Ball security. A point of emphasis for the CU offense during spring drills was for the quarterbacks to minimize “unforced errors.” Cody Hawkins threw only two interceptions combined in spring practices, scrimmages and Saturday’s finale. One of those picks bounced off a receiver’s chest.
Linebacker a jinxed position? Back are sophomore Michael Sipili (season- long suspension) and Marcus Burton (academically ineligible in 2007), but the 2008 availability of touted freshman Lynn Katoa is unclear (indefinite suspension) and junior-to-be Jake Duren was dismissed from the team. Improved play from sophomore-to- be B.J. Beatty was encouraging this spring, but the Buffs may need immediate help from two or three incoming signees in August.
Inexperience on the O-line. Senior- to-be center Daniel Sanders and sophomore right tackle Ryan Miller could be joined by as many as three new starters, depending on what happens at the guard positions. At the same time, the size, athleticism and skill level has improved substantially across the board.
Who will man the corners? With all the strong-armed quarterbacks returning in the Big 12 Conference, it’s a scary thought that CU must replace both starting cornerbacks — with Terrence Wheatley getting ready for the NFL draft and Benjamin Burney expected to redshirt this fall after undergoing multiple offseason surgeries. Senior Gardner McKay and junior Cha’pelle Brown might be pushed by several underclassmen in August drills.
Return game. Colorado lost its regular returners from last season. But redshirt freshman Jason Espinoza, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound walk-on from Alamosa, turned heads returning punts in the spring, and sophomore-to-be wideout Josh Smith looked explosive returning kickoffs. Rodney Stewart, a 5-8, 185-pound incoming freshman tailback with sprinter’s speed, is expected to make an immediate impact this fall.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
