Boulder – New Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn made it clear Tuesday that changes are imminent for the football program’s recruiting regulations.
He would not go into specifics, but he is working with faculty and the football program on a compromise that would ease standards from tightened restrictions imposed a year ago.
“There’s clearly some massaging on both sides that needs to be done, designed to improve the recruiting practices,” Bohn said.
Colorado’s toughened recruiting restrictions were put in place in February 2004 in the midst of multiple investigations into the football program.
Among the new regulations were an 11 p.m. curfew, the elimination of student-hosts, a shorter stay for prospects and supervision by an adult at all times. Coaches were instructed to place a formal request to bring in prospects on game days.
Some of the guidelines have been eased in the past few months. Players were allowed some time alone with recruits, and getting prospects in for game day became less formal.
Still, CU coaches would like to have recruiting regulations as close as possible to those of the other Big 12 schools.
CU coach Gary Barnett said taking another look at the restrictions is important.
“We just need to have a good discussion,” he said Tuesday. “Obviously, whatever gets decided, we’re going to make the best of. But I do think there are some things that we all want to share.”
Barnett would not get into specifics on which rules he wants amended. Bohn already has met with faculty on the subject.
“There is a clear understanding by all constituents the importance of putting a program together that works, but also one that maintains the proper recruiting practices as well,” Bohn said.
Footnotes
Colorado has sold 1,001 of its 1,900 club seats. A year ago, CU sold 924 club seats. CU also has sold 28 of its 40 luxury suites.
“That’s a reflection of some great donors, combined with some hard-working staff that’s continuing to engage people in the right way,” Bohn said.
He said CU has renewed 80 percent of its season tickets from a year ago. …
Safety J.J. Billingsley has enrolled in summer classes, and his eligibility for the 2005 season is contingent upon his classroom performance. …
Cornerback Terrence Wheatley had the metal brace removed from his wrist, Barnett said. It is unknown whether Wheatley will play this fall. He had a bone graft on his wrist. …
Barnett confirmed wide receiver Patrick Williams (broken hands) and linebacker Chris Hollis (neck) both have received medical redshirts.
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
