Colorado University Athletics
What To Watch As Buffs Open Fall Camp
August 01, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
MacIntyre's fourth CU team his most experienced yet
BOULDER — Wednesday morning, Colorado veterans and newcomers will report for fall camp, officially kicking off Mike MacIntyre's fourth season as the Buffaloes' head coach.
In reality, however, MacIntyre's fourth season began last Nov. 29, one day after the Buffs' season-ending loss at Utah. That is when MacIntyre and his staff began planning for the 2016 season, one that is no doubt the most pivotal in his tenure as the Buffs seek to produce their first winning season since 2005 and the program's first bowl game since 2007.
The offseason produced plenty of change, a fair share of drama and what is now a growing sense of optimism — albeit of the cautious variety.
The biggest reason for optimism is no secret: experience. After three years of learning on the fly and taking their lumps as underclassmen, these are no longer the young Buffs. This year's team is one of the largest assemblies of juniors and seniors the program has seen in recent years — and it includes no less than 31 players on offense and defense who have seen significant starting time in their careers.
Virtually every position has the chance to be filled by someone who has been through the Pac-12 battles. Nine Buffs — wide receiver Shay Fields, center Alex Kelley, quarterback Sefo Liufau, defensive back Chidobe Awuzie, linebacker Derek McCartney, safety Tedric Thompson, linebacker Kenneth Olugbode, defensive tackle Josh Tupou and linebacker Addison Gillam — have at least 20 career starts under their belts. Another six have started at least 10 games in their careers.
Clearly, the experience is there. The question is whether MacIntyre's staff can convert that experience into the turnaround season Buffs fans have been pining for.
What to watch in August? In honor of MacIntyre's fourth year, we break down some key areas by fours:
FOUR OFFENSIVE COACHING CHANGES: After a big step forward on defense a year ago — CU had one of the nation's biggest improvements in points allowed — the defensive staff remains the same. If defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt's crew can produce another big step forward, it will bode extremely well for the Buffs.
Offensively, however, the 2016 coaching staff will have a much different look. Darrin Chiaverini replaces departed Troy Walters as wide receivers coach, and also adds co-offensive coordinator to his list of duties. Klayton Adams has moved from running backs to offensive line, Gary Bernardi from offensive line to tight ends and H-backs, and Darian Hagan is back on the sidelines as running backs coach. Their job will be to put some spark back in an offense that struggled at times last year behind an injury-plagued offensive line — particularly in the red zone.
It wasn't just the names that changed in the offseason. While CU's base offense will still be familiar to most folks, the Buffs did spend the spring tweaking their attack in an effort to increase the tempo — not an easy feat, considering CU's offense last season was third in the Pac-12 in plays per game. The goal is to increase efficiency, improve performance in the red zone and make sure they are taking full advantage of CU's altitude.
Two other staff change of note? The Buffs no longer have a specific special teams coach. Instead, duties are split among the staff, something that seemed to work well in spring ball, and an area that will no doubt receive its share of scrutiny this season. MacIntyre also made a change at the strength and conditioning position, bringing in Drew Wilson, a move that has thus far met with rave reviews from players.
FOUR PLAYERS UPON WHOM BUFFS' FORTUNES WILL RIDE: Not a tough list to figure here: quarterback Sefo Liufau, defensive back Chidobe Awuzie, nose tackle Josh Tupou and left tackle Jeromy Irwin.
Liufau's progress as he returns from a Lisfranc foot injury will no doubt be closely monitored by the media as camp unfolds. While missing spring ball was no doubt a setback, the silver lining is that the holder of 75 CU records might be as healthy as he's been since his freshman season. He's been tireless in his rehabilitation, he's trimmed down slightly, he spent time with a throwing coach — and now he's primed to make his senior season one to remember.
Last year, Awuzie emerged as CU's most dynamic defender, finishing in the top three on the team in tackles (90), sacks (4), interceptions (2), tackles for loss (9), solo tackles (78) and third-down stops (10). He's been named to the national watch lists for a number of awards (Thorpe, Bednarik and Nagurski) and he has been selected to a number of preseason all-conference teams. If Awuzie can top his junior year, he'll be among the Pac-12's best defensive backs.
