions across the line. With that being the case, don't be surprised to some of these guys playing Tackle during one series and Guard later in the game. Or some might move from Guard to Center (or vice-versa).
This will be vastly different from last year, where the same five guys played nearly every snap at the same positions the entire season. That was necessary because of horrible depth last year, along with the desire to redshirt as many young linemen as possible.
New Offensive Linemen to Keep an Eye On -
- Shane Callahan -- 6'6" 300 lbs. (Soph.)
Shane is a Colorado native who was a four star recruit to Auburn University. He was a backup last year for a team that made it to the National Championship game.
Due to some family issues here in Colorado, Shane transferred to CU and was granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA. His arrival makes the Colorado offensive line a much better unit.
The only depth chart issued by CU was August 2nd before the start of camp. Since Callahan had not officially joined the team yet, he is not even listed. Expect to see A LOT of Shane Callahan this fall and for the next two years.
- Sully Weifels -- 6'3" 300 lbs. (Junior Transfer)
Like Callahan above, Weifels gives CU much needed depth along the front line. Expect to see him tried at various positions as CU coaches come up with the best unit to lead the team.
- Jonathan Huckins -- 6'3" 305 lbs. (RS-FR)
He entered fall camp listed 2nd on the depth chart at both Left Guard and Center. Expect to see Jonathan at several positions this season.
- Sam Kronshage -- 6'5" 285 lbs. (RS-FR)
Like Huckins and Callahan, expect Sam to be on the field this fall at various junctures.
New Skill Position Players to Look For this Season -
- Phillip Lindsay, Running Back -- 5'8" 175 lbs. (RS-FR)
He was named the Offensive Scout Player of the Year during his redshirt year, and received the Fred Casotti Award this spring as the most improved running back.
Even though Phillip enters a crowded backfield competition with Christian Powell, Michael Adkins II, and Tony Jones, expect coaches to get him on the field to showcase his moves and enthusiasm.
- Bryce Bobo, Wide Receiver -- 6'2" 190 lbs. (RS-FR)
CU coaches have raved about the young man this spring and fall camp. Expect Bryce to be a favorite target of QB Sefo Liufau this fall and in coming years.
- Shay Fields, Wide Receiver -- 5'11" 170 lbs. (Freshman)
Although Shay is a true freshman, expect him to get playing time both as a wide receiver and on special teams, where he excelled in high school as a return man.
- Lee Walker, Wide Receiver -- 6'0" 175 lbs. (Freshman)
With the uptempo offense of Coordinator Brian Lindgren, expect to see quite a bit from Walker this season.
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