BOULDER — Until a couple of weeks ago, Colorado freshman wide receiver Will Jefferson thought he might be enrolled in some California junior college by now. Instead, the 6-foot, 190-pounder was snagging passes Friday from Buffaloes quarterbacks during the first practice of August camp.
“Everything started moving kind of fast,” Jefferson said of his whirlwind recruitment. “I’m just enjoying it. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Jefferson said he caught 80 passes last season for about 1,100 yards at Vista Del Lago High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. Confusion with his transcript and the fact that he did not participate in summer camps and combines may have been the reason he was passed over during winter recruiting.
CU coach Dan Hawkins said the staff became aware of Jefferson about a month ago, and he was offered a scholarship this week. “Will has good hands. I think he can run,” Hawkins said.
Another new receiver, junior-college transfer Andre Simmons, said that Monday will likely be his first practice.
Simmons has been admitted to school, CU officials said, but can’t practice until the school receives a hard copy of his transcript.
Simmons, who caught 91 passes in two seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College, watched practice drills from behind the coaches. “It’s faster and more organized,” he said.
Footnotes.
Offensive linemen Sione Tau (fall semester suspension for breaking team rules) and Max Tuioti-Mariner (taking a two-year church mission following two ACL surgeries) are not with the team this season. . . .
Practices today are scheduled for 9:45-11:45 a.m. for the veterans and 4:30-6:30 p.m. for newcomers.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
