BOULDER — Speaking Tuesday during his weekly media luncheon, Colorado coach Dan Hawkins said California’s team speed has the attention of the CU staff.
The Bears (1-0) play at a faster gear than Colorado State did on Saturday against the Buffaloes.
“Yeah, a lot (faster),” Hawkins said. “On defense, particularly, their D-line is very, very explosive, and they will attack you. They have great team speed everywhere on defense, it’s not just (having) big guys inside. They’re very aggressive the way they come at you.
“Obviously, on offense they’ve got some weapons. All their skill guys can run. That will definitely be a step up (from CSU’s team speed).”
Friendly fans. Colorado has sold out its allotment of 4,000 tickets for Saturday road game. CU officials expect 7,000 or more Buff fans in attendance, including CU supporters who purchased tickets through regular outlets.
“It’s nice to have at least some voice in the crowd, for sure,” Hawkins said. “(In most road games) you make a spectacular play and it’s deathly quiet. But if (the opponent) makes a good play, it’s overwhelmingly yelling.
“It will be nice for our guys to have some sliver of support. I think all that stuff helps you.”
Familiar face. Hawkins doesn’t need to call around to get a feel for California’s senior quarterback, Kevin Riley. Hawkins knows him and his family well.
A 6-foot-2, 224-pounder, Riley played high school football in the Portland, Ore., area. He was a recruiting target of CU.
“We recruited the heck out of Kevin out of high school,” Hawkins said. “I think he’s a very, very good player and a very competitive guy, a very smart guy, a very heady. I think he’s highly underrated.”
Riley threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions Saturday in the 52-3 romp over UC Davis. Riley gave way to his backup early in the second half.
Rugby anyone? Hawkins said to expect redshirt-freshman punter Zach Grossnickle to continue to use the rugby-style technique for at least some of his punts.
“We were a little inconsistent in that,” Hawkins said of the season opener against CSU. “But I think anytime you move pocket, that gives the (opponent’s) punt return team something to think about. (But) I think you have to make sure you fit it right.
“(Grossnickle) actually kicks it better that way,” Hawkins added. “I think it’s a more natural stroke for him. So it’s good for him. For (the team), we just need him to directionally spread the thing around a little bit.”
Redshirting. Hawkins said sophomore defensive tackle Nate Bonsu and junior offensive guard Eric Richter likely will redshirt this season.
Bonsu is coming off knee surgery. Richter, a junior-college transfer, is among eight junior offensive linemen on the roster. Holding Richter back a year will help even out the class numbers.
Trio to replace Orms. Junior safety Tyler Sandersfeld will be the primary replacement at nickel back for Parker Orms, the redshirt-freshman from Wheat Ridge who was lost for the season with a torn ACL of his right knee early in the first quarter of the 24-3 victory over Colorado State on Saturday. But Dan Hawkins said juniors Jonathan Hawkins and Patrick Mahnke also could be used as the nickel.
Jonathan Hawkins is listed as a cornerback. Mahnke is a 6-1, 205-pound linebacker, having switched from safety during spring drills.
Dan Hawkins nodded an affirmative when asked if that meant Orms would be replaced “by committee.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
