Boulder – As expected, Colorado redshirt-freshman Cody Hawkins, son of CU head coach Dan Hawkins, was named the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback for the Sept. 1 opener against Colorado State at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Cody received the news during a team meeting Saturday evening. The announcement was made public this morning after a 90-minute practice.
Cody Hawkins was chosen over Nick Nelson, a junior-college transfer from California, because Hawkins has been more consistent, offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said.
Unfortunately, the new starting quarterback likely will enter the season without the team’s most explosive wide receiver. Freshman wideout Josh Smith, one of the stars of fall camp, was hospitalized for observation Saturday after suffering a bruised kidney earlier that day in a morning scrimmage.
CU trainer Miguel Rueda said it is doubtful that Smith will be cleared to play in the opener against CSU. Smith is listed as out indefinitely.
“Losing J-Fly, that’s going to be big obviously,” Cody Hawkins said. “He brings a lot of energy, and a lot of play-making ability.”
CU also announced that junior inside linebacker Marcus Burton will miss the season due to academics.
The biggest surprises on the new depth chart could be redshirt-freshman Scotty McKnight being listed at No. 1 z-receiver, and Idaho transfer Daniel Dykes being listed as a co-starter with senior Lionel Harris at strong safety. A true freshman is listed as the back-up at all five positions on the offensive line.
Staff Writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
