BOULDER — It’s a good thing the Colorado football team has game tape of California’s 52-3, opening-game victory over Cal-Davis. Otherwise, Bears freshman wide receiver Keenan Allen might blow by the Buffaloes’ secondary without CU realizing the burst he has.
All the former five-star recruit did in his first college game was catch four passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, rush three times for 38 yards and another touchdown, and return a kickoff 18 yards.
Colorado (1-0) plays California (1-0) on Saturday in Berkeley. The Buffs’ defense had better account for the explosive newcomer.
“(Allen) looked great on film,” CU senior cornerback Jalil Brown said Tuesday. “You could tell he was confident he was going to make some plays.”
Allen, 6-feet-3 and 195 pounds, is from Greensboro, N.C., and originally gave an oral commitment to Alabama before switching to Cal on national signing day in February. ranked him No. 5 among the nation’s top prospects for all positions.
California coach Jeff Tedford said Tuesday during his weekly news conference in Berkeley that he was not surprised by Allen’s spectacular debut.
“He’s a very good football player, no question about it,” Tedford said. “It’s one game, though, so we have to make sure not to get too carried away with it.”
Speaking Tuesday during his media luncheon in Boulder, CU coach Dan Hawkins said California possesses top-shelf speed throughout its roster.
“They have great team speed everywhere on defense. And obviously on offense they’ve got some weapons,” Hawkins said.
Friendly cheers.
Colorado has sold out its allotment of 4,000 tickets for Saturday’s road game. CU officials expect 7,000 or more Buffs fans in Cal’s Memorial Stadium, including CU supporters who purchase tickets through regular outlets.
“It will be nice for our guys to have some sliver of support,” Hawkins said. “I think all that stuff helps you.”
Familiar face.
Hawkins doesn’t need to call around to get a feel for Cal senior quarterback Kevin Riley. Hawkins knows him and his family well. Hawkins tried to sign the 6-2, 224-pounder, who played high school football in the Portland, Ore., area.
“I think he’s a very, very good player and a very competitive guy, a very smart guy,” Hawkins said. “I think he’s highly underrated.”
Footnotes.
Hawkins said redshirt freshman punter Zach Grossnickle will continue to use the rugby-style technique on occasion. “I think anytime you move the pocket, that gives the (opponent’s) punt return team something to think about,” the CU coach said. “(Grossnickle) actually kicks it better that way.” . . . Hawkins said sophomore defensive tackle Nate Bonsu and junior guard Eric Richter likely will redshirt this season. Bonsu is still recovering from knee surgery. Richter is among eight junior offensive linemen on the CU roster and this will help even out the class numbers.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
