Brooks: Beebe Hints At Buffs' Exit To Pac-10 By 2011 - CUBuffs.com
Brooks: Beebe Hints At Buffs' Exit To Pac-10 By 2011 - CUBuffs.com
Brooks: Beebe Hints At Buffs' Exit To Pac-10 By 2011 - CUBuffs.com
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<strong>Brooks</strong>: <strong>Beebe</strong> <strong>Hints</strong> <strong>At</strong> <strong>Buffs'</strong> <strong>Exit</strong> <strong>To</strong> <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> <strong>By</strong> <strong>2011</strong> - <strong>CUBuffs</strong>.<strong>com</strong> - Official <strong>At</strong>hletics Web site of the Un...<br />
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CU seniors Scotty McKnight (left), Nate Solder (center) and Jalil Brown at Tuesday's Rangers game.<br />
Photo Courtesy: <strong>CUBuffs</strong>.<strong>com</strong><br />
07/27/20<strong>10</strong> B.G. <strong>Brooks</strong>, Contributing Editor<br />
<strong>Brooks</strong>: <strong>Beebe</strong> <strong>Hints</strong> <strong>At</strong> <strong>Buffs'</strong> <strong>Exit</strong> <strong>To</strong> <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> <strong>By</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
IRVING, Texas If the Big 12 Conference and its pair of exiting members agree on anything, it's this: All want the<br />
departures to be amicable and ASAP.<br />
From all appearances, the front end of that wish ‐ the amicable part ‐ seemed to be underway here Tuesday as the<br />
Colorado contingent arrived for what likely is the <strong>Buffs'</strong> last round of preseason Big 12 media briefings. <strong>By</strong> this time<br />
next summer, CU's surroundings could be dramatically different.<br />
And as for getting out of the Big 12 ASAP, no less authority than Commissioner Dan <strong>Beebe</strong> sounded as if he and the<br />
movers/shakers at his level are working hard to make it happen.<br />
Addressing the media Tuesday afternoon, <strong>Beebe</strong> alluded to the "disappointment about the departure of two very, very<br />
quality institutions" and his "regret that I won't get to (work with them) after this year."<br />
He was referring to Nebraska's impending bolt from the Big 12 to the Big Ten and CU being poised to jump to the <strong>Pac</strong>‐<br />
<strong>10</strong> ‐ moves that the pair of institutions and three leagues involved would like to see transpire in time for the <strong>2011</strong><br />
football season.<br />
The Cornhuskers plan to begin Big Ten <strong>com</strong>petition season after this, but the Buffs can't be sure about their start date in<br />
the <strong>Pac</strong>‐<strong>10</strong> until details of the switch are resolved. The <strong>Pac</strong>‐<strong>10</strong>, which is conducting its first round of preseason media
<strong>Brooks</strong>: <strong>Beebe</strong> <strong>Hints</strong> <strong>At</strong> <strong>Buffs'</strong> <strong>Exit</strong> <strong>To</strong> <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> <strong>By</strong> <strong>2011</strong> - <strong>CUBuffs</strong>.<strong>com</strong> - Official <strong>At</strong>hletics Web site of the Un...<br />
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days in New York and the second later this week on the West Coast, is hopeful of its two newest members ‐ CU and Utah<br />
‐ also being able to begin football <strong>com</strong>petition in <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
<strong>Beebe</strong> appears fairly confident that it can happen. He said CU and the Big 12 remain engaged in "private discussions"<br />
about "transition issues . . . I know it's Colorado's interest to try to move on along with Utah into the <strong>Pac</strong>‐<strong>10</strong>. It's in our<br />
interest to move on.<br />
"I don't think it helps anybody to linger in a lame duck status ‐ if you're on their side or our side."<br />
The transition issues ‐ the biggest of which will be the amount of money CU and Nebraska owe the Big 12 ‐ will be<br />
addressed in "very short fashion, and probably in the early fall (we'll) be able to conclude what we're going to do,"<br />
<strong>Beebe</strong> said.<br />
He added that exit costs will be "resolved fairly quickly. We have by‐laws that address it, that all of the members when<br />
the conference was formed agreed to, in the form of liquidated damages or withdrawal fees for those institutions that<br />
may depart.<br />
"And we'll have full discussion about the meaning of those by‐laws and whether there's any type of consideration for<br />
different application than what is written specifically in our constitution and handbook."<br />
Future exit penalties ‐ whether to keep them status quo or make them stiffer ‐ for Big 12 members that might seek<br />
