More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

5 months ago: Colorado wide receiver Markques Simas, front, pulls in a pass for a long gain as Kansas safety Chris Harris comes in to cover in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Label me shocked. Junior WR Markques Simas, who was suspended in February following his DUI arrest, took part in spring practice today for the Colorado Buffaloes, according to Patrick Ridgell of the Longmont Times. Simas was held out of the Buffs' first three practices this spring. 

Simas played in 10 games a year ago, recording 43 receptions for 585 yards and three scores. Towards the end of last year, though, Simas emerged as one of the most productive receivers in the country and the threat many Buff fans have heard about.

Just in the month of November '09, Markques Simas had 25 receptions and 355 yards. If he kept that production up over a full season, he would total 100 receptions, 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns. Simas ranked 10th in the nation for yards/game in the month of November among all receivers in the nation.

The University of Colorado is still considering a punishment for Simas in the fall so missing a couple games at the beginning of the season may be possible but for now, it looks like the talented receiver won't be kicked off the team, something that many feared immediately after the news broke of Simas' most recent incident. Simas redshirted his freshman year at CU, was ineligible for his entire redshirt freshman year, missed two games his sophomore season after violating team rules and most recently, the DUI infraction this spring.

Initially, I certainly thought Hawkins and Co. would hold Simas out for all of spring and most of the season, if not kick him off the team. When I saw Markques in a jersey out watching his teammates' practice this Saturday, I thought it was a good sign and that he may be back sometime this year. I still feel their will be some missed games when the regular season rolls around but all signs point to Simas being fully reinstated.

It's still up to Markques Simas to keep himself eligible, out of trouble, in the film room to become the dominant receiver he can be. The player who should be smiling most from this news is WR Toney Clemons. With Clemons, Simas and McKnight out there, no one is an easy cover. No question, this team is better with Markques on the field. Hopefully, Simas has finally learned.

More photos » Jack Dempsey - AP

3 months ago: Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen looks to pass during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Boulder, Colo., Friday, Nov. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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One of my favorite things to do is take in some early season football practice, even if it is a big tease as the regular season which is still many months away. It was a beautiful day in Boulder, 55 degrees and sunny. The University hosted their annual junior day so many high school recruits were in attendance and they couldn't have picked a better day to visit Boulder in early March. 

The first practice the players were just in shorts and helmets, no contact. The drills, as expected for the first time out this year, were pretty simple and routine. A good amount of special teams work, 7 on 7, fumble drills, form tackling drills (every player participated even the quarterbacks), defensive back drops, etc. Very similar to what we have seen at prior spring practices. Certainly nothing ground breaking.

Without much contact, it is hard to give breakdowns other than "this player looked good, or that player really stood out" but here are a few things I took away from the first day:

-Two players caught my eye all morning: WR Toney Clemons and TE DaVaughn Thornton.  By far, they are the two most athletic looking players on the offense. Clemons looks great. He has a very athletic build, taller than I expected, is quick and made plenty of catches. He is an instant upgrade for the position. Thornton just looks gifted. Both Jon and I went to practice and I kept saying to him, "I can't believe how big Thornton is."He runs well, is built and I believe still has room to add on weight. He and Clark Evans, now at tight end, seemed to have developed a  friendship. Thornton looks like a power forward playing football at 6'4" 235 pounds. He was in the mix a lot today. Both Evans and Thornton bring athleticism to the tight end position. Hopefully Thornton's development continues because he sure looks the part of a big time player

-WR Andre Simmons was nowhere to be found today. I haven't heard anything regarding his status. More to come on that when we hear something. WR Markques Simas was out on the field, not practicing but him being out there is a good sign, certainly better than him not being present. It was frustrating seeing Simas, Clemons and Thornton standing together and realizing that could be a pretty powerful trio out there on Saturdays. Hopefully, Simas earns his way back so we can see what the two receivers could do together.

-DT Nate Bonsu is a horse. He was on crutches but he is a monster of a man and will be a big part of this defense for the next three years in the middle. DE Nick Kasa looks huge, as usual. He sticks out on the defensive side of the ball. Forrest West certainly added some weight from last year, at least 10 pounds. I think he is going to explode in 2010. These three players can bring some stability to the defensive line.

