Colorado running back Brian Lockridge this week moved to the Buffaloes’ defensive side of the ball, where he will play cornerback for the first time in his college career.
Lockridge, a senior, asked offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and defensivive coordinator Greg Brown for the change. And they agreed.
Brown said Lockridge will play Saturday against Washington.
“We need bodies,” Brown said.
In four games, Lockridge did not get a carry as a tail back. He was eager to get back on the field and help the team, he said.
“It’s just one way to contribute to the team. i can contribute — offense, defense or special teams — in some way, shape or form.
Lockridge, at 5-feet-7, 180-pounds, played in five games as a tailback last season before surgery on an injured ankle ended his year and kept him out of spring practices.
“He runs well,” CU coach Jon Embree said of Lockridge’s switch. “You just have to limit the things you have him do and go with it. I didn’t watch him too much (Tuesday). I’ll know more today.”
Last week, senior wide receiver Jason Espinoza was moved to cornerback. He also could see some action. Originally a walk-on from Alamosa High, Espinoza had a career-high 13 catches in 2009.
Footnotes
First-string center Daniel Munyer, who sprained an ankle against Colorado State and did not play against Ohio State, returned to practice wednesay in limited drills.
The redshirt freshman remains questionable for Saturday’s game against Wasshington.