other conference affiliation will be fully discussed at the board level, <strong>Beebe</strong> said.<br />
"I think I will bring to the board later this year whether we should review having more stringent fees or whether what<br />
we have is sufficient," <strong>Beebe</strong> said.<br />
The cost of CU leaving the conference has been reported to be anywhere from $9 to $20 million. League and school<br />
officials thus far have declined to specify what the conference switch might cost.<br />
Other topics addressed by <strong>Beebe</strong> included:<br />
• Big 12 expansion ‐ The conference might entertain regional suitors, "but right now there's no affirmative interest<br />
by our members in expanding whatsoever," he said. "There's so much excitement about continuing with the<br />
round‐robin in football . . . and the double round‐robin in basketball and other sports, that I think that's going to<br />
carry the day for the foreseeable future."<br />
• 16‐team super‐conferences ‐ Admitting his bias, <strong>Beebe</strong> believes leagues with more than 12 members are<br />
unwieldy, difficult to govern and "not of benefit to college sports."<br />
• Conference revenue sharing ‐ Had new <strong>Pac</strong>‐<strong>10</strong> Commissioner Larry Scott's grand plan been successful, the Big 12<br />
would have lost (in addition to CU) Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. When those<br />
schools elected to stay put, the Big 12 was saved. But there has been grumbling about how league revenue will<br />
be split. "The fact of the matter is that everybody understands it and they agreed to go forward with it the way it<br />
is," <strong>Beebe</strong> said. "Frankly, what was kind of ironic about this is one of the conferences that posed the most risk of<br />
taking most of our members share money, share their revenue, even more disproportionately than we do."<br />
NEW CU FACES: Receiver Travon Patterson, a transfer from Southern California, and defensive lineman Dakota Poole<br />
will be among the players who report on Aug. 4 for physicals, meetings, the issuing of equipment, etc.<br />
Since <strong>com</strong>ing to Colorado, Patterson has been living with senior receiver Scotty McKnight, who gushed over Patterson's<br />
speed and was eager to see him perform in practice. Patterson was among USC's smaller (5‐9, 175) receivers but also<br />
one of the fastest.<br />
In 2009, Patterson caught three passes for eight yards, ran twice for 15 yards and fair‐caught three punts. But<br />
impressive spring practices might have brought an expanded role this fall for the Trojans.<br />
He is immediately eligible at CU due to the NCAA granting USC juniors and seniors that privilege due to recent sanctions<br />
levied against the USC football program.
<strong>Brooks</strong>: <strong>Beebe</strong> <strong>Hints</strong> <strong>At</strong> <strong>Buffs'</strong> <strong>Exit</strong> <strong>To</strong> <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> <strong>By</strong> <strong>2011</strong> - <strong>CUBuffs</strong>.<strong>com</strong> - Official <strong>At</strong>hletics Web site of the Un...<br />
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Poole, from Kelowna, B.C., is a 6‐5, 250‐pounder who "can really run," according to coach Dan Hawkins. Although still<br />
raw, Poole's first look will be on defense, but he could wind up at offensive tackle.<br />
TAKE ME OUT TO . . . : Hawkins, McKnight, offensive tackle Nate Solder and cornerback Jalil Brown ‐ CU's player<br />
representatives at Big 12 media days on Wednesday ‐ attended a Texas Rangers game Tuesday night. Hawkins set it up<br />
through Clint Hurdle, the former Rockies manager who now is the Rangers hitting coach.<br />
IT JUST ADDS UP: The Big 12 will have <strong>10</strong> teams, the Big Ten will have 12 teams. There is no current plan for name<br />
changes, although <strong>Beebe</strong> joked Tuesday, "Yeah, I'm in <strong>com</strong>munication with (Big Ten) Commissioner Jim Delany now<br />
about a swap."<br />
On the other hand, once CU and Utah <strong>com</strong>e aboard the <strong>Pac</strong>‐<strong>10</strong> will be<strong>com</strong>e the <strong>Pac</strong>‐12. The impending name change was<br />
announced on the conference's website, with Commissioner Larry Scott confirming the change will occur once the Buffs<br />
and Utes begin <strong>com</strong>petition.<br />
The league already has unveiled its new logo, which has a mountain prominent in the new design and according to the<br />
website, "reflects the geographic expansion depicting the beauty and energy of the West, from the mountains to the<br />
ocean . . ."<br />
BUFF BITS: CU's most recent depth chart (July 26) lists Andre Simmons behind Will Jefferson in the X wide receiver<br />
