BOULDER — Football is in Derek McCartney’s blood, and it must be almost boiling with excitement as the young defensive end counts the days toward Colorado’s season opener.
McCartney, grandson of and son of former Buffaloes defensive lineman Shannon Clavelle, has not played in a meaningful football game in almost three years.
“It’s been a long time,” McCartney said.
After completing a (Arvada) in 2011, McCartney signed with Colorado and then in February 2012. The plan was for McCartney to “grayshirt” — that is, delay his enrollment until January 2013, so he could preserve a year of eligibility while he gained size and strength. McCartney did so, then redshirted last fall while continuing to lift weights and make extra trips through the buffet line.
It shows.
The 6-foot-3 McCartney had been listed, perhaps generously, at 215 pounds in high school. He weighed 230 pounds prior to 2013 CU spring practices. He now says he’s at least 240.
He’s also competing for the starting job at right defensive end.
“Seeing how much bigger Derek has gotten has the defense excited,” said Addison Gillam, . “He has a lot of potential.”
McCartney said sitting out two seasons helped him learn the game while viewing it from a different perspective.
“That was really good for me,” he said. “There’s so much to learn about technique. And being on the sideline (last fall), I got to see how players react to what coaches were saying when the crowd is loud and things get crazy.”
CU defensive ends coach Jim Jeffcoat, who recorded 102 ½ sacks during his 15-year NFL career, believes McCartney can develop into a consistent pass rusher. Jeffcoat said McCartney’s fierce drive will enable him to knock off the rust of not having played a game since 2011.
“Derek knows the game; he’s been around it all his life,” Jeffcoat said. “He understands the sacrifices you have to make and what you have to do to be successful at it. That’s not bloodlines; it’s personality. He’s a hard worker.”
Footnotes. Following Monday’s practice, CU coach Mike MacIntyre praised the offensive linemen for “keeping their bounce going” through a three-hour practice, the first of camp with shoulder pads. “That shows me they are in good shape,” he said. … Gillam sat out the practice with a virus. He lost five pounds on Sunday and another three overnight into Monday, MacIntyre said. … Starting safety Jered Bell dinged an elbow Monday but MacIntyre did not believe the injury to be a long-term issue.
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
CU’S LINE DEPTH
A look at the Buffs’ defensive line depth.
LEFT DEFENSIVE END
Tyler Henington, 6-2, 245, Junior
De’Jon Wilson, 6-2, 245, Sophomore
Andre Nichols, 6-4, 235, Senior
Aaron Howard, 6-1, 240, Sophomore
RIGHT DEFENSIVE END
Derek McCartney, 6-3, 240, Redshirt Freshman
Markeis Reed, 6-4, 245, Redshirt Freshman
Garrett Gregory, 6-1, 230, Redshirt Freshman
*Jimmie Gilbert, 6-1, 230, Sophomore
TRUE FRESHMEN
Jase Franke, 6-4, 260
Terran Hasselbach, 6-1, 235
Michael Mathewes, 65-5, 250
Christian Shaver, 6-3, 235
* coming off shoulder surgery
Note: 2013 DE starter Juda Parker has moved to DT
