Boulder – Before the too-old-for-college jokes begin to get thrown at Colorado tight end Quinn Sypniewski – 23 years young – he finds time to laugh at himself first.
On his recruitment to CU: “It’s six years ago. I don’t remember. That’s what happens when you get old: You forget.”
On his success this season: “I guess the third senior season is the charm.”
Sypniewski is getting a sixth chance to make a first impression.
Injuries have stretched his career out more than half a decade. He played in 2000, 2001 and 2002, but then suffered a toe injury that required him to see two specialists before undergoing season-ending surgery in 2003. He was awarded a medical redshirt by the NCAA.
In 2004, Sypniewski broke his ankle. More surgery. Another medical redshirt.
But things are different. Frustration and doubt have turned into smiles and confidence. And jokes. Sypniewski is the first six-year player in CU modern history, and he has reintroduced himself to Colorado fans in a manner no one has been accustomed to seeing.
He is a playmaker.
“We’re fortunate that the six- year thing worked out for Quinn,” said CU coach Gary Barnett, who originally recruited the 6-foot-7, 265-pound Sypniewski from Granger, Iowa, to play defensive end. “Because he really has blossomed into a weapon.”
Sypniewski has 11 catches and three touchdowns, the first scores of his career. It took him 44 games to find the end zone, and now he’s getting there about one out of every four catches.
“It’s definitely a good feeling,” Sypniewski said. “Every time I do it, it’s my first time, it’s my second time, it’s my third time. It’s all happening for the first time this year.”
Coming into the season, he had 15 catches in five years. Now, he is one of Colorado’s most reliable targets in the passing game. Of CU players who have at least 10 catches, only fellow tight end Joe Klopfenstein is averaging more yards per reception, and the difference is minuscule – 16.8 to Sypniewski’s 16.7.
“It’s nice to see him have a chance after so many bad things that have happened to him over the last few years,” Klopfenstein said. “I know everyone is pretty surprised at what he’s doing, but I’ve known ever since I’ve been here what he could do. He just hasn’t been able to show it.”
Klopfenstein was supposed to be Sypniewski’s heir apparent when he arrived on campus in 2002. Now, the two will leave the Buffs together.
Fed up with all the injuries and surgeries, Sypniewski almost left a year ago. It took chats with his family and Barnett before he was certain returning for a sixth season was the right move.
“It was kind of like, ‘Do I really want to do this?”‘ Sypniewski said. “I came here to accomplish something, and I really haven’t accomplished it yet, so I really thought that that’s what I wanted to do. Turns out to be a great decision.”
Colorado at Kansas State
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado (5-2, 3-1 Big 12): After three 100-yard rushing performances in his first four games, running back Hugh Charles has seen his production slip in the past three weeks. He has not run for 100 yards since the conference opener against Oklahoma State and has not scored a touchdown since Oct. 8 against Texas A&M. The Buffs need Charles to step up in order to control the clock and sustain drives. Meanwhile, freshman defensive end Maurice Lucas keeps getting better. He had four tackles and a fumble recovery against Kansas. Getting pressure on KSU quarterback Allan Evridge is must.
Kansas State (4-3, 1-3): Coach Bill Snyder has cast his lot with Evridge, a redshirt freshman, over junior Allen Webb. Though there have been growing pains, the move has been mostly good. Evridge has not won as a starter, but threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns against Texas A&M last week. He has given the Wildcats hope for the future. Evridge would benefit from an improved running game. Tailback Thomas Clayton rushed for 329 yards in his first two games but has run for 100 yards combined in his past four.
KEY STAT
5 – The Buffs have won five consecutive games against Big 12 North schools.
KEY FOR COLORADO
Poise. Colorado must not let a tough crowd get into the game. It must play sound, error-free football. CU has to match the high-level intensity KSU is sure to come out with as the Wildcats look to salvage their season.
KEY FOR K-STATE
Execution. Evridge is a young quarterback and is learning the ropes of big-time college football. He must avoid big mistakes and hope the line opens up enough holes for Clayton to give the offense some balance.
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
