Boulder – It didn’t take long for newly hired Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins to make an impression on his new team. According to the players, Hawkins captivated the Buffs in a private meeting that lasted about 10 minutes.
Before setting out on any recruiting trips, Hawkins said he needed to “recruit” the current Buffaloes, selling himself as an energetic coach who can help them become the best they can be.
As far as sophomore running back Hugh Charles could tell, players couldn’t help but be impressed.
“You could see that he has a passion for the game and for the players,” Charles said. “He said he had other offers, but he wanted to be at Colorado. That was good to hear.”
Charles said players realize Boise State didn’t go 53-10 in Hawkins’ five years by accident.
“He’s won many championships, like he told us, and I think the plan he’s going to bring in here will work well. We’re just going to have to adapt to it,” he said.
Charles said he would be surprised if any Buffs transfer because of the coaching change.
“Players talk about it, and I don’t think anybody will leave,” he said. “With Coach Hawkins coming in, we’ve got a good coach. If it had been a coach nobody ever heard of, I think some of the guys would have jumped ship.”
Although Hawkins hasn’t drawn up any X’s or O’s for his new team, his trademark spread offense that averaged more than 40 points per game in his Boise State tenure already has created a buzz in the locker room.
“I’ve caught some Boise games on TV, and it will be fun,” said junior quarterback James Cox, who figures to begin spring drills at the top of the depth chart. “They throw the ball around. They spread it out. They get it downfield.”
Hawkins pointed out that in most years he has a balanced attack, it’s just that the passing game gets more attention.
“It all sounds pretty exciting,” Charles said. “He likes to throw the ball, but he also wants a strong running game. And as running backs, we’re expected to be receivers, too. I have no problem with that.”
Coaching changes can be toughest on young players, particularly freshmen who thought they would be playing for Gary Barnett throughout their career.
One such player is Maurice Lucas, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end from Rangeview who became a starter as a true freshman. He and other underclassmen are the future of the program. Now they must switch their allegiance.
“I thought I would finish as a senior and graduate with Coach Barnett,” Lucas said. “It’s pretty tough. But it happens. I’m going to stick with this program. I haven’t seen Boise, but I’ve heard about what Coach Hawkins has done. And I’m impressed.”
Another young starter, redshirt freshman offensive guard Daniel Sanders, said the past week was difficult but optimism abounds now that players have heard from their new coach.
“He seems like a real nice guy,” Sanders said. “He seems like he’s really into the team and wants us to do well. He said his first priority is for us to do good individually, to grow and become better men. He wants us to graduate and win and do better in everything we do.”
Players had no problem with Hawkins’ decision to delay his move to Boulder so he could coach Boise State against Boston College in the Dec. 28 MPC Computers Bowl in Boise. CU defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz will direct the Buffs against Clemson in the Dec. 27 Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
“I like that,” Charles said. “Coach Hankwitz has been through it all with us for the whole season.”
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