grouping . . . . McKnight said the foot he injured during spring drills "is no problem at all now." The senior also said he is<br />
in his best shape ever . . . . Solder was introduced Tuesday afternoon to Gil Brandt, the former Cowboys personnel guru<br />
now with NFL.<strong>com</strong>. Brandt told Solder, a left tackle, that "lots of money" awaits him if Solder plays to his potential this<br />
season. Brandt also counseled Solder, McKnight and Brown about illicit contact with agents . . . . The <strong>Buffs'</strong> tentative<br />
practice schedule has Aug. 5 as the first day on the field, Aug. 7 as the first day of two‐a‐days, Aug. 9 as the first day in<br />
pads and Aug. 12 as the first scrimmage. All practices through Aug. 12 are open to the public.<br />
Contact: BG.<strong>Brooks</strong>@Colorado.EDU
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<strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> will change name to <strong>Pac</strong>-12 once new<strong>com</strong>ers join league<br />
Associated Press<br />
Boulder Daily Camera<br />
Posted:07/27/20<strong>10</strong> 04:53:08 PM MDT<br />
NEW YORK -- For years people in the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> -- from players to fans -- have <strong>com</strong>plained about a lack of recognition and a<br />
so-called East Coast bias that caused the conference to be under-appreciated nationally.<br />
Commissioner Larry Scott, who grew up in New York on Long Island, decided that instead of <strong>com</strong>plaining it was time for<br />
the league to do something about it.<br />
Say goodbye to the old <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong>. The league has a new logo, a new more aggressive attitude and two new members<br />
scheduled to arrive as early as <strong>2011</strong>. And when Colorado and Utah officially join, the conference will also have a new<br />
name.<br />
The <strong>Pac</strong>-12 is on its way.<br />
"We will be mathematically correct going forward," Scott said Monday at a news conference at a Manhattan hotel.<br />
Scott brought all his football coaches and a few of his star quarterbacks -- including Washington`s Jake Locker and<br />
Stanford`s Andrew Luck -- to the Big Apple for a couple of days to draw a some more attention to a conference that has<br />
been making plenty of headlines this offseason.<br />
In June, Scott nearly turned the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> into the <strong>Pac</strong>-16 -- and in the process nearly killed the Big 12.<br />
But Texas, Oklahoma and three other Big 12 teams decided to stayput and Scott had to settle for adding Colorado and<br />
Utah.<br />
It was a bold move by a conference known for being anything but. Scott, about to start his second season as<br />
<strong>com</strong>missioner, said he received a mandate from the university presidents he works for to remake the league and he`s<br />
embraced that task.<br />
"I spent my first three months kind of listening," he said. "The <strong>com</strong>mon refrain I kept hearing was everyone recognized the<br />
excellence of the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> here on the West Coast but we don`t feel we get the respect we deserve nationally.<br />
"It seemed to be a bit of an excuse and that the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> in my estimation was very laid back and passive in terms of how it<br />
went about telling its story and promoting itself," he said.<br />
"<strong>To</strong> me the disconnect was people worried about that but they were not really doing much about it."<br />
The <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> has been holding its football preseason media event at an airport hotel in Los Angeles for years. The one-day<br />
event drew little attention west of Arizona, especially in <strong>com</strong>parison to the multiple-day media circuses run by other power<br />
conferences such as the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten and Big 12.<br />
Scott attended his first <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> football media day last year and was less than impressed.<br />
"This can`t be how we`re promoting ourselves," he said was his reaction.<br />
It`s hard to imagine coaches in the SEC or Big Ten packing up for a few days right before the start of preseason practice<br />
and traveling to New York City simply to meet the media, but Scott`s coaches embraced the idea.<br />
Oregon coach Chip Kelly, a northeasterner with roots in New England, loves the idea of the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong>`s outreach program.<br />
"I think it`s smart. I have friends back in the northeast that want to see us play but they`re getting Big 12 games," Kelly<br />
said. "Why aren`t they getting <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> games?"
