BOULDER, Colo.-
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback hopeful Nick Nelson doesn’t view his competition as the coach’s kid.
“I see him as just a name,” Nelson said.
But that name turned in a solid performance in the Buffaloes’ final scrimmage of the spring Saturday at Folsom Field. Cody Hawkins, son of head coach Dan Hawkins, completed 12 of 20 passes for 119 yards, one touchdown and an interception in his bid to become the starting quarterback next fall.
Dan Hawkins won’t officially anoint a starter until August, so Nelson has a chance to catch up.
Nelson, a junior college transfer, arrived at Colorado in January and is still learning the system. Cody Hawkins, who redshirted last season, has had time to absorb the offense.
“I can write every play down on paper, but it all looks so different on the field,” said Nelson, who completed 3 of 10 passes for 30 yards and one interception Saturday. “I played all right. Cody had a real good day.”
Dan Hawkins thought they both had work to do before the season opener against Colorado State in Denver on Sept. 1.
“They both had some moments on both ends of the spectrum,” the Buffaloes coach said. “But they’re learning. I think they showed some signs of being able to run the club.”
Cody Hawkins views himself as the No. 1 quarterback. He’s not being arrogant; it’s just his approach.
“If you aren’t going at every practice saying, ‘I’m the No. 1 guy’ then you don’t have the utmost confidence in yourself,” he said. “I feel I have a great shot to win the QB job, but so does Nick.”
The competition is a friendly one. When Nelson needs help, he doesn’t hesitate to ask Cody Hawkins. Right now, though, he’s looking forward to getting his head in the playbook over the summer.
“I’m not as comfortable as I need to be,” said Nelson, who led Saddleback Community College in California to an 11-1 record last season. “But I’ll get it done.”
Especially with Cody Hawkins pushing him.
“I think me and Nick both did well (Saturday),” he said. “The competition is going to get hot. But whoever wins is going to be an awesome quarterback.”
There’s a big part of Bernard Jackson that wants to still play quarterback. But he’s accepted his new role. Jackson, who started 11 games last season, will be moved to a hybrid role to take advantage of his athleticism. He’ll line up at quarterback, in the backfield and at receiver this season.
“If that’s what they need then I’m the man for it,” said Jackson, who rushed for 82 yards and had a 37-yard touchdown run Saturday. “I’ll accept my role on the team and roll with it.”
The Buffaloes envision Jackson playing an integral role on offense.
“We’d all be stupid if we weren’t trying to get him the ball as much as we could,” Cody Hawkins said. “He’s given his heart and soul to this team.”
Cody Hawkins may have the inside track to the starting job. He knows the system. He knows the players. He knows what his dad expects.
However, he doesn’t see the coach as his father when he’s playing.
“There’s no dad on the field,” the son said with a grin. “Sometimes coach and sometimes, ‘Hey, guy.’ But definitely not dad.”
If Hawkins earns the starting job, he’ll be putting his winning streak on the line. Dating back to Pop Warner football in sixth grade, he’s 59-0 in games he’s started.
“I just need to keep doing the necessary work,” he said. “Hopefully, it works out for me.”
And if it does, Nelson will have no complaints. He feels like he’s getting a fair chance, even if he’s going up against the coach’s son.
“They’re making everything even,” Nelson said. “We’ll both be working hard and whoever gets the job, gets the job.”
Notes:@ Two-time All-America kicker Mason Crosby was the 25th player in CU history to have his name and number enshrined on the press box facing. “It’s awesome to be in the stadium forever,” Crosby said. … Denver Broncos tight end Daniel Graham attended the game. The former Buffaloes star won the John Mackey award—given to the nation’s top tight end—in 2001. … Cody Crawford blocked a punt by Tom Suazo and Patrick Williams ran it in for a 16-yard touchdown in the spring game. … Hugh Charles had three kickoff returns for 98 yards. Jackson had three returns for 96 yards.
