Boulder – Ten starters return to Colorado’s defensive unit for the 2005 season. It should automatically be better, right?
Not necessarily, judging by what has transpired in spring practice.
“We’ve tried to tell them that just because you have (10) starters back doesn’t guarantee you’re going to get better,’ defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz said. “We’ve really got to work to get better.’
While spring drills have revealed some pleasant surprises, the defense has been somewhat of an enigma. With the spring focus on the passing game on both sides of the ball, coach Gary Barnett has seen greater gains from the quarterbacks, offensive line and receivers than from the secondary.
And in the spring, the defense usually dominates.
Yet even with a defense that has slowly improved, Barnett has identified attitude as the area he most wants to see change.
As in, he wants more of it.
“Defensively, we’re a real quiet group,’ Barnett said. “We haven’t developed that sense of identity yet, whether it’s because a bunch of guys are new and trying to find positions or what.’
The question is how CU can develop that attitude, with the spring game wrapping up workouts Saturday.
“It really is a matter of personalities,’ Barnett said. “Some of it is circumstantial, keeping your guys together and they get to practice together and go through tough situations and hold up and make a play when they have to make it.’
Said Hankwitz: “You’ve got to develop confidence in executing your defense and executing it with pride and toughness. Then, the pride has to come out, that every time we step out there we’re going to … fight you. In the spring you have a lot of different dynamics come into play, so we haven’t developed that yet.’
There have been bright spots.
Hankwitz pointed out improvements from linebackers Brian Iwuh and Brad Jones; and defensive linemen Vaka Manupuna, who has been slowed of late by a hamstring injury, James Garee, John Guydon and Alonzo Barrett. Hankwitz said he has seen some improvement in the secondary, but players must translate successes in 7-on-7 drills to “real’ situations, in which they have to read run or pass and react accordingly.
IRS first, contract later
Any decision on Barnett’s contract won’t be made until after an IRS investigation into the finances of his football camp is complete, interim athletic director Jack Lengyel said Wednesday. Barnett has two years left on his deal and will be seeking an extension soon, primarily he said, to help curb negative recruiting against him and CU.
Until the audit clears “nothing can be done,’ Lengyel said at a news conference. “Then (CU officials) will address Gary’s contract.’
The IRS opened the investigation into Barnett’s football camp in March, and it could take up to 18 months. Agents from the IRS’ criminal investigation division are conducting the probe. Lengyel said he has not had any updates.
When told what Lengyel said, Barnett shrugged his shoulders.
“Those are decisions they’ve got to make,’ he said. “Those aren’t my decisions. They will weigh what’s important to them, go from there and decide how to do it. That’s what it boils down to. I can’t be too concerned with it. I just go out and do my job.’
Footnotes
Dr. Eric McCarty has been named CU’s director of sports medicine. Steve Willard, who previously held the title, is now the head trainer for football. Also, Bill Harris has been elevated to assistant athletic director for the Alumni C-Club and support groups. … Lengyel announced the formation of the Faculty Mentor Program, which will pair faculty members with specific sports to further create a bond between athletics and academics.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
