The Ralphie Report

Not Good: S Stan McKay Offered By UCLA

2009-01-06T19:51:42Z

Not Good: S Stan McKay Offered By UCLA

It helps to read the comments sometimes. Greg Biggins of ESPN in the comment section of his most recent post said this about Stan McKay in a response to this question:

Q: Greg , nice job as always , keep up the good work . Also do you have a feeling on where LB Poly guys Iuta Tepa and Stan McKay end up ? Thanks ....

A: McKay just got offered by UCLA last night and that's his dream school but one of his coaches told me UW might be in the lead because of how many safeties UCLA has. Tepa plays it close to the vest but the same coach told me he thinks Oregon is the team to beat.

No mention of Colorado with either of these players. I will try and find out more about this.

ESPN Update On West Region Recruits

2009-01-06T19:44:20Z

I found this interesting as Greg Biggins, the West Region Recruiting analyst from ESPN, gave his take on a few of the bigger recruits in the region and where he thinks they will end up. It is not looking too good for the Buffs:

Markus Wheaton, 5-11, 170, WR, Chandler (Ariz.)
I'm not surprised too often in recruiting because you basically expect the unexpected. Saying that, it will be a little surprising if Wheaton ends up anywhere other than Oregon. Wheaton visited Oregon, Cal and Colorado and will trip to UCLA this coming weekend. He was raised a Ducks fan after the success of his older cousin Kenny Wheaton, a former Oregon All-American. If anyone can pull off the upset here, it's Cal but Oregon does look pretty solid.

I still think the Buffs have a better chance than Biggins thinks but with the emergence of Simmons, Darden and Jackson into the class plus the possibility of Ussery and Wright, it might not be a bad idea to write Wheaton off unless the Buffs can get him as an athlete, which is what they were initially recruiting him as.

Kevin Greene, 6-3, 220, DL, Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep. (San Francisco, Calif.)
Greene has already visited Washington State and Colorado and will check out USC and Arizona State later this month. He has already ruled out the Buffs and said he will decide among the three Pac-10 schools following his final visit. USC leads big here and I'm actually surprised he hasn't committed to the Trojans already. Greene has liked USC for some time and it moved to the top of his list the second it offered him. Look for the talented pass rusher to commit to USC either on, or shortly after, his visit there.

We knew he had been gone for a while now. He has a big jimmy for USC.

Nik Abele, 6-6, 250, OL, Irvine (Calif.)
Abele is a specimen who opened a lot of eyes at the USC Rising Stars camp in the summer. Although he didn't earn an offer from the Trojans, several other schools jumped on the bandwagon and he took visits to Colorado, Utah and Arizona State. Abele will visit UCLA this weekend and has talked about visiting Oregon State or Cal for his final visit. The last time I spoke with Abele, he said the visits were growing on him and added there's a strong chance the visit to Westwood will be his last. The Bruins have done a great job recruiting Abele and assuming he enjoys his visit, look for him to announce for UCLA shortly afterwards.

I still think Nik is gettable. He is a kid who probably likes the thing that has been freshest in his mind but he has considerably cooled on the Buffs. If Hawk wants him, I think an in-home visit would do a lot. He had this same "good feeling" about Utah after he visited there as well.

Kyle Van Noy, 6-4, 200, ATH, McQueen H.S. (Reno, Nev.)
Van Noy is one of the most versatile players in the region and could end up on either side of the ball in college. Van Noy has already visited Colorado and Arizona State and will visit BYU and UCLA in the next two weeks. I've always gotten the feeling that Van Noy wanted to stay home and play for the Cougars and that feeling has only gotten stronger in recent months. Barring something crazy happening, look for Van Noy to announce for BYU after his final visit.

Not much of a chance with Van Noy. We sort of knew that before he even officially visited the Buffs. I was shocked he actually visited. He would be a great get but it isn't going to happen.

Michael Clay, 5-11, 205, LB, Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose, Calif.)
Clay is a talented outside linebacker and reminds me a lot of former Stanford 'backer Michael Okwo. Clay tripped to Colorado and will visit his other finalist, Oregon, this coming weekend. Clay said he plans to announce his college choice January 13, which is his mother's birthday. Heading into the visit to Eugene, it sounds like the Ducks hold a slight lead and they could really seal the deal with a strong trip this weekend.

The top two is CU and Oregon but he has always liked Oregon. I bet that is where he will end up.

