Brooks: Young D-Line Determined - CUBuffs.com
Marquez Herrod, one of the few returning defensive linemen, wants all the naysayers to know that the defensive line is on a mission to prove us all wrong:
Since August camp began - and actually several weeks before - it's been difficult for Marquez Herrod to tune out, or even turn down, the noise. Here's the annoying perception: If there is a questionable sector on Colorado's defense, it's the one Herrod inhabits - the D-line. "We hear every day: 'You're not good enough, you're not big enough, you're not fast enough,'" said Herrod, an intensely competitive junior defensive end. "Everybody on the line agrees; it looks like everybody (outside) wants to see us fall," he continued. "Everybody is saying the linebackers are there to clean up our mistakes. Well, we ain't going to make no mistakes.
Colorado Losing to...Louisiana Tech - The Ralphie Report Calls Buff Fans to Pick It Up!
So the Wizard of Odds is holding their annual "Team Poster" competition. The Colorado Buffaloes have a legit poster that should make it to the final rounds but Louisiana Tech fans have rallied the troops and our poster is in danger of not making it out of the first round...to Louisiana "freaking" Tech. So do the program a favor and vote for the CU poster and while your at it, you can laugh at Colorado State's poster for producing the worst poster and portrayal of the Fort I have seen.
Injuries, lack of production push Fairchild to give receiver another shot at CSU QB job
Colorado St. Rams coach Steve Fairchild may have been sandbagging when he was talking about the quarterback situation a week ago after his comments didn't match the statistics Buff fans were seeing from scrimmages but he might have a point now. With junior college transfer Jon Eastman limited with a broken finger on his non-throwing hand, Klay Kubiak still feeling the affects of his shoulder injury and now with the starter by elimination in Grant Stucker going 3 - 11 in the most recent scrimmage, Fairchild's rants may have some validity to it. Due to the circumstances, Fairchild has now put a wide receiver at quarterback. That wide receiver is 6'4" 202 pound sophomore T.J. Borcky.
With the first game two weeks away, Colorado State is searching for a way to get the ball to two strong receivers but their may not be enough fall practices left to be confident in that.
Burton, Geer & Smart Named CU Captains - CUBuffs.com
Senior linebackers Marcus Burton and Jeff Smart along with senior tight end Riar Geer were selected as team captains by their University of Colorado teammates, head coach Dan Hawkins announced Sunday afternoon.
It is pretty safe to say that at least two of these captains need to have huge years for the Buffs to have a turn around year.
Lights Installed At Folsom Field - CUBuffs.com
Finally, the University of Colorado has permanent lights for Folsom Field.
True Freshman DE Forrest West and DT Nate Bonsu Impressing Coaches, May Not Redshirt
You heard it here first from the Ralphie Report that we thought 2009 signee DE Forrest West could be this year's Speedy Stewart. This was our review on signing day, detailing the recruiting wins and losses:
Who is the guy that no one is really talking about or not as much but you feel will be a sleeper when his career is said and done? What are the reasons?
I had a chance to talk to Forrest West's coach and watch some of his film. His coach told me some great things about him and after watching him, I think he may be the missing peice to the puzzle when it comes to a solid combo guy who can rush the passer but also has a good motor when it comes to stopping the run. He has a great physique, something that Rodney Stewart had, that allowed him to be successful early. His coach said this about him: "He was the defensive MVP of the National Underclassmen combine, the big national one they had in New Jersey. He was doing some great things before he got hurt his sophomore year... Coming off his sophomore year, though, I was talking to Florida and USC and everyone in between about him." He is my pick for a guy that will out perform that 2* rating.
It looks like we have a chance at being right. According to the Longmont Times and Denver Post, Mr. West is making quite an impression. From the DP: "He really fits the mold of the kind of player that we want. He's a good person. He's smart. He's a hard worker." And on the field? "He can run, and he's strong," Collins said. The Longmont Times quotes defensive line coach Romeo Bandison saying West has a chance to see the field if he maintains his growth in understanding the defensive schemes: "West said defensive line coach Romeo Bandison told him that if he could learn the plays, he’d have a chance to see the field right away. He said he has learned it "pretty fast" and believes he’s ahead."
Many more Buff football links after the jump including Andre Simmons' talk, the quarterback race, the emerging freshman receiver and Hawkins/Hansen talk...
CU turns tables on Big 12, set to run with power - The Denver Post
Coaches' Stay Mum But Hopeful on Andre Simmons Qualifying
From cubuffs.com, "(a)sked about the status of receiver Andre Simmons, Dan Hawkins said, "It's still on the move." An NCAA elibigility issue has kept Simmons sidelined" and the Longmont Times, "When asked if he is still holding out hope for receiver Andre Simmons to join the team this fall, Hawkins said: "Yep.""
All I know is classes start tomorrow and the time period to add/drop classes will come and go shortly after twhich usually signifies the end of the qualification period...obviously. Even if Simmons does qualify, he probably wouldn't be ready until the West Virginia game.
State's QBs wait for a signal - The Denver Post
Every major Colorado college football team is in a similar position to the Buffs: the quarterback position has not been decided.
2010 Commit Mister Jones' Littleton High School Team Poised to Breakout
Sleeper: Littleton Maybe too talented to be considered a sleeper, Littleton is ready to build on last year’s 8-3 record and potentially make a push in playoffs. Littleton’s success is not completely determined by, but greatly effected, on the legs of Mister Jones. The ultra talented Colorado running back commit is a force on the field but has fought injuries throughout his career. If he can stay healthy and post monster numbers, the Lions could have a big season. Jones is not alone, All-League TE/LB Noah Gaumer returns as a big play threat in the passing game. Up front Tristan Mosier and Josh Fliedner will try to open space for Jones. Defensively, the Lions return a nice core that includes Gaumer, Mosier on the defensive line, linebacker Ben Hranchak and defensive back Adam Singleton.
The Buffzone Blog - Players impressed with Polk, too
Converted running back Ray Polk is making waves at the safety spot and current safety Anthony Perkins believes he is on the cusp of really making some noise on the defense.
CU's Jefferson catching on quickly - Boulder Daily Camera
Many believed that wide receivers Terdema Ussery and Jarrod Darden would be the freshmen to play this season but the August signee, Will Jefferson, arrived on campus late but has made the most of every minute and has himself poised to make an appearance on the two deep depth chart come game one. The signing of Will Jefferson might be a move we look back on at the end of the year as a big, big event in giving the Buffs some much needed depth:
Asked after the scrimmage how Jefferson has separated himself, offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau credited Jefferson's study habits for his rapid advancement through the ranks. "The guy is very smart. He's very intelligent," Kiesau said. "He studies. He takes time. He doesn't go goof around and play Xbox all night. He sits there with the playbook and takes notes." Jefferson's development goes to show just how meaningless recruiting rankings become once players arrive on campus and have to earn time on the field. Jefferson didn't even have a profile on either Scout.com or Rivals.com until earlier this summer, while Ussery and Darden have been well-known prospects since midway through high school.
Championship may move to Dallas for good : Kansan.com
Coach Hawkins thinks a permanent move of the Big 12 championship to Dallas provides a competitive advantage to the South. How about the conference switches off between Denver and Dallas...problem solved.
More chances coming for CU's Espinoza : Boulder Daily Camera
Buff running back 'B-Lock' zipping through openings Boulder Daily Camera
CU Buffs' Tyler Hansen: QB battle pretty even - Colorado Daily