Tupou returns to the team after a year away from the program. A three-year starter — he has a team-high 32 starts under his belt — the 330-pounder will be a tremendous anchor for the defensive line. He will also finally have the chance to play the position he loves most as the Buffs make the final conversion to a 3-4 defense: nose tackle, a spot he calls a "big-boy position." If Tupou delivers to his potential, he'll make CU's defense much better against the run, an area in which the Buffs are seeking improvement.
Irwin, who returns after missing most of last season with a knee injury, will be the anchor of the offensive line — maybe one of CU's biggest question marks heading into camp. CU last year had nine different starting combinations up front, a very big reason the Buffs saw their sack total increase by 18 last year. Irwin, who also missed spring ball, is healthy and has the look of an NFL tackle. His leadership — he is one of CU's five team captains — will also be a key element for the Buffs.
FOUR PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR (FOR NOW): A year ago, Awuzie was a do-everything defensive back who became a huge weapon as CU's nickelback. This year, that opportunity will likely be in the hands of junior Afolabi Laguda, who saw plenty of playing time a year ago in a reserve role. Leavitt has made it clear that the Buffs need a big year from the hard-hitting Laguda, and his progress will no doubt be worth watching in fall camp.
Given the fact that he's had 15 career starts, it might not be fair to list senior tight end Sean Irwin as "under the radar." But Irwin, an outstanding blocker, is also a very capable receiver — he led the Buffs last year in yards per catch. He'll no doubt play a key role in CU's running game, and he could have a bigger role in the passing game.
Offensive lineman Jonathan Huckins is the only player on CU's roster to be listed as the potential starter at two different positions. One of the Buffs' more dependable blockers a year ago, he's listed as co-No. 1 at left guard with Gerrad Kough and co-No. 1 at center with Alex Kelley. Odds are he will nail down one of those spots and become a fixture there for the next two seasons and bring some much-needed stability up front.
Defensive lineman Jordan Carrell very quietly had a stellar first year for the Buffs as a junior college transfer. Carrell averaged four tackles per game (eight for loss), and had six third-down stops, 11 quarterback pressures and a team-high three forced fumbles. He'll be at defensive end this season, a position that opens the door for a big year.
FOUR PLAYERS WITH BREAKOUT POTENTIAL: Fact is, senior strong safety Tedric Thompson has already had two excellent seasons for the Buffs. But while Awuzie is garnering most of the preseason attention in the secondary, Thompson will be a rock as well in the secondary. Thompson has 24 career starts and a team-leading six interceptions over the last two seasons, and could very well end up having the type of year that will result in his name being called next April in the NFL Draft. He has a knack for big moments, plays the run well and is an adept pass defender. If CU's defense takes another big step forward, Thompson will be a big reason.
Redshirt freshman Tim Lynott Jr. emerged from the spring atop the depth chart at right guard and now has the chance to become a rarity — a four-year starter on the offensive line. Lynott is a sturdy, dependable force on the inside and should prove to be a big boost to CU's inside running game if he can mature quickly.
Juco transfer wide receiver Juwann Winfree wasn't in Boulder for spring ball, but he turned heads quickly in summer drills. He's big (6-3, 208), strong and fast, and already has the look of someone who could end up being a favorite target of Liufau.
Sophomore Dylan Keeney is listed as a tight end/H-back, but in reality, he's more of a slot receiver who could pose big problems for defenses. He's too big (6-6, 220) for many corners to cover and his speed poses a problem for linebackers. If the Buffs figure out a way to consistently work him into the offense, he could be a big-play guy.
FOUR POSITION BATTLES TO WATCH: There should be good competition at just about every position, but those that will be extra interesting will be wide receiver, running back, offensive line and inside linebacker.
All-time Pac-12 leading receptions leader Nelson Spruce may be gone, but the Buffs should have no shortage of capable wideouts. Returnees Shay Fields, Devin Ross and Bryce Bobo are all capable, newcomers Winfree and Kabion Ento will no doubt be in the mix, and we may even see some freshmen — Tony Julmisse and Johnny Huntley III — battle for playing time.