What We Know And What We Don't Know - 2009 Buffs Recruiting

2009-01-06T17:08:52Z

January 6th, 2009. A little over 28 days until February 4th; signing day. A time of hope that a few of the players brought in will lead us to the promise land. A chance to believe that so and so will allow us to play in the month of January instead of sitting at home for the off-season. This year those players have to be QB Clark Evans and the wide receiver combination of Jarrod Darden, Andre Simmons and Diante Jackson. It has been a long time since the Buffs have had a true play maker and #1 quarterback. Can Clark Evans grow into that duty? Is he the real deal? Remains to be seen but he passes the eye test for sure. And for just as long as the Buffs have waited for a prime time quarterback, Colorado has been starved for a couple of good receivers that can stretch a defense and bring credibility to a passing game that has been less than average over the past five years. January is a good month to start assessing what we do and what we don't know about this year's recruiting class and even last year's recruiting class.

Straight up, CU has its work cut out. I don't know if their will be a busier BCS conference team than the Buffs over the next 28 days. We need both quantity and quality but as the days go by, quality may start to dwindle in favor of quantity. It is a serious judgment game. Fish for marlins with not a ton of bait, you could go hungry. Hawkins has promised that he would recruit the best to come to Boulder and he did that with guys like Nick Kasa, Kyle Van Noy, Edward Nuckols, Latu Heimuli, Keenan Graham, Josh Hunter, Emory Blake, Randall Carroll and Bryce McNeal among others. But we might strike out on all of them. 10 wins will get these guys to Boulder but until then, we are finishing for marlins with not a lot of bait.

It's not always how you start but how you finish and if their has been one thing Hawkins has shown, especially last year, is that he seems to find a couple gems late i.e. Rodney Stewart. Just remember if you are getting a little nervous, say to yourself, "it's not how you start but how you end." The Buffs still would like to sign 10 - 12 players and it could grow to 14 if guys like WR Andre Simmons don't qualify or DE Nosa Eguae really is on the fence to attend Colorado. The end number was supposed to be 20 - 22 players, right now CU has 10. Worst case scenario is the Buffs need to sign a player every TWO days. Best case scenario, Hawkins and Co. need to sign a player every THREE days. That is a scary proposition.

We don't really know how important getting 22 players is right now. Would the Buffs settle for 16 - 17 with the thought that they can go to a bowl game next year and if Hawkins had his way, get to 10 wins? Personally, I think I would rather have a class of 16 - 18 kids and next year, get stronger, more immediate impact guys to join the team. Basically, hopefully the Buffs don't end up settling. Let's face it, their may be 2 - 3 guys the Buffs will sign in January that may make an impact in 2009. Hawkins has put all his eggs in this year's basket. He feels he has the players right now to win 10. If that is the case, reap the benefits next year. I think this is a good question for us to ponder.

As a perception to the public, can Hawkins afford to underachieve in recruiting? Perception is huge in the eyes of the media, fans, future recruits, boosters, etc. Is it better to sign 22 players for perception or take 16 and wait until next year to hopefully be that program on the upswing again? It will be interesting to see how "active" the Buffs get in the next 28 days.

It is clear right now that this class will not be of last year's caliber. What the coaching staff did last year was miraculous. They sold these players based on a program that was perceived to be on the "upswing." That story only works once.

While this class might not merit a top 20 ranking, it still has a chance to be very strong. The Buffs are still on a few really good players. A great wish list would be this: DT Edward Nuckols, K Zach Grossnickle (since we had to offer him a scholarship...freaking kickers), WR Terderma Ussery, S Stan McKay or S Nathan Fellner (I think we are getting a little carried away with defensive backs in this class), TE Tracy Moore, Ath Terrell Williams, DT Adam Alaya, DE Colton Nash, DB Bradley McDougald, LB Derrick Webb, DT Semisi Tokolahi and either DT Nik Abele or DE Iuta Tepa. Defense much?

The Buffs are still in desperate need of immediate defensive tackle help. JUCO's and Edward Nuckols. The Buffs need to find guys who can play right now and contribute. The problem: the Colorado Administration makes it really hard to be successful in getting JUCO talent in. I don't envy what Hawkins has to deal with when admitting kids. I wish we could have an administration that would take athletics seriously.

