Boulder – Although most true freshmen have been on campus since early summer, Colorado’s first official practice felt different.
This was for real.
“Yeah, it’s exciting to get going,” said Sione Tau, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive tackle from Honolulu. Tau and others in his class definitely passed the eye test, CU coach Dan Hawkins said Monday morning after a two-hour workout that involved the newcomers.
They were joined by the veteran players for a 2-1/2-hour practice late Monday afternoon.
“I thought guys looked pretty comfortable,” Hawkins said. “That’s a good sign for them. And it’s a credit to our coaches doing a good job with those guys.”
Working out with teammates during the summer gives true freshmen a jump on things,” Hawkins said.
“They just have a better feel for what’s going on,” Hawkins said. “They’re ‘climatized.’ Every newcomer (who doesn’t come in early) has no idea how much they run and the intensity you need at this level.”
Among the true freshmen, Hawkins singled out the offensive linemen and wide receivers Markques Simas and Josh Smith as having already caught his eye.
“Size and athleticism, you see that,” Hawkins said.
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or .
