Boulder – Kevin Moyd arrived on campus June 30 with hopes of getting playing time at running back.
As CU’s preseason practices began Thursday, that hope is starting to look more like reality. A lack of depth in some areas on the Buffs’ roster means Moyd, a freshman, and other newcomers must be ready as soon as the season begins.
Moyd’s opening came when junior tailback Brandon Caesar was lost for the season with a knee injury.
“(Running backs) coach (Shawn) Simms told me that I’m going to have to come in, step in and play a big role,” Moyd said. “So, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Junior college transfer center Bryce MacMartin is being prepared to help add quality depth to CU’s thin offensive line.
Fellow junior college transfer Terry Washington finds himself in a mix of players vying for a starting position at cornerback, which opened when Terrence Wheatley opted to have season-ending wrist surgery.
“(Coaches) told me I’d be very critical, especially because Terrence went down,” said Washington, who originally signed with CU as a running back in 2003 from Cleveland High School in St. Louis. “My plan is to come in here and start right away. Once I get all of the plays and practices down pat, I’m pretty sure I’ll be on the field.”
Colorado, which opens Sept. 3 against Colorado State at Folsom Field, plans to attack some of its depth issues through versatility, particularly on offense.
Offensive linemen will be expected to know more than just their primary position. For instance, reserve lineman Gary Moore is expected to know plays for both the tight guard and tight tackle positions. Guard Brian Daniels may be asked to learn the center position.
Senior Lawrence Vickers will help add depth to CU’s small numbers at tailback, besides his regular duty as starting fullback. Paul Creighton and Brendan Schaub can move to fullback in place of Vickers.
Colorado’s West Coast offense, by its nature, lets coaches move players around, filling other roles, which can attack depth issues. Receivers will know both inside and out positions. Backs can be split out wide. One-back sets remove the need for a fullback to be on the field.
“There’s a lot of flexibility inside the West Coast offense that you need,” CU offensive coordinator Shawn Watson said. “And we might be lacking a guy in depth, but the quality of players we have is pretty good.”
Footnotes
Safety J.J. Billingsley practiced Thursday and said he’s eligible academically, although he’s still waiting on a grade from one class. Billingsley is confident he’ll pass. … Two former safeties have moved to offense: Charlie Sherman is playing wide receiver and Reggie Joseph is at running back. … Linebacker Chris Hollis is finished playing and has become a student assistant coach. He missed most of last season with a spinal cord injury.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