The 2008 recruiting class will be Hawkins meal ticket. All of his eggs are in that basket. Youthful and talented, that class will determine, in my opinion, whether Hawkins will be around in 2010 and beyond. That is a scary thought in that many of those guys will be playing exclusively for the first time and their are still a ton of question marks. Is Darrell Scott mentally and physically the man for the job? How will guys like Jon Major, Bryce Givens, Rodney Stewart and Max Tuioti-Mariner recover from injuries? Is Tyler Hansen the answer at quarterback. Can he become the pocket passer with a little athleticism on the side to run the show?

Come on defensive linemen. Other than that I feel pretty good about the team depending on the quarterback position. Can't really do anything about that now.

It should get very exciting over the next three weeks to say the least.

Colorado Offers to K Zach Grossnickle

2009-01-06T05:08:49Z

Colorado is using another offer to try to stabilize the kicking position. The kid from East (Denver, CO) already has an offer from Kansas and is scheduled to make a trip to Boulder here in a couple weeks (January 16th). I just hope that Grossnickle doesn't come to CU and become a problem like the kickers we currently have. Boy, I bet Hawkins is wishing that he wouldn't have overreacted by giving Goodman a scholarship after that chip shot FG.

The Scout Story

Preview and Live Game Thread: Colorado Buffaloes @ SMU Mustangs

2009-01-05T23:30:06Z

7-5
NR (AP)
NR (USA Today)

January 5th, 2009
Who: Colorado Buffaloes vs. SMU Mustangs
Where: Moody Coliseum (Dallas, TX)
6:00 pm MT
TV: FSN Rocky Mountain
Radio: AM 760
Live Stats: ESPN.com
Line: SMU -2

4-7
NR (AP)
NR (USA Today)

Colorado Buffaloes' Top Players
NAME	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	FT%	3P%
Cory Higgins	17.9	6.3	2.8	1.6	0.6	52.5%	82.4%	38.9%
Dwight Thorne II	11.7	3.5	1.8	1.2	-	55.9%	61.1%	36.8%
Austin Dufault	9.8	3.3	1.3	0.3	0.2	41.5%	74.2%	25.9%
Nate Tomlinson	9.3	2.8	3.5	0.5	-	50.7%	77.3%	39.4%
Casey Crawford	7.0	1.9	0.6	0.6	0.1	51.8%	69.2%	43.5%
Jermyl Jackson-Wilson	4.9	4.3	1.5	0.6	1.1	56.1%	50.0%	0.0%
Team Averages	68.3	28.3	13.3	5.3	2.3	49.2%	71.0%	35.0%
SMU Mustangs' Top Players
NAME	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	FT%	3P%
Paul McCoy	15.0	3.4	2.6	2.2	0.2	55.9%	69.2%	51.9%
Derek Williams	11.4	2.0	3.5	1.3	0.3	38.7%	58.8%	30.0%
Mouhammad Faye	9.5	3.8	0.8	1.0	1.0	51.9%	75.0%	33.3%
Bamba Fall	8.8	7.2	0.4	0.8	2.9	50.0%	63.3%	0.0%
Papa Dia	6.1	5.0	0.5	0.6	0.4	43.5%	56.5%	0.0%
Robert Nyakundi	5.3	2.6	0.2	0.7	0.1	43.1%	60.0%	42.3%
Team Averages	66.4	34.4	11.1	8.4	4.9	45.8%	60.8%	37.4%

The Buffs are coming off a 25 point loss to the Vermont Catamounts in the Rainbow Classic. They will try and rebound against a mediocre SMU team that has won four games this year, all of which have been at home. SMU has played some relatively good teams this year, unlike the Buffs, but have lost to all of them (Northwestern, Texas A&M, TCU and South Florida). Against Vermont, Colorado cited fatigue as a main reason for the loss eventhough Vermont had played the same amount of games and had to travel farther than the Buffs to get to Hawaii? CU shot 40.8% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc. The offense wasn't the only problem against the Catamounts. The Buffs allowed a Vermont team who just lost to Colorado State the night before to score 84 points while shooting 57% from the field and a whopping 64% from three-point land.

I never thought I would say this but effort seems to be an issue with a Jeff Bzdelik coached team. Yes, youth, talent and inexperience are the main driving factor to the trouble this year but to lose to Vermont (by a lot) and Montana State already is disheartening to say the least. Conference play is just two games away and that might be a 1 to 2 win outlook. Wins against SMU and Western Colorado in the next three days would be positive momentum going into the Big 12 slate.

