Boulder – A need for speed at wide receiver.
Colorado had it. The need part, that is.
Last fall, the Buffaloes ranked last among Big 12 Conference schools in yards per pass attempt (5.6). It wasn’t all the quarterbacks’ fault.
“The No. 1 recruiting priority for us was to get guys who can run and stretch the field,” said Eric Kiesau, CU’s receivers coach and passing game coordinator.
Although a recruiting class shouldn’t be judged until two or three seasons have passed, Kiesau believes the mission was accomplished. Each of the three wide receivers signed by CU is turning heads – including those of defensive backs as they watch them whiz by.
Josh Smith, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound blur from Moorpark, Calif., averaged 22.7 yards per catch as a high school senior. He ran sprints for the track team and set a school record in the long jump at 23 feet.
Kendrick Celestine, a 6-foot, 190-pounder, clocked a career-best 10.6 seconds for the 100 meters at Mamou (La.) High School. He averaged 20.8 yards per catch as a senior.
The highest-rated of trio, Markques Simas, is not regarded as a speedster. But Simas, a Californian rated the third-best receiver in the West last year by SuperPrep, can get downfield and is adept at using his sturdy 6-2, 195-pound frame to outreach smaller cornerbacks. He averaged 19.5 yards per catch as a senior, 21.3 as a junior.
During the Tuesday morning practice session, Smith nabbed two long passes from freshman quarterback Matt Ballenger and outraced the defender to the end zone.
“I feel like I’m trying to ‘get to the house’ every time,” Smith said.
CU coach Dan Hawkins reacted to the big gains like a kid spotting his first bicycle under the Christmas tree.
“I love the longball. I do,” Hawkins said. “As I’ve kind of come along in this game, I think you have to pound it (on the ground) and launch it. That’s just my style.
“Clearly, you’ve got three guys that are knocking on the door. They all have traits that they are bringing to the table.”
With the trio supplying so much playmaking ability, CU’s veteran wideouts must be looking over their shoulders wondering if they will lose playing time to the youngsters. Last year the Buffs seemed to have a roster full of possession receivers.
“That’s why we brought these guys in,” Kiesau said. “They can run. They can get vertical downfield.”
That’s not to say Simas, Celestine and Smith are polished and ready for the opening bell.
“Basically, if I can get the plays down and not have to think about it, it will be all good,” said Celestine, who arrived a day late after missing a flight from Baton Rouge.
“It’s one thing to have speed. But you have to know where to go to catch it.”
Footnotes
Hawkins called Tuesday’s afternoon session “one of the best practices we’ve had since I’ve been here in so many ways.” … As expected, defensive end Drew Hudgins has been ruled out for the season. Hudgins, who had 19 sacks last season at Highland Community College in Kansas, tore an Achilles tendon this summer. … Walk-on receiver Steve Melton opened some eyes in the morning session with a circus catch. He played junior college ball last year after beginning his career at UCLA. Another invited walk-on, offensive lineman Joe Fruechtel, began at Army. … Today’s morning session is followed by media day.
Staff writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