-Patrick Mahnke was practicing with the linebackers today, something that is a welcomed move. I think he is a better fit there. As always, Doug Rippy steals the "wow" factor when you watch the linebackers. It was good to see Jon Major out there injury free. This unit looks a little thin after losing Shaun Mohler, Jeff Smart and Marcus Burton from a year ago. You have to imagine now is the time for Major to make his mark. Michael Sipili, Douglas Rippy and B.J. Beatty are three players who should receive a lot of time but players like Major, Derrick Webb, Tyler Ahles and Liloa Nobriga need to step up and contribute.

-Speaking of thin, that is the best word to describe the running backs. The Buffs have four running backs total, three on scholarship and all under 5'9". Just hope Rodney Stewart doesn't get hurt. If any incoming freshman have the opportunity to play in 2010, it will be at running back, especially the two bigger backs in Cordary Clark and Justin Torres

-DB's Jimmy Smith, Jalil Brown and Ray Polk all look the part on defense. Another year of experience for Polk will do wonders for him back at safety. Polk, Anthony Perkins and Tyler Sandersfield were on the field together a lot, similar to last spring where the Buffs featured three safeties early in camp.

-The offensive line is full of monsters, nothing new here. Without pads on, it is hard to get a gauge. The first offensive line group in team drills was OT Bryce Givens, OG Ethan Adkins, C Keenan Stevens, OG Ryan Miller and OT Nate Solder. Coach Brad Bedell was spending a lot of time with Bryce Givens. You never know about the offensive line until that first game. Max Tuioti-Mariner is sporting a shaved head, different from the long hair we are used to. OT Sione Tau was practicing after taking a leave from the team last year.

-Tyler Hansen was the first quarterback in the team drills. He looked pretty solid today. Cody Hawkins has already taught true freshman Nick Hirschman how to roll his sleeves up on his jersey. For a player who is supposed to be in his second semester of high school, Hirschman looked pretty good. Didn't get a lot of reps. The reps were given in this order: Tyler Hansen, Cody Hawkins, Seth Lobato, Nick Hirschman with Hansen and Hawkins understandably receiving the bulk

-Kickers Zach Grossnickle and Aric Goodman took turns kicking both field goals and punting. Both were inconsistent on their punts and both looked decent, from what I saw on field goals.

Let me know if you have any questions about the practice and I will answer them below in the comment section.

More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

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The alphabetical depth chart has been released for tomorrow - basically it's a fancy look at each position not ranked by depth...i.e. a roster. Nothing surprising in terms of injuries or players out: WR Markques Simas (suspension), DT Nate Bonsu (leg), WR Terdema Ussery (personal reasons), WR/DB Anthony Wright (knee) and DB Steven Hicks (academics). This is the healthiest the Buffs have been in a long time as we enter spring ball. Hopefully it stays that way, Ussery and Simas come back to the team by fall, and Bonsu recovers fully. Bonsu is an important piece to the puzzle in the middle of the Buffs defense. He played very well as a true freshman last year and along with DE Nick Kasa and DE/LB Forrest West, Colorado has a nice young nucleus developing on the defensive line.

Below is the practice schedule:

  
Goals for this spring: no injuries, get the offensive line nasty and ready to light people up. The season depends on them in 2010.

More photos » Jack Dempsey - AP

Any major injury to RB Rodney Stewart this offseason would be a huge blow to the offense as the Buffs' lack depth at the position.

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The first piece of good news for this spring is the Buffs didn't have to move practices back a month to try and accommodate the wounded. If you remember last offseason, many players had surgeries that kept them on the sideline for most of the preseason drills leading up to spring ball. As of now, their are only a few notable injuries/missing players to report for spring ball. Sophomore DT Nate Bonsu (leg), redshirt freshman WR Terdema Ussery (personal injuries) and junior WR Markques Simas (suspended) are most notable players who will miss spring ball this year.

Unfortunately, there are more question marks on the offensive side of the ball this year than answers. Other than a few players here and there, many positions still need to be solidified if the Buffs have any dreams of making it to a bowl game in 2010.

As in every camp, the microscope will be on the quarterback spot, especially when you are talking about Dan Hawkins, Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen. Dan Hawkins has stated his son and Tyler Hansen will be battling for the 2010 starting spot and both will receive time with the starting units this spring. In year five, many would like to see stability at the position but after a 3 - 9 year, that is not the case. The most disheartening comment from the elder Hawkins is his intent to name a starter after spring ball concludes. Hopefully, Hansen starts off camp strong and earns more reps and assumes the starting role to start fall ball. 