Colorado and SMU have had two common opponents this year: TCU and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Buffs had the only victory against those two, against APB at home. SMU lost to Pine Bluff by 2, 62 - 64. SMU has only won on it's home court this year (4 - 3), while Colorado is 0 - 2 on the road. Go Buffs!

For more on tonight's game, check out this preview at CUBuffs.com

Per Rivals: DT Latu Heimuli Commits To Utah

2009-01-05T03:35:06Z

Per Rivals: DT Latu Heimuli Commits To Utah

Not a bad week for the Utes; win the Sugar Bowl in convincing fashion, everyone is saying you are the true National Champion and you get the #1 run stopper in the nation in Heimuli. Another one of those players like Jordan Wynn where Buff fans will have to say, "see you in 2012."

This is no good mainly because Florida was recruiting Latu as well so now Edward Nuckols becomes a bigger priority for the Gators. The issue with defensive line just won't go away.

Denver Post: Hawkins Has Had It With Troublemakers

2009-01-04T17:48:37Z

Denver Post: Hawkins Has Had It With Troublemakers

Bryce McNeal Picks Clemson

2009-01-03T20:49:59Z

Bryce McNeal Picks Clemson

No shocker here, the Buffs were never really in the top 2 or 3. At least the Buffs had a hat on the table today for some pub. By the way, I thought Kasa looked pretty good today in the Army All American game.

The Buffs Could Learn A Little From Last Night

2009-01-03T17:02:41Z

No doubt, most of us were probably rooting for the Utes to pull the upset but I never really expected what we saw last night. But we should have. If any of you have watched Utah over the past year or even couple of years since Urban Meyer was running the program, you have to admire the "way they play."

Yes, their is a "way to play" a game and our fellow Rocky Mountain region team showed others how to play every Saturday. The excuses could be their if you want to go that route. Alabama may have been on a SEC championship game hangover. The Tide probably lost their best player in OT Andre Smith but it is the SEC right? They are the deeper, more talented conference, right? And my favorite excuse; Utah had much more to play for than Alabama. Well, it certainly looked like the Utes wanted it more. I don't think any of the three excuses are valid. Not in today's age when you have a coach like Nick Saban and a fan base like Alabama. Every game is big to a team like 'Bama and Utah, who don't forget had to travel to SEC country, represented themselves extremely well. They punched the supposed bigger, stronger, faster team in the mouth and maintained it. It would be hard to argue that Utah wouldn't win the game again if they played today and the next next day. So how did the Utes do it and how does it apply to the way the program at CU should be molded? Five things: experience, pass rush, using the whole field, coaching and energy level.

Experience Does Matter - their is something to be said for experience. Last night, Utah lined up 18 upperclassmen of the 22 starters in the Sugar Bowl. Seven seniors on the offense including a wonderfully talented quarterback in Brian Johnson, three wide receivers, two offensive linemen and a senior running back. Add in 11 more juniors and seniors on both sides of the ball and you get an experienced team who has played for head coach Kyle Whittingham all four years. You couldn't help but admire the game plan and execution of a team that has actually played together for a while. I couldn't say enough about QB Brian Johnson and WR/My Version of a TE Freddie Brown. The scary thing for the rest of the Mountain West is Utah will return 10 of 11 starters on the defensive side of the ball, which was the real reason the Utes won the game. Next year, the Buffs will still be heavily weighted toward the underclassmen side of the spectrum. On defense, over 60% of the players will be freshman or sophomores while on the offensive side of the ball, 65% of the players will be underclassmen. But they are an "experienced" group of underclassmen, if their is such a thing, and they will need to grow up a lot this offseason to reach that 8, 9 or 10 win mark. But what you lack in youth, you should make up in coaching and last night, Utah was the better coached team.

A Pass Rush Is Important - I think I counted four times last night where I turned my head away so I didn't see the explosion that was about to happen to John Parker Wilson's back. We have seen this before. OU did it to Texas Tech. Ole Miss did it yesterday in the Cotton Bowl to Texas Tech and you could see the frustration that ensued from that. One of those terms that gets thrown around a lot is the word "multiple." In this case, the word applies as Utah brought pressure from everywhere in every spot in every position...multiple. Yes, Utah got up 21 - 0 really early and made a power running team become a passing team but even when Bama tried to run, Glen Coffee only averaged 2.8 ypc. If your a Buffs fan, you have to look at that sort of scheme and believe that next year, that is the route to go. Without a doubt, one of the strengths of the Buffs in the 2009 season will be at the cornerback position. CU returns Cha'pelle Brown, Jimmy Smith, Ben Burney, Jalil Brown and Anthony Wright in what should be one of the best corps in the Big 12. The issue will be a lack of explosiveness on the defensive line. But that can be overcome with being "multiple." I wouldn't say Utah has the biggest or fastest linemen in the world but they did things like stunting to confuse the Tide. They made the extra effort with their scheme to establish themselves. The Buffs will need to make the extra effort next year and be very sound in the coaching department, something that I have been skeptical about in the past. When the Buffs played aggressive last year, they won. When they rushed three, the Buffs got hammered. It is time to use the depth at linebacker and start confusing the opposition like Utah did last night. Its about being better in your approach and scheme.

