BOULDER — It’s been nearly three weeks since Colorado running back Rodney “Speedy” Stewart has felt like himself on the field. But Tuesday, the CU sophomore said he’s turned the corner.
Stewart participated in his most extensive practice since injuring his left hamstring Aug. 13 and came out of it all smiles.
“It’s getting better, it’s definitely getting stronger,” Stewart said. “The issue with it last week was it’s kind of weak, so they didn’t want me practicing. But now I can make my cuts. It might hurt a little bit, but I can finish strong.”
At this point, Stewart says he’s about 80 percent healthy. By the time Sunday’s game against Colorado State rolls around, Stewart says he expects to be about 90 percent.
His health couldn’t have come at a better time. The Buffaloes want to emphasize the running game this season, and Stewart will be a big part of that. He led the team in rushing last season with 622 yards despite playing just nine games. He had three games of at least 100 yards.
Stewart then suffered a broken fibula and missed the final three games of the 2008 season.
Stewart said the hamstring might “hurt a little” during the game. “But I can play on it.”
Quarterback Cody Hawkins noticed a difference during Tuesday’s practice.
“Rodney looked good,” Hawkins said. “He’s a stud. If we can keep him healthy he’s going to be a great player for us.
“It’s funny because everyone calls him Speedy. But I think he’s quicker than he is fast, and I don’t think you don’t lose a lot of that with your hamstring. Now he’s being able to get out, cut through the holes and open up a little bit when he gets outside.”
Footnotes.
Asked if the Buffs have decided on a quarterback for Sunday, coach Dan Hawkins said, “We have two.” . . .
Tuesday was the last day of practice in full pads for the Buffs. “It was awesome,” Hawkins said. “I thought the tempo was great, guys handled it well and it was good.” . . . Hawkins, on the status of the team going into Sunday’s game: “I think we’re peaking at the right time, bodies are coming together and the game plan is coming together and a lot of guys starting to feel like their legs are underneath them. We’re right on schedule.”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