Watch out for incoming freshman QB Nick Hirschman. It is doubtful Hawkins will place a freshman at the helm considering the ever present talk regarding his job security but Hirschman has a lot of upside. He is a true student of the game, he has enrolled early at Colorado and from all accounts, he has been impressive.

The Key: Hansen assumes the starting position early, receives most of the reps come the second week of spring. Hirschman continues to progress.

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Dan Hawkins sat down with B.G. Brooks of CuBuffs.com to talk about spring ball and what to expect. Brooks asked some good questions and Hawkins gave some answers, some that won't be popular among Buff fans mainly regarding the quarterback position. Yes, Dan Hawkins has stated that Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen will enter spring ball even and will split time with the first team.

Quarterbacks . . . does anybody go in (to spring drills) as the leader?

"No. We'll just see how it shakes out. And to some degree we do that everywhere. I mean there's a few spots where you've got guys who obviously - guys like Jalil (Brown) and Jimmy (Smith, both cornerbacks) - certainly have an edge.

"But I've never liked it in the spring when you go, 'Oh, yeah, he's the starting (whatever).' And obviously in the O-line you've got some guys who are more experienced. I expect (Mike) Iltis to get back in there and battle and see where he shakes out - whether that's a center/guard. There's going to be tremendous competition in that whole front line.

"I just don't like coming into the spring and saying, 'He's the starting whatever,' because to me, you've just got to start over and say let's see who's going to play and do the things it takes to be successful.

"Both of those guys (Hansen and Cody Hawkins) will play with the 'ones' and the 'twos' and we'll evaluate them every day and see what happens in the scrimmages. And then see where we're at."

Before you comment in a tirade type fashion below, take a deep breath because you shouldn't be surprised. This is Dan Hawkins. He believes in making players develop and rise to the occassion, although one can argue he has not shown the ability to coach and make players acheive their potential. Further, in year four, he should have a better idea regarding player talent than he leads on. That is a different argument but this is Dan Hawkins' philosphy and as we know, he sticks to his beliefs.

Do I believe it is important for Tyler Hansen to seperate himself from Cody Hawkins early and for Dan Hawkins to give him more reps quickly in spring ball? Absolutely. One of the most important things for a quarterback is developing a rapport with his offensive linemen, his running backs and his receivers. It is also about the players around the quarterback getting used to his cadance, depth on hand-offs, leadership ability, control in the huddle, etc. So both Tyler Hansen and Dan Hawkins need to do their part immediately in spring ball. Let's give this a week or so into spring and if they are still splitting reps and the "even" word is being thrown around, then we can start blasting. To me, not naming starters or splitting time at the quarterback position for the entire spring is a complete waste at this stage as Cody Hawkins is now a senior, Hansen is now a junor - we know what we have in each, we should be progressing, not "figuring things out." There is only a little over two months of "coached" practices for the 2010 season, every snap and practice is precious. Hopefully Hawkins is quoting the "politically correct" answer and we see something different on the field...quickly.

It is time to stop seeing how things are shaking out, as Hawkins likes to say, and start doing.

Most of the piece and the discussion surrounding the Q&A will focus on the quarterbacks but their were a few other things of interest:

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Kyle Ringo of the Boulder Daily Camera has come out and said he doesn't believe Markques Simas will be on the team next year after talking with a few sources in the athletic department:

It’s a shame to see wide receiver Markques Simas just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. He was arrested and charged with a DUI last week and his career at CU might be over.

Why do I say that?

Well, I’ve had a couple conversations with folks in the CU athletic department in the past few days, and one of them said to me, ‘If I had to say at this point, I don’t think he will be on the team next season.’

The decision is ultimately up to coach Dan Hawkins. Since he became coach at CU, his general approach has been to part ways with guys after a second infraction. Hawkins always says, "Once is a mistake, twice is behavior."

Ringo doesn't think this will be a huge blow but to me, it is a very large hit to the progression of this offense. Let's face it, Colorado hasn't had a big time receiver for a long time. Markques Simas was a big time receiver in November '09, a top 10 receiver in the nation in fact in the month of November last year. Simas and QB Tyler Hansen were developing a nice report together, something that doesn't happen overnight with receivers. He provided some big plays in an offense that prior to his arrival seemed to operate in a 15 yard by 15 yard box.

