The Denver Post’s Kyle Fredrickson on Thursday answered questions from readers about college football and the early signing period. Here are the highlights:
Who was the most important signing from signing day?
:When we look across both classes from CU and CSU, I think one signing takes the cake — defensive tackle Devin Phillips from Neville High School in Monroe, La., going to the Rams. He’s among the most highly touted prospects ever signed by CSU as a four-star recruit who turned down offers from Miami, Texas Tech and other Power 5 programs. Phillips addresses an immediate need for CSU as well. An impressive late addition to this early signing class by Mike Bobo — even without a defensive staff in place.
Can you see Steven Montez losing his starting job next season?
Kyle: I say it’s possible, but not probable, at this point in time. While Montez’s play fluctuated severely last fall, he’s still the most experienced quarterback on the roster who also threw for more than 300 yards in three of CU’s final four games. Translation: He’s no chump. That being said, Montez will have to earn his keep as the starter, just like last year, and now the players behind him undoubtedly carry more confidence. Tyler Lytle and Sam Noyer have big frames, strong arms and lots of potential. And keep an eye on the development of incoming freshman Blake Stenstrom. If Montez slips, there are some hungry quarterbacks behind him ready for the spotlight as well.
Should Colorado State fans be concerned about not having a single defensive coach on staff?
:At this point, no, because 12 of CSU’s 17 early signees are defensive players and it’s the true strength of this class. Now, Bobo can hire a reputable defensive coordinator (and pay him more money than previously through a provision in Bobo’s new contract extension as it relates to assistant pay) who can hand-pick his own staff for next season. That’s gotta be mighty appealing, and yet another selling point for Bobo to get a big name DC through the door to get this defense on track.
Do you anticipate any more coaching changes at CU this offseason?
Kyle: With how volatile the national coaching landscape has been in recent months, with potentially more changes on the way, I wouldn’t rule out more of them in Boulder. If CU were to pull the plug on one of its own, my best guess would be defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat. The Buffaloes made an impressive commitment flip of former Oklahoma State DL pledge Israel Antwine on Wednesday, but CU only had two total DL signees this class. That doesn’t bode well for a unit that struggled mightily at times last season. I’m not saying it will happen, but if Mike MacIntyre wants to shake things up himself, it’s a place to start.
What school should Max Borghi sign with?
:There are several of these questions coming in now, so I’ll address them all here. As it stands right now, Borghi remains unsigned, but is committed to Washington State. However, it comes at a time when Stanford also entered the mix for his services starting next fall. For the latest updates, make sure you’re following our preps writer, Kyle Newman, on Twitter: .
My opinion? Borghi should follow his heart and not let those around him influence the decision. Me personally? I’d go with Stanford. A traditional run-first offense that will lead to more carries if Borghi can establish himself as the starter one day.
Is Collin Hill a lock to start at QB for Colorado State next year?
:I would certainly think so. It’s not that Justice McCoy or J.C. Robles aren’t talented with high ceilings, but Hill is proven as a starter dating back to his freshman season in 2016, as Hill threw for more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s also a physical specimen at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. I think the future of CSU’s offense is bright should Hill continue on his current trajectory.
Do you think the early signing period was a good thing?
:In the grand scheme of things, it is a positive development that high school seniors have an opportunity to sign early. It saves the player stress and it saves the university recruiting resources. Here’s my complaint: There needs to be a larger gap in between signing periods.
Wednesday was essentially the real signing day, and in February, there won’t be a whole lot for most of these teams to address with their classes nearly full. I believe an early signing period in the fall would make a lot more sense. It would have the same effect and allow for two more naturally occurring recruitment periods that don’t interfere with bowl schedules.
Who has more on the line next season: Mike MacIntyre or Mike Bobo?
:For a couple of guys who recently signed multi-million dollar contract extensions, both have warmer seats than you might expect. But I’d have to go with MacIntyre. Power 5 programs are more likely to pull the plug on head coaches at whatever financial more so than their Group of 5 counterparts. If MacIntyre fails to reach a bowl game for a consecutive year, with the pending lawsuit related to his handling of domestic violence allegations against a former assistant, the noise surrounding his job security will heighten. If Bobo wins seven or fewer games again, fans will be upset, but I doubt CSU’s administration would be ready to make a drastic move.
Find the full chat transcript below:
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