see after the jump for the rest...

Their Is a Middle of the Field and it is Open! - How many of you last night asked, "who is this #88 guy?" I finally had to look it up. In case you don't know by now, it is Freddie Brown. And Mr. Brown played the slot last night and found himself doing to dirty work to the tune of 12 catches for 125 yards. He wasn't a game breaker, he wasn't flashy and he didn't get a ton of yards per catch but he did something the Buffs have not done well in the past under Hawkins. With the Buffs, I feel their are two very important things missing in the offense: timing and working the entire field. Brian Johnson and Kyle Whittingham knew that the powerful SEC team would eat them up if they sat in the pocket too long and if they simply tried to hand the ball off, they wouldn't stand a chance. Instead, a timing passing game was the key. Freddie Brown got matched up with safeties and linebackers out of the slot all night and, like a tight end would be in the Buffs offense, Brown ran out and slant routes over the middle of the field. The ball was delivered with timing and Utah moved the ball efficiently. They could not stop the match up of Brown in the middle of the field. Next year, the Buffs need to get a passing game with timing where whoever is playing quarterback will make a pre-snap read and within three seconds, the ball is out of the hands of the quarterback and into the hands of a playmaker like Diante Jackson or Markques Simas. Utah didn't pull a Boise State statue of liberty fake pass, they didn't throw double passes and the only trick play was a small gain on a hook-n-ladder late in the game which I thought was crazy. Utah wasn't an team who got five - 80 yard plays to pull the upset. It was a Utah team who played methodically and in a timing based offense. They removed the stress from the offensive line and quarterback while putting all the pressure on the Alabama coverage team. As you saw last night, once the ball was in the wide receivers hands, they were able to break tackles and make plays...good concept to put the ball in your playmakers hands.

Coaching - without getting into that dreaded discussion of coaching decisions by Mark Helfrich, Dan Hawkins and Ron Collins, I will just say that Utah out-coached Saban and the Tide...badly. Whether it was the defensive pressure, the special teams magic (they gave up one big punt return for a touchdown that should have been called back and a clip) with the Utah punter really being a valuable asset rather than a detriment, and the offensive timing. The Utes ran the ball 499 times this year and threw it 400 times. 44% of the time, they threw the ball before the Sugar Bowl. Last night, Utah threw 66% of the time and they did it successfully. To be that efficient when throwing the ball much more than you had all year can be attributed to unbelievable game planning and execution.

Energy Level - maybe one of my biggest pet peeves with Buffs last year was the lack of excitement on the sidelines. I am a big believer in leadership, passion and excitement being a huge part of the game. Last night and in every game I watch Utah, they are having fun, mixing it up and playing with passion. They have leaders on both sides of the ball. My biggest concern for next year is who will be the defensive leader on the field? Is their another voice on this team other than Cody Hawkins? Teams that have leaders and experience are usually very successful. That was evident last night.

Congratulations to Utah. What a game to watch for all that was good in football.

So ignore the Oregon jargon...this is still a pretty cool video. Corny? Yes. But still, Diante is...

2009-01-03T00:08:18Z

So ignore the Oregon jargon...this is still a pretty cool video. Corny? Yes. But still, Diante is huge and well, I love the kid. Well spoken and definitely going to be a stud as a Buff.

Source: Contra Costa Times

Diante Jackson Answers A Few Questions About His Decision

2009-01-03T00:06:25Z

Diante Jackson Answers A Few Questions About His Decision

From the Contra Costa Times:

Q: What made you change your mind? What does Colorado have that Oregon didn’t?
Diante: When I went up there, first of all, it was beautiful. Right away, the people caught my eye.
Everyone was so welcoming and most of them didn’t even know I was a recruit.

On top of that, the players are all tight and the thing that really caught my eye is it’s a family environment. The players are like that, the coaches are all family guys. It’s easier to talk to them then some coaches I’ve been with in the past.

Oregon just wasn't the right fit for me. Colorado felt like California with mountains around me.

The wide receivers coach (Eric Kiesau) at Colorado is amazing and I’m looking forward to playing with him.

...click the link to see the rest

WR Diante Jackson Chooses Colorado!

2009-01-01T23:13:49Z

Diante couldn't wait until tomorrow! We just got a text message from him and here is how the conversation went down:

Diante Jackson: I'm ready to make my decision now.

: Nice! Are you wearing black and gold?

Diante Jackson: YES SIR!

: Congrats man! We are looking forward to seeing you do your thing in Boulder! Is it alright if I tell the world? We would like to talk to you tomorrow if you have time. Can't wait til spring ball DJ!

Diante Jackson: TELL THE UNIVERSE MAN!

Congratulations Diante. I know we are all looking forward to you wearing the black and gold!

Here is some information on Diante Jackson, the 4* WR from California:

Recruiting Breakdown

The Exclusive Ralphie Report Audio Interview With Diante Himself

Just wanted to let all of you who worry about us talking to recruits that Woodrow and I don't donate to the University of Colorado or even have season tickets (too poor!). We both don't have any financial affiliation at all, just Denver residents who are Buff fans. We made sure with multiple sources including recruiting services like rivals.com that what we were doing was by the rule of the book with the NCAA. We would never impact the Buffs in a negative way.

That being said, let's celebrate! Happy New Year's Buff fans!!!!!!!!

Diante Jackson Set To Announce Tommorrow

2009-01-01T20:33:01Z

Well, the day is coming, sooner than we thought but I just received a text message from Diante Jackson saying "tomorrow is the day!" Stay tuned. Hopefully we are celebrating at our local pubs tomorrow with news of a big play maker arriving in Boulder!

On a side note, gotta say thanks to Diante for being a classy kid and wherever he decides to go, we will be a big fan of his. Not many kids his age are as mature as he is and we have really enjoyed talking to Diante. A great character guy and we hope that he is wearing the Black and Gold!

In case you missed it, here is our interview with Diante Jackson a couple weeks back.

Recruiting Update on WR Bryce McNeal

2009-01-01T16:40:48Z

Recruiting Update on WR Bryce McNeal

From the free rivals.com section:

Minneapolis (Minn.) Breck wide receiver Bryce McNeal has been pretty good about keeping people in the dark regarding his decision, but sources on Wednesday again confirmed that Oregon is the leader and likely choice. Clemson is the other candidate as it seems that Minnesota and Colorado are out.

Well, if we do lose him, let's hope it is Oregon. That would probably make Diante Jackson a Buff. I would rather have one than none.

The One That Got Away: Nick Kasa Tearing Up U.S. Army All-American Bowl Practices

2009-01-01T16:36:33Z

The One That Got Away: Nick Kasa Tearing Up U.S. Army All-American Bowl Practices

This is about the third or fourth account that I have heard saying Kasa has been one of, if not the most dominating lineman in San Antonio in practice for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The opposition's players are saying that he is the most difficult matchup of any of defender.

According to Rivals.com:

6-7/245, Broomfield (CO) Legacy
Nick Kasa was consistently in the thick of the action on Tuesday morning and afternoon. At 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, Kasa has length that he uses to his advantage. He also has elite speed that was drawing praise from several of his teammates all day. Despite his obvious physical tools, Kasa doesn't get by on those alone. He plays with a very high motor and intensity level and he is a smart player. Don't be surprised if Kasa is the most productive defender on either team on Saturday.
...............
"Kasa is so fast. His first step is like Allen Iverson's," commented Howell. "He is so smooth with his game. And Burfict, he just brings the hurt. I'm glad I'm not on offense, I'm glad he's on my side."
..............
Once again, Kasa was all over the field for the West defense. He had numerous quarterback hurries, was in the right position at the right time against the run and had success against D.J. Fluker despite giving up 50 pounds. Kasa is a heady player who is as technically sound as any defensive linemen at this event.
..................

I didn't know he was so "technically sound" like the reports are saying. Bummer news for us Buff fans.

Rumor is Florida might move him to TE!

Rush DE Iuta Tepa Sets Up Visit With Buffs

2008-12-31T15:34:05Z

Rush DE Iuta Tepa Sets Up Visit With Buffs

This is Stan McKay's teammate from the dominant California program, Long Beach Poly. He would be a major get for the Buffs. Would need to put on weight but has the speed to really wreak havoc in the backfield.

According to ESPN

"I have visits set with Hawaii (Jan. 9), Oregon (Jan. 16), Colorado (Jan. 23) and UCLA (Jan. 30). I'm looking for the best football program, a school with strong academics and support and a place I can play at early."

Live Game Thread: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Vermont Catamounts

2008-12-30T23:30:05Z

7-4
NR (AP)
NR (USA Today)

December 30 , 2008
Who: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Vermont Catamounts
Where: Hawaii, Rainbow Classic
4:30 pm MT
Live Stats: ESPN.com
Line: Vermont by 4

7-4
NR (AP) NR (USA Today)

The Buffs take on the Vermont Catamounts today at 4:30 in the 3rd place game for the Rainbow Classic.

Leave comments below. I think nsux said that you can watch these games on justin.tv so if you are bored, fire it up and watch the Buffs try to end the ~~vacation~~ tournament on a high note.

Diante Jackson

2008-12-30T21:07:30Z

Looks like the Buffs are in the lead with this kid.

Judging on the rival report:

"I love Colorado," he said. "I feel like that won't change no matter what. Right now it's real hard but I would say I like Colorado more than the others.

This will be a nice weapon for the air attack, and if we can get Bryce to join him.. =D

Now if mom and family gives the ok, he will be ours!!!

Live Game Thread: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Buffalo Bulls

2008-12-30T03:05:30Z

Sorry guys, this is going to be a work in progress until I figure out how to create a game thread. Wow, how pathetic is it that i have never created a game thread? Until I get it right, feel free to comment away!

6-3
NR (AP)
NR (USA Today)

December 29 , 2008
Who: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Buffalo Bulls
Where: Hawaii, Rainbow Classic
8:05 pm MT
Live Stats: ESPN.com
Line: Bulls by 1

6-4
NR (AP)
NR (USA Today)

For more on tonight's game, call Irish.

Woodrow is going to undergo some game thread training. Go Buffs!

Holiday Week Buff Bites

2008-12-29T22:47:28Z

Yes, it has been a little slow around here but that will end at about 6 pm December 31st as I am in the dark age of cell phone reception and internet connection otherwise known as Brookings, South Dakota. It isn't as bad as it sounds but it is for getting things posted. January will be here shortly and that is when things are going to go a 100 miles an hour with recruiting information. Woodrow, of course, is on South Beach, getting ready to go to the National Championship so you can curse him until your blue in the face...lucky bastard. Here are a few links to hold you over until i get back to civilization.

Some recruiting updates compliments of the World Wide Leader:

3* DE Kevin Greene has withdrawn CU from the running for his signature. Personally, I can't believe he hasn't committed to USC by now.

"Colorado was just too far for my friends and family to get to and that's important to me," Greene said. "I'm going to visit Arizona State and USC next month and my decision will be from those two schools and Washington State.

Diante Jackson is saying that he hasn't made his choice yet and that mid-January looks to be more realistic...only Oregon and Colorado now remain for his signature:

"I'm still talking things over with my family," Jackson said. "It will probably be sometime in mid-January now. I know what I want to do and feel good about my school but I just want my grandma to like the school a little better.

"Her opinion is important to me so I'm just talking things over and not really in any rush. It's still Oregon and Colorado for me, there are no other schools involved."

Cory Higgins and the Buffs beat Coppin State yesterday 80 - 63 in the Rainbow Classic. Higgins continues his pace at becoming a first team All Big 12 performer, going for 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Buffs will take on Buffalo in the semifinals.

Kyle Ringo of the Daily Camera is going over the Buffs most memorable moments of the 2008 football season...sort of like what we are doing with our best and worst of 2008. Personally, ours have been better. That will resume in January.

Interesting article on former Buff and Denver Bronco, OT Matt Lepsis, as he talks about his drug addiction during his NFL career.

A bunch of Buff commits and recruits were rewarded for their strong senior seasons with all-conference recognition:

Nosa Eguae made second team All District at Mansfield Summit
Diante Jackson was a first team All East Bay selection at Los Lomas
Clark Evans was the Sunset League's MVP and first team QB at Los Alamitos
Edward Nuckols made the first team defense in the Avocado League
Parker Orms and Jack Harris both received accolades in the state of Colorado