Buffs, Liufau Hit Ground Running For First Practice Of Fall Camp

BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes hit the field running at 7 a.m. sharp Thursday morning for their first practice of fall camp — and didn't stop moving until practice was over.

That included quarterback Sefo Liufau, whose recovery from a Lisfranc foot injury that sidelined him for the entire spring appears to be complete.

Actually, the Buffs did take a break here and there to rehydrate. But with some (relatively) cool temperatures greeting them for their inaugural camp workout, it quickly became clear that a rapid pace — on both sides of the ball — will be a priority this fall.

"We're in good condition," said head coach Mike MacIntyre, who is entering his fourth fall with the Buffs. "There wasn't anybody falling over out here today. But as we go through camp, hopefully we won't break down and it will pick up more and more as it goes — especially when you put on the pads."

If there was any doubt about how the Buffs would greet their first day of fall work, defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt made sure to remind the veterans and inform the newcomers of how players should hit the field.

"Let's go, let's go, we're running those first 30 yards," Leavitt called as players entered the gate to the field. "Nobody walks, we're running. Let's go, let's go, let's go."

The Buffs were in helmets and shorts on Thursday, and will don the same gear for Friday's workout. They'll be in shells on Saturday (helmets and shoulder pads) — something nose tackle Josh Tupou said he is looking forward to because it will allow some contact — and they'll finally put on full pads for Tuesday's workout.

But even in helmets and shorts, they managed to get plenty accomplished on Thursday.

For Liufau, it was his first official practice since suffering a Lisfranc foot injury last Nov. 13 against USC, and he showed absolutely no signs of any problems. He participated in all the individual drills — both footwork and throwing — and also took his full share of snaps in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, running and throwing with no hint of an issue.

MacIntyre said they will closely monitor Liufau and other players coming off injuries from last fall and the spring, but Thursday offered only good news.

"No limping, no worries about pushing off the foot or landing on it," MacIntyre said. "As far as all that type of stuff goes, there wasn't one hiccup whatsoever."

Liufau, who has trimmed about 15 pounds from his frame, pronounced himself "100 percent" after the practice, adding, "I'm ready to go. I'm just happy to be back out there. It's a great feeling and I just feel blessed."

While Liufau was out in the spring, the Buffs tweaked their offense, adding some wrinkles brought in by new co-coordinator Darrin Chiaverini as well as adjusting some other areas. Thus, Thursday was the first time Liufau has had the chance to be at the controls of the changes — but he noted that it's not that much different from the scheme the Buffs were running a year ago.

"I think there's a misconception that we're reinventing the wheel," said Liufau, who owns 75 school records. "There's just tweaks here and there, new things that Chev brought in, new things that we changed with the offense as a whole. Great things that I think ultimately that will help our team. We're also trying to pick up the tempo a little bit."

Indeed, the increased tempo was evident from the beginning. The offense moved quickly up and down the field, getting signals from the sideline and shuttling players in and out on the fly.

"We want to play fast but also be efficient in what we're doing," Chiaverini said. "We're a little rusty — you could tell we made some mistakes. But I liked the way we competed. For the first practice, we played fast. The tempo was great. We've got a long ways to go, but you could tell they're a veteran group. We didn't have to slow things down to teach."

Thursday was also the first official practice in more than a year for Tupou, who spent last year away from the program. While not wanting to divulge his exact weight, Tupou did say he wanted to shave a few more pounds from his frame in order to play as many snaps as possible.

MacIntyre, though, was obviously pleased with what he saw from Tupou, who will anchor what could be a very solid defensive line.

"He moved around, did well," MacIntyre said. "He's big and strong, it's good to have him out there. He's gotten better and better as the summer goes along. Usually, big guys, it takes them a little while into camp and they get the pads on and they really start going against each other. He'll be ready to roll."

Two other veterans who also missed most of last season, linebacker Addison Gillam and offensive tackle Jeromy Irwin, were also back on the field Thursday for the first time since last fall. Neither showed any ill effects from the offseason surgeries.

PRACTICE TIDBITS: Tupou is no doubt going to command plenty of attention this fall. Even in shorts and helmets, Tupou faced a double-team in many of CU's drills on Thursday. "I don't mind it," Tupou said. "I like contact, so if it helps our linebackers and helps our defense, no problem with it." … True freshman corner Trey Udoffia had a nice debut day, picking off a pass in 11-on-11 drills. Udoffia batted a ball away from a receiver, then snatched it out of midair for the pick. … Linebacker Kenneth Olugbode also had an interception and long return. … Wide receiver Shay Fields gathered in a long scoring pass on a perfect strike from Liufau. … Redshirt freshman QB Steven Montez made a nice completion on the run, earning a rare "attaboy" from defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. … Tight end Dylan Keeney made a terrific fingertip catch, stretching above the outstretched arms of a defender to snare a high pass. … Wideout Jay MacIntyre had several nice catches, including a diving grab.

UP NEXT: The Buffs practice again Friday morning at 7 a.m., with the workout one of three that will be open to the public and media beginning at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Saturday's practice is also open (9:15 a.m. start, public and media allowed in at approximately 9:45 a.m.), with the last open practice scheduled for Aug. 13.

Friday's practice is tentatively scheduled to be in shorts and helmets, with Saturday's workout in shells (shorts, helmets and shoulder pads).

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu