Boulder – Whatever his hands are worth, his legs are proving to be worth their weight in gold.
Vance Washington, said Colorado coach Gary Barnett, “can take the top off a defense.”
He has against the Buffs. Washington’s move this week from cornerback to wide receiver is getting good reviews. Washington even switched his number from 7 to 21, because he’s known these days as “Prime Time,” the nickname made famous by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Deion Sanders.
Washington says his time at cornerback is making the transition easier.
“I know what makes them nervous, what gets them turned around, what frustrates them,” Washington said. “I know what they’re going through.”
Barnett anticipated Washington would be used in a similar manner as former Buff Jeremy Bloom – on go patterns, end around and reverses and kickoff returns.
“When you see him just go out and run by everybody, it gives you a chance to use him a bit differently on offense,” Barnett said.
Two players depart
Redshirt freshmen David Veikune and Greg Newman, defensive ends, have left the CU program. Neither might have seen much playing time this season, and with large numbers at defensive end, coaches don’t expect to be hurt by their departure.
“It puts a little more pressure on the young guys to step up,” defensive line coach Bill Inge said. “The thing that’s encouraging is that’s just what they were doing.”
Senior fullback Brendan Schaub was given one of the vacant scholarships. Schaub, who played at Overland High in Aurora, is a contributor on special teams.
Footnotes
Cornerback Lorenzo Sims (sore knee) missed practice Thursday, Barnett said. There is no timetable for his return, and there is a chance he may have arthroscopic knee surgery. …
Colorado has its last two-a-day practice of the preseason today. The first session runs from 8-10 a.m., and the afternoon session 4-6.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