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And that will be Scott`s biggest challenge. The <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> will be in the market for a new television contract starting next year.<br />
Scott`s goal is to land a deal that will allow it to <strong>com</strong>pete with the SEC and Big Ten, which are paying its members about<br />
twice what <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> teams make based mostly on more lucrative television deals.<br />
The new logo -- a sleek looking shield with images of waves and mountains surrounding the number <strong>10</strong> (for now) -- a new<br />
Web site and a new promotional video that references Lewis and Clark`s exploration are nice first steps, but what the <strong>Pac</strong>-<br />
<strong>10</strong> needs most of all is its games televised in better time slots and reaching more homes.<br />
But for now, the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> is done <strong>com</strong>plaining about who`s not paying attention and going about the business of making<br />
sure it gets noticed.<br />
"The response has been terrific," Scott said. "People are craving change, they`re craving energy."<br />
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sports<br />
CU likely to play<br />
<strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong> football in<br />
<strong>2011</strong><br />
<strong>By</strong> <strong>To</strong>m Kensler<br />
The Denver Post<br />
Posted: 07/27/20<strong>10</strong> 02:47:19 PM MDT<br />
Updated: 07/27/20<strong>10</strong> <strong>10</strong>:41:45 PM MDT<br />
IRVING, Texas — Big 12 Conference<br />
<strong>com</strong>missioner Dan <strong>Beebe</strong> sounds confident that<br />
Colorado will officially move to the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong><br />
before the <strong>2011</strong> football season, although<br />
negotiations for the timing of CU's exit have not<br />
been finalized.<br />
Speaking during the annual Big 12 football media<br />
days Tuesday, <strong>Beebe</strong> opened his remarks by<br />
saying he regrets he will not be working with<br />
Colorado and Nebraska next year. His later<br />
remarks suggested that it was not just a slip of<br />
the tongue.<br />
<strong>Beebe</strong> said negotiations for Colorado's exit likely<br />
will be resolved in "early fall." Nebraska already<br />
has announced that it will <strong>com</strong>mence play in the<br />
Big Ten Conference starting with the <strong>2011</strong><br />
football season.<br />
"We're in discussions right now about transition<br />
issues," <strong>Beebe</strong> said in reference to Colorado. "We<br />
will be in those discussions more prominently as<br />
we go forward at a very high level. Those will be<br />
private discussions.<br />
"I know it's in Colorado's interest to move on<br />
(after this school year), along with Utah (of the<br />
Mountain West), to the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong>. It's in our<br />
interest to try to move on. I don't think it helps<br />
anybody to linger in a lame-duck status, either<br />
on their side or our side."<br />
The amount of Colorado's withdraw penalty has<br />
not been announced. The range of the payment<br />
is believed to be between $9 million and $20<br />
million.<br />
"We're going to get to that discussion at a high<br />
level very, very soon," <strong>Beebe</strong> said when asked<br />
about the exit fees. "We have bylaws that<br />
address it, for all the members when the<br />
conference was formed and agreed to, in the<br />
form of liquidated damages or withdrawal fees<br />
from the institutions that may depart."<br />
Once Colorado and Utah join the <strong>Pac</strong>-<strong>10</strong>, it will<br />
officially be known as the <strong>Pac</strong>-12, the league<br />
announced Tuesday.<br />
<strong>To</strong>m Kensler: 303-954-1280 or<br />
tkensler@denverpost.<strong>com</strong><br />
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Colorado sets its access policy<br />
Fall football practices will close to public starting on Aug. 13<br />
<strong>By</strong> Kyle Ringo Camera Sports Writer<br />
Boulder Daily Camera<br />
Posted:07/27/20<strong>10</strong> 04:05:57 PM MDT<br />
IRVING, Texas -- The first nine football practices of fall camp at Colorado next month will be open to the public, including the first<br />
scrimmage.<br />
Practice times for fall camp are still being decided. Sessions are closed beginning Aug. 13.<br />
Coach Dan Hawkins has allowed media members to watch all of Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday practices during the season in his<br />
tenure in Boulder, but he decided to change that policy headed into his fifth season this fall.<br />
Media members will be allowed to see only the final 15 minutes of practices those days this season with Thursday and Friday sessions<br />
remaining <strong>com</strong>pletely closed. Sunday evening practices after home games will be open to the media and the public and will often<br />
include a brief, live scrimmage featuring reserves and redshirts.<br />
Sports information director Dave Plati said there are several reasons for the change involving media watching practices.<br />
