Boulder – Waiting was the hardest part.
Being attentive in meetings, energized in practice and generally hungry to be included in Colorado’s regular running back rotation come fall have been the easiest parts for Mell Holliday.
As a result, the 5-foot-8, 205- pound senior has been one of the biggest hits in the spring, running for more yards than any back with at least five carries, and for a better average. That and an insatiable desire to learn and to prove he’s ready have Holliday listed as the No. 2 back on the first depth chart released Monday by first-year CU coach Dan Hawkins. Junior Hugh Charles, the Buffaloes’ leading rusher last year, is the starter.
“He’s a hard-nosed runner, he’s physical in pass protection, and every time he gets a shot he stands out,” running backs coach Darian Hagan said of Holliday. “I thought it was time for him to be elevated. No one’s pushing Hugh, but he’s doing enough to where he’s opening up everybody’s eyes.”
Holliday has picked up where he left off last fall during practice, when he was quickly becoming known as the most physical runner on the roster. Through this spring’s first two scrimmages, Holliday has carried the ball 13 times for 66 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown.
Before spring practice, Holliday met with Hagan and outlined his goals – to start this season and win the Heisman Trophy.
“Just the opportunity has been the biggest surprise; that I got it from (former coach Gary) Barnett and now it’s able to keep going even though we have a new coach,” Holliday said. “And then we have somebody in Coach Hagan that lets you bring your individuality to the game. He lets you be you.”
“You” for Holliday means getting the ball and running north- and-south. Multiple line reads and cutbacks are not as big a part of this staff’s system as they were under the previous coaching staff, so Holliday is able to make a quick decision and get up the field.
“It’s a lot easier for me,” Holliday said.
Holliday was forced to miss the 2005 season because of NCAA transfer rules. He initially was cleared to play for the Buffs, but then the NCAA declared him ineligible because he hadn’t sat out a year after transferring to CU from Nebraska, even though he didn’t play football for the Huskers.
Holliday was put on scholarship in the spring and told that if he played well during spring drills, he would keep it. So far, he’s doing so.
Burl suspended again
Cornerback Gerett Burl has been suspended again for a violation of team rules and his return could be in doubt, Hawkins said.
“You ever watch that movie ‘Dumb and Dumber’? ‘So you’re saying there’s a chance.’ That would be about the chance he’s going to get right there,” Hawkins said. “Emphasis would be on indefinitely, which sort of is synonymous with infinitely and maybe even eternal.”
Burl, who will be a senior this fall, returned to practice April 3 after a two-week suspension. He was a starter last season, finishing fifth on the team in tackles with 61, and was second with 14 passes broken up.
Footnotes
Of note on the Buffs’ depth chart is a tie between Bernard Jackson and Brian White as first- team quarterbacks. Hawkins said he likely will not name the starter until summer camp. … Star kicker Mason Crosby was named to the Playboy preseason All-America team for the second consecutive year. … Sophomore walk-on wide receiver Tim Lemon has left the team.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
