BOULDER — Colorado’s preparation this week to play Oklahoma for the first time since 2007 conjures up visions of the previous meeting, when Buffs quarterback Cody Hawkins rode the shoulders of delirious fans at Folsom Field to celebrate a come- from-behind, 27-24 victory over the third-ranked Sooners.
Cody’s father was early into his second season at CU and, on that day, Dan Hawkins looked like a tremendous coaching hire for the program. Colorado’s rally from a 17-point deficit tied for the fourth-largest comeback in school history.
CU made national headlines and was the talk of “SportsCenter.” The future appeared bright.
It’s amazing how fortunes can turn. Three years later, with Colorado (3-4, 0-3 Big 12) having lost three straight and Dan Hawkins sitting at 19-37 into his fifth season, it feels like a foregone conclusion that Colorado will make a coaching change. So this might be a good time to analyze the team roster and see what the Buffs will have coming back next year — for whoever is at the helm.
On Saturday after Colorado blew a 10-point lead to Texas Tech for yet another disheartening defeat, Hawkins said he believes the team has “a lot of good young players here . . . a good core of those kids.”
Let’s examine.
Quarterback:
Incumbent starter Tyler Hansen will be a senior next season, and coaches like the potential of Nick Hirschman (6-feet-3, 225 pounds), who is built like a conventional dropback passer and will be a redshirt freshman. Also, Job One of the new coaching staff will be to convince Valor Christian quarterback Brock Berglund to believe in the new regime and keep his oral commitment to the school. Status: This position could be OK if Berglund, a tremendous athlete, stays with the Buffs.
Running back:
Junior tailback Rodney “Speedy” Stewart is having his best season (ranking fifth among Big 12 rushers with 93.1 yards per game), but the 5-6, 175-pounder needs help. Coaches like the three freshman tailbacks who are redshirting. But none was considered a high school blue-chipper. Status: A critical need in recruiting.
Receivers:
Scotty McKnight, the school’s all-time leader in catches, will be missed. But with another year from Toney Clemons and the emergence of freshman Paul Richardson into a budding star, the Buffs will have some weapons. But to keep up with high-flying Pac-12 teams beginning next year, another playmaker and much more depth are needed. Tight end has some young talent. Status: Needs bolstering.
Offensive line:
The only starter leaving will be left tackle Nate Solder, but he’s the best player. It’s a veteran group that never seems to perform to its potential, although recent performances have been solid. Encouraging has been the play of right tackle David Bakhtiari, a redshirt freshman who weekly grades as high as anybody on the unit except Solder. Status: Important area in recruiting.
Defensive line:
Everybody except senior defensive end Marquez Herrod will return next season, and younger players have taken playing time from Herrod. Status: This will remain one of the team’s strongest units in 2011, but in the future it could use more size, especially at defensive tackle.
Linebacker:
Senior starters Michael Sipili and B.J. Beatty will be gone, and part-time starter Tyler Ahles will be a senior. There is some young talent behind them but none has stood out, and CU needs junior college transfer Evan Harrington to have a big final season in 2011. Status: Critical need in recruiting.
Secondary:
Cornerbacks Jim-my Smith and Jalil Brown will depart, but at least some experience will return at safety with Anthony Perkins and Ray Polk. Two freshman safeties, Terrel Smith and Jared Bell, show promise for the future, with Bell possibly moving to corner. The return of Parker Orms from injury will be welcomed. But in an era of nickel and dime packages, particularly in the Pac-12, there doesn’t appear to be nearly enough depth. Status: Frightening thought lining up against the Pac-12’s seemingly NFL-ready QBs without Smith and Brown.
Special teams:
Unless there is dramatic improvement, the talent among kickers and punters in the program does not stack up with that of other teams. And regardless of talent level, there have been too many mental mistakes, including the coverage units. Status: Complete overhaul is needed.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
