University of Colorado’s Jered Bell runs back an interception for a touchdown during a game against Central Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at Folsom Field in Boulder. (Jeremy Papasso, Daily Camera)
Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said he has “never seen anything like it” when speaking about the Buffs’ safety spots.
Since the beginning of August camp, five CU safeties have been injured.
Here’s the list:
* Jered Bell — Senior lost for season with torn ACL on Aug. 15.
* Marques Mosley — Junior lost for season with ACL, MCL tears Oct. 25 vs. UCLA.
* Chidobe Awuzie — Sophomore likely done for season after lacerating a kidney during practice Nov. 4.
* Tedric Thompson — Sophomore has missed two games after suffering a concussion Oct. 25 against UCLA and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game at Oregon.
* Evan White — True freshman suffered a concussion Nov. 8 at Arizona and is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game at Oregon.
Colorado’s starters at safety against the third-ranked Ducks are expected to be senior Terrel Smith and senior Richard Yates II, a former walk-on.
Walk-on Ryan Moeller, a freshman from Rifle, could be the top reserve.
“Guys that two weeks ago were on the scout team are now going to play,” MacIntyre said. “The good thing is that with the open date, the new guys got more time to prepare.”
Defensive coordinator Kent Baer shook his head when asked about the situation at safety.
“We’ll just play with who we’ve got,” Baer said.
