Boulder – It’s too bad Colorado’s veteran offensive line doesn’t carry a beastly nickname like “Hogs” or “Big Uglies.”
Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich refers to CU’s up-front blockers as the “training wheels” of the offense.
Training wheels?
Actually, Helfrich couldn’t bestow a better compliment. He expects the offensive line to provide a steady support for unproven quarterback James Cox and to keep the entire offense moving in the same direction.
Although Cox is a fifth-year senior, the newly named first- stringer has started only two games. CU’s offensive line, on the other hand, is one of the nation’s most experienced units.
Seniors Brian Daniels, Mark Fenton and Jack Tipton, juniors Tyler Polumbus and Edwin Harrison and sophomore Daniel Sanders have made numerous starts. Daniels (left guard) and Fenton (center) are candidates for all-Big 12 Conference honors. Fenton aims to become a repeat all-league honoree.
Returning so much experience in one unit doesn’t happen often, but for the Buffs, the timing couldn’t be better.
“There’s kind of a training- wheels feeling of knowing the guys we have are there to help inexperienced quarterbacks,” Helfrich said Tuesday. “That’s a huge thing.
“Our offensive line can provide the kind of leadership that normally you’d expect from a quarterback. We have to jump on their back and have them carry us. That’s where we are.”
Helfrich said Cox won’t be expected to perform “like Superman.” Cox can succeed by making routine plays – as long as the offensive line plays up to its capabilities and remains healthy, Helfrich said.
“The guys on the offensive line can help by doing their job and staying positive when things aren’t positive,” Helfrich said. “We have to put everybody in place around the quarterback and not ask him to do anything crazy. We’re not going to ask guys to do anything they’re not capable of.”
Offensive line coach Chris Strausser said his corps has done an admirable job of adjusting to a new system.
“As much as everybody talks about us having experienced guys in the group, it’s almost more challenging for them than it is for younger guys,” Strausser said.
There’s also some pressure attached to being considered a foundation. Bring it on, Tipton said.
“I think we will be one of the strengths of this team,” said Tipton, a Pomona High School alum. “We need to be.”
Footnotes
Buffs coach Dan Hawkins said he may lift Alvin Barnett’s one-game suspension and allow the junior wideout to play in the season opener. A driving charge against Barnett in the spring was lessened from DUI to a misdemeanor, Hawkins said, adding, “And he’s done his community service.” Barnett is listed as a first-teamer on the Buffs’ current depth chart. … Guard Erick Faatagi, a junior college transfer and one of the most highly touted members of Hawkins’ first recruiting class, will redshirt. He arrived with a pre-existing knee problem and had surgery, Hawkins said. … Hawkins said there were no academic casualties among CU players who had to take summer classes.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
