The skill positions for Colorado this year seem to be one of the potential strengths, but a couple of guys are being forgotten in the discussion. Junior fullback George Frazier and senior tight end Sean Irwin have a chance to play a major role in the offense this season. Both are very solid blockers, but their potential to be used as weapons often is underplayed.
First off, Frazier is an absolute beast out of the back field. We've seen flashes of him as a ball carrier and receiver in the past, but never any consistent volume in the past. He's versatile enough to lineup at tight end or split out wide as well. Not to mention he was voted as a captain for this his junior year, so his teammates hold him in high regard.
Irwin is a senior and is just a rock at tight end. He's been primarily used as a blocker, but he did lead the team in yards per reception last year. All in all, both have been utilized in the offense before, but never been asked to make too many plays with the ball in their hands.
You might be asking, what makes this year any different if neither have been heavily utilized before? One word: redzone. It's no secret that the redzone offense last year was abysmal, and the coaching staff has reiterated that it is an area they drastically want to improve upon this year. Frazier and Irwin could become serious threats inside the opponents 20 for a couple reasons. First, they are both huge players. Frazier is listed at 6-2 260 lbs and Irwin at 6-3 245 lbs. That's a lot of beef to try and tackle in goal-to-go situations. Another important factor is the experience both players have. They both redshirted their freshman years, and have built a report with Liufau. They both have good enough hands as well. I like what CU has with players such as Lindsay, Fields, and Winfree, but none of them have the size and power that Irwin and Frazier bring to the table. The experienced upperclassmen could be great complementary pieces in the offense, and could be massive (literally) redzone weapons for the Buffs this year.
Irwin, Frazier Could Be Big Components In Buffs' Offense - cubuffs.com
Here's the story on Irwin and Frazier's chance to have big roles in the offense.
"I thought I was in trouble at first," Evans later confessed. "I thought Code of Conduct caught me doing something bad. I knew I didn't do anything bad, but who knows? Then I started reading the sheet …" And seconds later, he was mobbed by his teammates.
The letter, from MacIntyre, informed Evans that he was being placed on scholarship immediately, and the Buffs were quick to offer their congratulations to one of the most popular players on the team.
Stopping run key to success for CU Buffs' defense - Buffzone
"Our run defense wasn't very good and we've got to improve there," Leavitt said as he enters his second season in Boulder. "They made some pretty good strides for a first year going in (to a new system). The most important step for me is the points and that was good, but to make a real big move, you have to shore up the run defense."
Volleyball Reports For Fall Camp - cubuffs.com
Fall isn't just for football. The volleyball team just reported to camp, and cubuffs.com sat down with new coach, Jesse Mahoney.
Addison Gillam, Jeromy Irwin ready to resume starring roles for CU Buffs - Buffzone
Two of the Buffaloes prime contributors in Addison Gillam and Jeromy Irwin return this season after each suffering season ending injuries last year.
Pac-12 position unit rankings: Defensive front sevens - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
7. Colorado: The Buffs' defense is maturing -- their statistical progress against the run was notable last season -- and there are many indications that their front seven will take the next step in 2016. The most significant news is the return of 325-pound tackle Josh Tupou from a yearlong suspension. The linebackers also feature solid players: Derek McCartney, Kenneth Olugbode, Jimmie Gilbert, and Rick Gamboa all return.
Bryce Bobo vying to become two-way player for CU Buffs - Buffzone
Bobo approached the coaching staff and requested to play on both sides of the ball. Right now the plan is to give him some reps at safety along with wideout.
Pac-12 position unit rankings: Quarterbacks - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
6. Colorado: Not too long ago, it seemed like Sefo Liufau's season was in jeopardy. The Buffaloes secured a commitment from Davis Webb and it was just assumed Liufau would sit out the 2016 season as a result of a foot injury. Not so. After Webb backed off his pledge and decided on Cal, it became evident that Liufau, who started the past three seasons, would be able to play this year. He has had his ups and downs, but Colorado's woes shouldn't be considered a reflection of Liufau's play.
Cross Country Keeps Expectations High In 2106 - cubuffs.com
The defending national champs look forward to what will hopefully be another fantastic season.
"Any interception I do have, if you really go look, it's because the other ten guys on the field are doing their job and I just happen to be where the ball's going. So it's really just a team effort. When it comes to stats, it's not like I'm doing it myself. It's the team."
Sefo Liufau’s success under center paramount for Colorado football - Denver Post
The Denver Post discuss how vital Liufau will be in order for the Buffs to attain their goal of a bowl game.
All 18 Big 12 expansion candidates seeded in the ultimate realignment bracket | FOX Sports
Vegas installs the Cougars as 14-point favorites. Colorado State earns some support early due to concerns from schools like Kansas State about hurting their own ability to recruit in Houston. But then, the presidents realize how humiliating it will look to have ultimately traded Colorado for Colorado State.