BOULDER — With injuries to Colorado’s secondary opening up opportunities for others, freshman cornerback Yuri Wright knows Saturday is his chance to step into the spotlight in a positive way after having been mired in controversy even before he hit campus.
Wright and first-year safety Marques Mosley are expected to get plenty of playing time against visiting Sacramento State (0-1). They will join another true freshman, Kenneth Crawley, who began the season last weekend as the starting left cornerback. Wright got his feet wet in the loss to Colorado State, logging 23 plays; Mosley drew 17 plays.
According to the school, CU never has started two true freshman cornerbacks in the same game, but that could happen Saturday with Crawley and Wright.
“After getting a little experience last week, I’m excited to get out there Saturday and help the team,” Wright said. “I’m sorry stuff happened in the past. I just had to grow from it.”
Eight months ago, Wright was expelled from his high school, New Jersey football power Don Bosco Prep, after posting insensitive tweets. Michigan, thought to be Wright’s destination, stopped recruiting him because of the tweets. That made more national news. After completing his academic requirements at another high school, the four-star prospect then picked Colorado over Notre Dame.
Those who follow recruiting knew that Wright was ranked as a national top-100 prospect (all positions). But even casual college football fans became aware of “tweet-gate.” Wright realized he could only get on with his life and show people that he can be known for something else.
“I felt there would be some pressure on me wherever I went to school, because my name has been in the news for a bunch of other stuff,” Wright said. “That (controversy) was not what I wanted to be involved in.
“When something like that happens, there’s going to be more eyes on you. So I just focused on what I had to do and not what others may think. I walk around and sometimes hear people say things about me. But I can’t let that bother me.”
Colorado (0-1) is looking for major contributions from its freshmen trio because two starters, senior safety Ray Polk and sophomore cornerback Greg Henderson, suffered ankle injuries in the season-opening loss to CSU.
Polk is ruled out for Saturday with a high-ankle sprain, which could keep him sidelined for weeks. Henderson suffered a less severe ankle sprain but, like Polk, he was wearing a protective boot at practice this week. If Henderson can’t play, Wright might be thrust into the starting lineup at right cornerback. Look for Mosley to enter the action when Colorado goes to a nickel (five defensive backs) package.
Yet another true freshman defensive back, Jeffrey Hall, did not play in the opener but is listed this week as the second-team left cornerback behind Crawley.
Without Polk, Colorado’s current depth chart lists only two upperclassmen among Colorado’s top eight defensive backs. Juniors Parker Orms and Terrel Smith likely will start at the safety spots.
“The young guys are doing good,” Smith said. “Freshmen are always a little nervous. But we tell them that we’re all working together. They are all talented. They just need to continue to work on learning the playbook.”
Colorado defensive coordinator Greg Brown must be holding his breath about sending freshmen into the fray — especially in the back end of the defense where they can’t get much help. But Brown also feels fortunate that, back in February, the Buffs were able to sign a group of high school defensive backs with such potential.
Wright (6-foot-2), Crawley (6-1) and Mosley (6-1) have the height that is always in high demand. Hall (5-11) also has good size, and all are exceptional athletes.
“Getting those kinds of guys bodes well for the program,” Brown said. “Trouble is, they have to grow up now.”
Brown said Crawley has that “rare combination” of quick feet and deep speed. After Colorado coaches reviewed film of the opener against CSU, the Washington, D.C., native was credited with 10 tackles, tying defensive tackle Will Pericak for second on the team, behind the 12 recorded by linebacker Derrick Webb.
“Crawley can really change direction and keep his body under control,” Brown explained. “He has ball skills. He’s not afraid to tackle. And he practices hard.”
Wright “is another kid with height, athleticism and body control,” Brown said. “He’s tough. He’s not afraid to stick his nose in there and tackle. He’s similar to Crawley in a lot of ways. They have a bright future.”
Brown said he believes the Californian Mosley does too.
“Marques is instinctive,” the coach said. “He’s tough. He’s smart. He can run. He’s everything you want in a safety. He could easily be a starting corner for us. That’s how athletic he is.”
Hall, from New Orleans, is another athletic freshman defensive back who can run and hit, Brown said. Although Hall did not leave the bench in the season opener, he is not expected to redshirt.
“Jeffrey will get his chance at some point,” Brown said.
Crawley and especially Wright are adept at “jamming” receivers at the line of scrimmage.
“I have pretty long arms and I know how to use them,” Wright said.
Mosley (kickoffs) and Crawley (punts) also serve as CU’s primary returners.
“We’re just freshmen, but we’re confident in our abilities,” Mosley said. “I just want (Sacramento State) to throw the ball my way, and hopefully I can go up and get a pick or something. We all feel like that.”
The rookies will no doubt be tested Saturday and in future games. Freshman defensive backs inevitably become targets.
“Due to circumstances, the freshmen have an opportunity,” Brown said. “Now it’s up to them to make the most of it.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280, tkensler@denverpost.com or
CU’s true-freshman defensive backs
CB Kenneth Crawley (6-foot-1, 170 pounds), Washington D.C., H.D. Woodson HS — ranked him as nation’s No. 22 cornerback prospect. Started in CU’s opener against CSU.
CB Jeffrey Hall (5-11, 180), LaPlace (La.) St. Charles Catholic HS — Recorded nine interceptions as a senior. Did not play vs. CSU but will not redshirt.
S Marques Mosley (6-1, 180), Upland (Calif.) HS — Split time between defense, offense and special teams for Upland and was possibly underrated (No. 128 in California.). Returned kicks, played safety vs. CSU.
CB Yuri Wright (6-2, 175), Don Bosco Prep, N.J. — A national top-100 prospect and the plum of CU’s recruiting class, picking Buffs over Notre Dame and others. Logged 23 plays in the opener.
