BOULDER — Colorado’s sophomores now are wise enough to know they really didn’t know anything when they reported to camp last August.
“When there’s a lot you don’t know, it’s hard to use your full ability when you have to think about so many things,” sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith said last week.
A year of maturity, the implementation of the no-huddle offense and the much-anticipated arrival of Big 12 preseason newcomer of the year Darrell Scott — and not-to-be-overshadowed fellow tailback recruit Ray Polk — create a different atmosphere. Year 3 of the Dan Hawkins reign begins Tuesday morning, when newcomers take the field for their first practice.
“I don’t know if ‘settled in’ is the right word,” said sophomore quarterback Cody Hawkins, who fully appreciates the task at hand.
A year ago, he showed a senior’s poise in the comeback overtime win against Colorado State and savored a YouTube, rush-the-field moment when the Buffs knocked off then-No. 3 Oklahoma.
CU also watched leads evaporate in a 6-7 season.
“We’re older, more mature now,” Hawkins said. “Last year, we had young guys like me playing as freshmen.”
He was also throwing to freshmen. Scotty McKnight, a former walk-on, paced the receiving corps with 43 catches. Josh Smith led the Buffs in receiving yards per catch at 19.6.
“Cody shows a great deal of leadership in every aspect of the game and our team,” Smith said. “I don’t want to say the difference between this year and last year will be familiarity, but there’s familiarity, and a little more experience and confidence.”
Smith cites Big 12 heavy favorite Missouri showing its experience when the Tigers dismantled CU 55-10.
“The guys at Missouri had the team-bonding thing down,” Smith said. “I’m sure that team already is buying into that whole thing. Our team’s chemistry is building up very well.”
Smith traced some freshman frailties to everyone coming in as the star of his high school team. Now, he said, they’re playing for one another.
“It’s not an individual game, there is an understanding that usually just comes with being older,” he said.
There’s still a fast learning curve for the no-huddle implemented last spring.
“They threw us into the pool and told us to swim,” Cody Hawkins said.
Polk made a big impression during the 7-on-7 workouts during the summer.
“Hopefully, he and Darrell get together and learn that offense. I feel like there will be big things between the two of them along with (returning sophomore) Demetrius Sumler,” Smith said. “With those threats it will open up the passing game. A lot more people will put more in the box and there will be less stress on me at wideout because of their ability.”
Besides more wins, Smith, who had 23 catches last season, has the unfinished business of scoring his first touchdown at CU. And if Scott (who is his nephew) crosses the goal line first?
“There’s an understanding between me and Darrell, same since junior year (in high school),” Smith said. “I always felt he’s the thunder and I’m the lightning. He’s pretty much the guy, and I’m there to help him in the clutch.”
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
