Boulder – Yep, the return of Michael Sipili and Chris Perri is sure to add some punch to the Colorado defense.
Sipili and Perri expect to hear smart-alecky references to their three-game suspensions – especially from fans of opposing teams – for participating in an offcampus fight June 16. They figure they can handle whatever comes their way. They’ll be too busy to care Saturday once they enter Folsom Field to play Miami (Ohio).
“I’m excited, and I’m also mad (at myself),” said Sipili, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault Sept. 6. “I worked hard in the spring to get ready and then I let my teammates, the coaches and the whole university down.”
The sophomore middle linebacker, a 6-foot-1, 250-pounder from Hawaii, already is penciled in as a starter. R.J. Brown took Sipili’s place in the lineup but suffered a concussion against Florida State last week and is doubtful for Saturday’s game.
As a true freshman in 2006, Sipili made two starts (against Missouri and Nebraska) and earned freshman All-America honorable mention from The Sporting News after recording 31 tackles.
CU linebackers coach Brian Cabral said Sipili brings “toughness.”
Teammates know neither player will shy away from making the play.
“If you hear a loud pop during the game, it will probably be Sipili hitting somebody. Or it might be Perri,” cornerback Terrence Wheatley said. “The other team will know those guys are out there.”
Perri, a junior college transfer, is listed as the backup nose guard behind Brandon Nicolas but also practices at defensive end. Coach Dan Hawkins called Perri (6-3, 270) a “very aggressive defensive lineman.”
Perri notched nine quarterback sacks last fall at Laney (Junior) College in Oakland, Calif. Possessing quick feet, he played three games at linebacker at San Jose State in 2005 before getting hurt. He still is waiting to hear on a request for a medical redshirt.
“I’m relieved that (the suspension) is over and I can help the team on the field and not just in practice,” said Perri, who would have three years of eligibility if he is granted the medical redshirt. “It was a good lesson to be learned. You can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ve become more conscientious.”
Perri also was involved in a scuffle with teammate Taj Kaynor in early July.
Perri expects to play inside during passing situations, where he can be another pass rusher. In running situations, he could be used more on the outside, where he becomes a more physical defensive end than starters Maurice Lucas and Alonzo Barrett.
“Coaches want me to create some havoc when I’m in there,” Perri said.
Footnote
Miami coach Shane Montgomery announced sophomore quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh will start ahead of senior Mike Kokal. Raudabaugh came off the bench and passed for 240 yards and a touchdown last week in the RedHawks’ 47-10 loss to Cincinnati.
Staff writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