The battle at running back should be an interesting one. Phillip Lindsay, one of the team captains, emerged from spring ball at the top of the depth chart, and for good reason: he's dependable, powerful and can catch the ball out of the backfield. But right behind him are Donovan Lee and Michael Adkins, two players who have great potential. Lee is a breakaway threat while Adkins might be the most consistent of any of the group when healthy. Throw newcomer Beau Bisharat — who has been impressive in summer workouts — into the mix and it will be a battle worth watching in camp as the Buffs.
Offensive line might be the biggest question mark heading into camp, simply because there are so many players with experience vying for starting spots. Heading into camp, the only virtual guarantee is Jeromy Irwin at left tackle. After that, left guard (Gerrad Kough and Jonathan Huckins), center (Alex Kelley and Huckins) and right tackle (Sam Kronshage and Aaron Haigler) are all listed on the depth chart as co-No. 1 at those spots. At right guard, Tim Lynott Jr. is listed No. 1, but he'll be pushed by senior Shane Callahan. It will produce some spirited competition in camp, with the bonus being the Buffs should emerge with some solid depth at every spot by the time the season opens.
At inside linebacker, the Buffs have what amounts to three starters in Addison Gillam, Rick Gamboa and Kenneth Olugbode. Juco transfer Drew Lewis, meanwhile, will likely also vie for playing time, making it another battle that could go down to the end of camp.
Honorable mention to this list is cornerback, where Awuzie has one spot nailed down. But the other corner saw sophomore Isaiah Oliver emerge from spring ball atop the depth chart, ahead of last year's starter, Ahkello Witherspoon. Oliver is a terrific athlete from whom coaches are expecting big things, but Witherspoon should make it a battle to the end.
FOUR AREAS OF PRIORITY: Last year, the Buffs improved their pass rush to finish with 28 sacks, six more than 2014. It's a number that needs to increase by that much — at least — again. Watch for outside linebackers Derek McCartney and Jimmie Gilbert to increase their production, along with defensive ends Carrell, Leo Jackson III and Samson Kafovalu.
CU's red zone issues were a top priority throughout spring ball. The Buffs last season settled for field goal tries 18 times inside the 20, had four turnovers there and four times came away empty. They need to find a way this year to turn more of those possessions into touchdowns.
Defensive takeaways were a big priority last year, and the Buffs improved in that area by doubling their 2014 output to finish with 22 (14 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries). They need to increase that number again to move into the upper tier of the conference.
A year ago, CU was 10th in the conference in rushing yards per game (156.2) and 11th in yards per carry (3.7). While the offensive focus is throwing the ball, the Buffs must improve their ability to run in order to keep defenses honest.
FOUR FRESHMEN TO WATCH: Pure guesswork here, but some youngsters who have reportedly turned heads in summer workouts are Bisharat, linebacker Akil Jones and wide receivers Tony Julmisse and Johnny Huntley III.
FOUR KEY GAMES: OK, they are all important. The Buffs have 12 regular season games, and every one of them counts.
But four games that could be bellwethers?
Sept. 2, vs. Colorado State (in Denver): Playing a rival in the opener is always dangerous, but there's no doubt the Buffs need to start this season on the right foot. Confidence, momentum — all those things are available here for the taking.
Oct. 1, Oregon State at home: The Buffs play just one home game in the entire month of September (Sept. 10 vs. Idaho State). When they finally return to Folsom Field for their Pac-12 home opener, they'll need to pick up a win.
Nov. 3, UCLA at home: A Thursday night affair against a team that has escaped with two close wins over Colorado in the last two years. The Buffs need to rewrite that script this year.
Nov. 26, Utah at home: It would be nice if the Buffs had a bowl locked up long before this. But no matter the circumstances, CU needs to finish the regular season on a strong note, and knocking off the Utes — another team that has collected close wins the last two years — would be great momentum for the postseason.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