He said the policy in the past was to allow the first 30 minutes of practice to be open to photography and television cameras. Those<br />
television crews would then have to wait for several hours to do inter-views after practice. The new policy is more fair to television<br />
stations because it cuts out the wait.<br />
Also this fall, CU will practice in the morning instead of the traditional afternoon workouts.<br />
Colorado also announced a new policy Plati said is modeled after one adopted by the Denver Broncos. Reporters doing interviews on<br />
digital recorders must receive permission from the CU players or coaches being interviewed to post the interview on the Internet.<br />
Plati said digital interviews that are posted to Internet sites can remain their in perpetuity, raising questions about who owns the<br />
interviewees voice. One example of an interview with a life of its own is Hawkins famous outburst in 2007 when he said, "It's Division I<br />
football. It's the Big 12. It ain't intramurals."<br />
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Colorado fans are restless. Dan Hawkins’ four seasons as coach have produced a 16–33 record and lots of<br />
head scratching. But one thing is clear as Year 5 dawns: Everyone — fans, coaches, administration,<br />
players — is sick of losing.<br />
“Quite frankly, and I think I can speak for the whole team, we’re pretty sick of hearing how close we are and<br />
how close we have been,” senior receiver Scotty McKnight says. “We want to be there. There have been<br />
so many excuses since I’ve been here — whether it’s youth, whether it’s a new coaching staff. It’s, ‘You<br />
guys are close.’ I think everyone on the team is pretty much sick of hearing about it.”<br />
Is there reason for hope? Colorado in 20<strong>10</strong> will have more experience than any of Hawkins’ previous<br />
teams in Boulder. There is some talent, too. But success won’t <strong>com</strong>e until it resolves certain issues.<br />
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Colorado was among the nation’s worst in penalties and turnover margin in 2009. Injuries and attrition<br />
exposed depth problems. The offense searches for its identity each fall and never finds it. Special teams<br />
could be directly blamed for last year’s loss at Texas, and they weren’t much better in other games.<br />
Also, Colorado must learn how to win on the road, something it has not done since October 2007.<br />
Considering that road games to Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and California await, that ought to<br />
be priority No. 1.<br />
These issues have marred Hawkins’ whole tenure. If he and his staff find solutions this fall, they’ll likely<br />
return in <strong>2011</strong>. If not, the cries for change will be deafening.<br />
QUARTERBACKS<br />
Cody Hawkins lost his job for good as the starter in Game 6 last year. Hawkins’ benching in favor of Tyler<br />
Hansen did not <strong>com</strong>e merely because of a bad interception that Hawkins threw at Texas. Hansen was<br />
better equipped to run for his life behind an offensive line that allowed a league-high 44 sacks. That had a<br />
lot to do with it. Hawkins, a fifth-year senior who’s the program’s all-time leader in touchdown passes and<br />
interceptions, still has a better grasp on the offense than Hansen, a junior. But it’s Hansen’s job to lose. If<br />
this were an offense that just needed someone to manage it, Hawkins would probably be the choice. It’s<br />
not. It needs Hansen’s mobility. Freshman Nick Hirschman is the future. He enrolled in January and<br />
impressed right away.<br />
RUNNING BACKS<br />
If he stays healthy, junior Rodney Stewart could be an All-Big 12 pick by season’s end. Coaches know<br />
“Speedy” must get his touches, and when he does, Colorado has had success. The Buffs are 5–4 when he<br />
carries 20 times or more. In eight of those games, Stewart exceeded <strong>10</strong>0 yards. He has a knack for finding<br />
a hole when all of the holes are filled. Depth is a big concern. Only one other back on the roster has a carry<br />
— junior Brian Lockridge, who had all of 12 in 2009. Former walk-on Corey Nabors, current walk-on<br />
Quentin Hildreth and four in<strong>com</strong>ing freshmen are the other options. Someone must step up. Stewart insists<br />
he can handle 25 carries per game. The coaches better hope so.<br />
RECEIVERS<br />
McKnight, the leading receiver the past three years, is back. Assuming he stays eligible and out of trouble,<br />
the talented Markques Simas hopes to build on his late burst in 2009 (31 catches, 463 yards, two TDs over<br />
final four games). Transfer <strong>To</strong>ney Clemons boosts hopes. None of them is a burner, but they make plays. If<br />
they’re in the lineup, Colorado will have its best receiving corps in years. Graduation hit tight end hard, but<br />
Ryan Deehan and — remember the name of this redshirt freshman — DaVaughn Thornton remain. Both<br />
are good.<br />
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN<br />
Forty-four sacks allowed and 2.8 yards per carry. Last year, no other Big 12 program allowed more or<br />
averaged less. It wasn’t all the offensive line, but the unit clearly struggled. Denver Johnson was its fourth<br />
