To Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins, spring practice is more about training than auditioning for a position. Starting jobs are won in August, not in April.
“I’ve never said after spring, ‘Hey, you’re the guy. Have a nice summer!’ ” Hawkins explained. “Let’s get into fall camp, see some guys make plays and sort it out then.”
That doesn’t mean Hawkins views the 15 spring practices as meaningless. On the contrary, he will be looking for players eager to get in the mix and willing to put in the work to make that happen.
It’s also time to polish fundamentals, try a few players at new positions and perhaps add to the playbook. Colorado (6-7 with an In-dependence Bowl trip) showed vast improvement over Hawkins’ inaugural 2006 season (2-10), but the Buffaloes still finished with a losing record.
“We will be emphasizing all the little things that make teams great,” Hawkins said.
Spring drills begin Monday and conclude with the April 19 spring game. Regular practices typically begin at 4 p.m. and are open to the public.
Here are five issues that will garner special attention:
Concern at cornerback
The departure of stalwart Terrence Wheatley and the uncertainty over the health of senior-to-be Benjamin Burney (multiple offseason shoulder and knee surgeries) make this an area of concern, especially considering the plethora of talented Big 12 quarterbacks.
Coaches are anxious to see if redshirt freshmen Anthony Wright, Lamont Smith and Anthony Perkins can challenge veterans Gardner McKay and Cha’pelle Brown.
Sorting out the linebackers
The return of former starter Michael Sipili (suspension in 2007) and Marcus Burton (academic ineligibility) along with blue-chip freshman Lynn Katoa should help soften the loss of Butkus Award finalist Jordon Dizon.
Katoa’s availability is in question after his arrest Friday in connection with a second-degree assault in February.
And Hawkins said he believes former walk-on Jeff Smart has a bright future.
Who’s the left tackle?
Getting the first crack to replace Tyler Polumbus will be 2007 starting right tackle Ryan Miller, redshirt freshman Sione Tau and 6-foot-8, 270-pound Nate Solder, who was moved from tight end.
A 280-pound fullback?
Hawkins said last year’s starting left guard, Kai Maiava (6-0, 295), can become a difference-maker at fullback after the nimble-footed Hawaiian drops a few pounds.
Any challengers for Cody at QB?
Although the sophomore-to-be threw for 3,000 yards last season, Dan Hawkins said his son needs some competition.
Redshirt freshman Matt Ballenger will get a chance to show something.
Two players arrested in separate incidents
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
