Here’s an overview of where Colorado stands under new coach Jon Embree and his staff after spring drills, taking into account injured players who could not participate and incoming signees due to arrive in August. Player’s class standing is as of this fall.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: For the first time in his college career, senior Tyler Hansen doesn’t have to look over his shoulder for Cody Hawkins. It shows. Hansen looked more relaxed and confident than ever during the spring. The downside is that Hansen hasn’t been pushed. Redshirt freshman Nick Hirschman still appears raw, and junior college transfer Brent Burnett has struggled. Incoming freshman Stevie Joe Dorman will have an opportunity to show what he can do in the fall.
Running back: One of the goals of the spring was to develop some depth behind starter Rodney “Speedy” Stewart and Brian Lockridge, who was held out of the spring as he recovers from ankle surgery. Tony Jones, a small (5-foot-7, 180) but strong redshirt freshman from New Jersey power Don Bosco Prep, impressed with his north-south running style, and on Saturday he took a screen pass and broke tackles for a 31-yard gain. Sophomore walk-on Josh Ford, a former Mullen athlete, scampered for a 56-yard touchdown Saturday against defensive reserves and could figure in. But the opportunity is there for incoming recruits Malcolm Creer and Rashad Hall.
Tight end: One of the deepest positions on the team, with senior Ryan Deehan backed up by several talented youngsters, including sophomore DaVaughn Thornton (Denver East) and redshirt freshman Kyle Slavin (Chatfield). Slavin caught a touchdown pass Saturday.
Wide receiver: Scotty McKnight is gone, but Colorado can build around budding star Paul Richardson, who caught 34 passes last season for 514 yards and six TDs. With senior Toney Clemons, who missed most of the spring with a hamstring pull, the Buffs may have one of the Pac-12’s top wideout tandems. They are among the team’s fastest players. Senior Kyle Cefalo and junior Will Jefferson will get their opportunities, and redshirt freshman Keenan Canty caught a TD pass Saturday.
Offensive line: All-American and Outland Trophy finalist Nate Solder must be replaced at left tackle. Fortunately, sophomore David Bakhtiari (6-4, 295) was able to move over from right tackle, where he was a starter last fall. Former Chaparral all-stater Jack Harris (6-5, 295) looked solid at right tackle. Guards Ryan Miller and Ethan Adkins are back as seniors, and redshirt freshman Daniel Munyer got a ton of reps during the spring at center while returning starter Mike Iltis rehabbed a repaired knee.
Place-kicker: This has been a continuing concern since Mason Crosby headed off to the Green Bay Packers following the 2006 season. Justin Castor, a sophomore from Arvada West, made just two of his first six field-goal attempts Saturday before converting his next three, from 41, 49 and 51 yards. Embree has already said incoming freshman Will Oliver of Los Angeles will get a shot, and a walk-on could factor in.
DEFENSE
Defensive line: There’s some experienced depth, but a sophomore, defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe (6-3, 240), is a future star to build around. Exceptionally quick out of the blocks, he might have had a couple of sacks Saturday if quarterbacks hadn’t been off-limits. Also rising this spring was senior Conrad Obi at nose tackle. With veteran tackles Will Pericak and Curtis Cunningham and defensive ends Josh Hartigan and Forrest West, this can be a solid unit.
Linebacker: Junior “sam” (outside) linebacker Jon Major looks to have a breakout year. CU may need him to play to the level of the Pac-12’s upper echelon, because for the first time in several years, this unit lacks proven depth. Senior Patrick Mahnke, who played his first two seasons at safety, ended the spring as the starter at “will” (outside) linebacker. A pleasant surprise has been the development of junior Doug Rippy at “mike” (inside) linebacker. He will be in a battle with sophomore Derrick Webb in the fall. Liloa Nobriga showed potential last fall but was sidelined with a hamstring injury during the spring. It would not come as a surprise if incoming freshmen Brady Daigh (Mullen) and Woodson Greer (Carson, Calif.) get a shot in August.
Defensive back: Cornerback has been a strength of the defense for several years. Now, this could be the weakest unit of a rebuilding program. Former Wheat Ridge star Parker Orms had been pegged as a nickel back but is listed on the official spring-game depth chart as a starting cornerback — and he was held out of the spring. A terrific opportunity awaits a trio of incoming freshman cornerbacks. Safety is solid, with returning starters Ray Polk and Anthony Perkins, backed up by senior Travis Sandersfeld.
Punter: Sophomore Zach Grossnickle got off a good punt early in Saturday’s spring game. However, Grossnickle must continue to show more consistency to hold off expected competition during August drills.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