coach in five years, and the lack of continuity showed. Improvement should <strong>com</strong>e in 20<strong>10</strong>. Stability among<br />
the offensive staff is expected to help. Coaches are counting on better luck with attrition and injuries,<br />
though they were disappointed when right guard Ryan Miller broke a plate in his arm and had to miss all<br />
but one spring practice. This is an experienced group, too. Senior left tackle Nate Solder, at 6'9" and 305<br />
pounds, was first-team all-conference last season, when he played every offensive snap but one. Pro<br />
scouts are watching him. Former walk-on Keenan Stevens has developed into a quality center. If Max<br />
Tuioti-Mariner can recover from two torn ACLs, he’ll help. That’s a big if. Sophomore right tackle Bryce<br />
Givens is talented but enigmatic. He missed four games for undisclosed reasons last year, forcing Miller to<br />
fill his spot. Givens missed several spring practices due to academics. More shuffling in 20<strong>10</strong> will hinder<br />
the line. There is experience and talent, so there’s a chance to improve. But the line must have better luck,<br />
and it simply must play better.<br />
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN<br />
Four freshmen saw major action on the defensive line last season, which is usually a big problem. But they<br />
weren’t bad. While most of the linemen don’t seem destined for stardom, this group has the talent to be<br />
decent in 20<strong>10</strong>. End Nick Kasa is the exception; his potential is large. A knee injury and mononucleosis<br />
slowed him last year. The sophomore is motivated to show why he was Colorado’s top recruit in 2009, and
20<strong>10</strong> Colorado Buffaloes Preview - <strong>At</strong>hlonSports.<strong>com</strong><br />
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at 6'7", 270 pounds, he has sprinter’s speed. Sophomore tackle Will Pericak is strong and has playmaking<br />
skills. He will frequently occupy two blockers. Sophomore tackle Nate Bonsu missed spring practice after<br />
hurting a knee in winter conditioning and fell behind. He played well as a freshman. End Marquez Herrod is<br />
the only senior in the rotation. Competition for playing time should be fierce for two reasons. One, there are<br />
lots of bodies <strong>com</strong>peting for time, and two, Colorado will only use three linemen in most sets so it can put<br />
more speed on the field. The fourth down lineman will be a linebacker.<br />
LINEBACKERS<br />
Graduation cost the defense three of its top linebackers. Finding depth is position coach Brian Cabral’s<br />
main concern. The starters appear set. Fifth-year seniors Michael Sipili, who plays in the middle, and<br />
outside linebacker B.J. Beatty should fill two spots. Both are solid and experienced. The one to watch is<br />
sophomore Jon Major. A torn ACL in August 2008, during his first camp, slowed him for more than a<br />
season. Major started to <strong>com</strong>e around late in 2009, and in the spring was regularly making plays. He was a<br />
high-profile recruit who was somewhat forgotten while he recovered. He could be Colorado’s next star<br />
linebacker. Cabral likes the natural ability of converted safety Patrick Mahnke. Redshirt freshman Derrick<br />
Webb made a strong spring push. Experience and overall speed are concerns in addition to the depth<br />
Cabral seeks. If a couple of bodies go down, there could be problems.<br />
DEFENSIVE BACKS<br />
Fifth-year senior cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown (both honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2009) are<br />
entrenched. They have good size — Smith is 6'2" and Brown 6'1" — and lots of experience, giving<br />
Colorado a good answer for some of the Big 12’s big, talented receivers. Sophomore Ray Polk grew as a<br />
safety in 2009, and coaches are looking for more improvement in 20<strong>10</strong>. Anthony Perkins is the other<br />
safety. Overall speed in the secondary is a concern, as is experience. No corner besides Smith and Brown<br />
has experience. The nickelback, which is a key position, will probably be redshirt freshman Parker Orms.<br />
Another redshirt freshman, corner Deji Olatoye, is built like Smith. He’s raw but talented. An injury to Smith<br />
or Brown will give opponents an obvious spot to attack.<br />
SPECIALISTS<br />
After finishing last in the Big 12 in net punting and punt returns in 2009, special teams are in the cross<br />
hairs. Redshirt freshman Zach Grossnickle is the new punter. He showed he could generate hang time, as<br />
coaches want. But he must be consistent, something he has yet to show. Senior Aric Goodman, <strong>10</strong>-of-18 in<br />
2009, has a strong leg but also needs better consistency. If Grossnickle or Goodman stumbles, in<strong>com</strong>ing<br />
freshman Justin Castor could get a chance. Lockridge, the backup tailback, believes he can be among the<br />
league’s best kick returners in 20<strong>10</strong>. He was good in 2009. Coaches value ball-handling in their punt<br />
returner, but whoever does it this year — candidates abounded in spring — needs to do something with it.<br />
Colorado totaled a pathetic <strong>10</strong>0 punt return yards on 30 tries in 2009.<br />
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