Yes, Colorado does "seem" to have some depth at the wide receiver position but other than Scotty McKnight, nobody has really proven themselves on the field in a Buff uniform. It is a similar situation to last year and the offensive line. It looks like tons of potential with some highly rated high school recruits but until you actually line them up and let them play, you never know. In 2009, the offensive line was a major dissapointment even with all the preseason accolades. The wide receiver corp may have some preseason potential in WR Toney Clemons, WR Andre Simmons, WR Will Jefferson, WR Jarrod Darden and WR Terdema Ussery but that combined list has a total of eight receptions for 92 yards in their Colorado Buffaloes' career. Markques Simas was turning into a proven commodity at the end of the year, something Colorado doesn't have a lot of regardless of position.

ESPN/ABC has released their initial Thursday/Friday night schedule of games and somewhere Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins is smiling. The Colorado Buffaloes currently are not slated to play any of those ESPN Thursday night games that Hawkins hates so much. Last year, the Buffs played a Sunday game, two Thursday games and two Friday games, all of which resulted in Buff losses, three of which were on the road and three against ranked opponents. Colorado was still only 3 - 4 on Saturday in 2009. Although not on the initial schedule released, Colorado will still most likely be playing Nebraska the day after Thanksgiving which unfortunately falls on a Friday...and on the road.

Here is what Dan Hawkins had to say five times last year in his disapproval of all the non-Saturday 1:30 pm games noy in sunny but cool weather home games:

"You take the schedule the way it comes,'' Hawkins said. "We've got a Sunday night game, a couple Thursdays, a Friday. I don't think we get into too much whether it's good or bad. You play it like it is.

"I've said before many times, I'd love to play every game we play on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 in our stadium. But you don't always get it like that. You have to roll with it.''

All of us can remember how we felt losing getting blown out by Toledo Friday, September 11th on ESPN last year so I assume many Buff fans aren't saddened by the news. But while their might be a competitive advantage to playing games on Saturday at 1:30 pm, one thing Buff fans can't complain about the past few years, was Mike Bohn's ability to get games on television. Colorado was one of the most televised teams in the nation last year.

Dan Hawkins may have gotten his wish but it might come at a cost of lost television money and the continued movement toward being irrelevant. Colorado plays a tough non-conference schedule next year so it is possible for all four of those games to televised (Colorado State, Hawaii, Georgia and California) but contests against Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Iowa State and Baylor might be skipped over by the networks, especially if the Buffs get off to a slow start like they did a year ago.

Now if we can get those road games off the schedule!

Colorado Buffaloes' head coach Dan Hawkins announced Friday morning that the Buffs' second leading wide receiver from a year ago in junior Markques Simas has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. The CU athletic department issued the press release, here is Dan:

This is obviously disappointing, but we are going to continue to emphasize our philosophy of excellence with class and we will uphold our standards," coach Dan Hawkins said.

This is the not the first time Simas has been suspended. In 2008, the receiver was ineligible following his redshirt year and last year, he missed the first two games after being suspended for violating team rules. Simas played in 10 games a year ago, recording 43 receptions for 585 yards and three scores.

While on the practice squad all of the 2007 and 2008 seasons, many of Simas' teammates raved about his athleticism and deemed him to be the best receiver on the team. But due to off the field issues, the talented receiver's production was limited to glorified practice reports for most of his career at Colorado. Towards the end of last year, though, Simas emerged as one of the most productive receivers in the country and the threat many Buff fans have heard about.

Just in the month of November '09, Markques Simas had 25 receptions and 355 yards. If he kept that production up over a full season, he would total 100 receptions, 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns. Simas ranked 10th in the nation for yards/game in the month of November among all receivers in the nation.

These sorts of numbers from Simas coupled with Michigan transfer Toney Clemons, returning leading receiver Scotty McKnight and a talented group of youthful receivers had Buff fans very excited about the position in '10. Now we have to wonder if Simas will be suspended for a large chunk of the season since this is not a first time offense. One thing is for sure, Dan Hawkins is not afraid to suspend anyone even if Simas is an important piece to the puzzle.