Boulder – What could have been a nasty competition this spring to become Colorado’s starting quarterback turned downright collegial, a credit to all involved, considering the awkward mix of competing interests.
Consider this:
One of the contenders, redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins, is the older son of the head coach, Dan Hawkins.
Another contender, Nick Nelson, arrived in December from a California junior college hoping to be the new sheriff in town.
And last year’s starter, Bernard Jackson, became the odd man out entering his senior year, getting switched early on to a “Slash” role, which includes wide receiver/running back/kick returner and very few snaps as a quarterback. Despite the potential for controversy, the three have gotten along well. If team chemistry translates into wins, the Buffs should be better than last season, when they went 2-10.
“There are probably so many places where people might call it a ‘friendly competition’ just because two guys don’t hate each other,” Cody said. “But me and Nick hang out together. We help out each other. It has made us both better people.
“And ‘B-Jack’ is the man. He’s probably the best kid we have on our team. He’s a great leader.”
Part of being a leader is accepting the change that will have Jackson lining up down the line instead of behind center.
“I’m not going to lie; it came as a shock,” said Jackson, who started the final 11 games last fall. “I like playing quarterback. My heart was there. But I’m not a guy who is going to complain. I never thought about transferring or being a cancer on the team.”
Spring practices conclude Saturday at Folsom Field with a 1 p.m. “Spring Game” that will be an offense-vs.-defense scrimmage because there aren’t enough healthy bodies for two complete teams. It’s open to the public.
“It’s going to be fun being out there,” Nelson said. “We’ve had a good spring. I’m real excited about what I’ve seen.”
The coaching staff relieved some pressure by announcing early in camp that the battle between Nelson and Hawkins would not be decided in the spring but carry over into preseason drills in August.
Jackson is by far the most athletic of the trio, having ranked second on the team in rushing last season, in addition to passing for 1,298 yards. But he struggled throwing the ball. Hawkins and Nelson are regarded as better pocket passers who hope to improve substantially on last fall’s .469 completion percentage.
Jackson happily answers to the nickname of “Slash,” a reference to the duties of former CU quarterback Kordell Stewart when he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jackson insists his switch this spring to jersey No. 10 is purely coincidental, although Stewart made it popular in these parts. Jackson wore that number in high school.
“We need to get his hands on the ball as much as we can,” Hawkins said of Jackson. “He’s electric.”
Apparently, Jackson has added cheerleader to his list of duties. Whenever Hawkins or Nelson needs some encouragement, Jackson is the first to offer a pat on the back.
“Nick and Cody are both bright,” Jackson said, when asked his assessment of the quarterback battle. “Nick has come a long way for just being here a semester. He’s exceptional at decision-making. Cody just makes plays. He doesn’t complain that he’s not taller (listed at 5-feet-11). He just goes out and plays.
“They both know where to go with the ball. It’s something coaches are looking for. Guys on the team are feeding off that.”
Dan Hawkins isn’t saying whether either quarterback contender has pulled ahead this spring.
“We keep throwing stuff at them,” Hawkins said. “At the end of the day, it’s asking: ‘Can this guy move the club? Can this guy drive the club and score points?”‘
Nelson said he has not detected any favoritism between Coach Hawkins and quarterback Hawkins. In fact, Nelson said Dan might be a little harder on Cody.
Cody said he doesn’t have to think twice about answering “Coach” instead of “Dad.”
“Calling him Dad got tossed out the window the moment I put my signature down,” he said of his decision to follow his father to CU.
Staff writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
Cody Hawkins
Redshirt freshman, 5-feet-11, 190 pounds
2006: Ran the scout team last fall.
2007 spring scrimmages: 12-for-21 (.571) for 195 yards, one TD, one INT.
Honors: Named Idaho’s 2005 Gatorade player of the year.
Nick Nelson
Junior (junior-college transfer), 6-feet-1, 220 pounds
2006: Threw for 2,241 yards and 18 touchdowns for Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif.
2007 spring scrimmages: 15-for-31 (.484) for 156 yards and one TD, with no interceptions.
Personal: Ranked by SuperPrep as seventh-best junior college QB in ’06.
TOM KENSLER
