Colorado Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

For the first time in years, one of the strongest units on the team will be the defensive backfield. In its record books, Colorado notes the freshmen who have been on the field for the most plays as true freshmen, and, in the history of the school, four of the six freshmen who have been on the field the most are defensive backs from the past three seasons – Greg Henderson, Marques Mosley, Chidobe Awuzie and Kenneth Crawley. These are all now seasoned veterans, better prepared to face the point-a-minute offenses of the Pac-12. 

The concerns are along both lines. Even though three of five offensive line starters return from last year, the unit is still in flux. Colorado ranked 108th in the nation in rushing last season, and will need younger players to step up and make a difference if the Buffs are to improve this fall. 

The defensive line has some young talent, but missed two potential starters this spring. Junior defensive tackle Justin Solis and junior defensive end Samson Kafovalu, both potential starters, were held out of spring practices to focus on academics. If either or both are lost this fall, it will hurt the Buffs’ chances of becoming bowl-eligible this fall. 

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

Colorado is not going to be able to replace Paul Richardson, who left early for the NFL, but there are a few players who will try to fill that void. Red-shirt freshman wideout Bryce Bobo had an excellent spring, and had five catches for 132 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. 

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive back Ankello Witherspoon turned some heads. A sophomore transfer from Sacramento Community College, Witherspoon showed speed and confidence, adding some additional weapons to an already deep defensive backfield. 

Grade each position group 

Quarterbacks – B+ … Sefo Liufau, thrown into the mix as a true freshman, continues to show improvement, while Jordan Gehrke showed he can be an able backup …

Running backs – B- … The Buffs have a number of good backs, but no great ones. Running back by committee won’t fare well in conference play …

Wide receivers – A- … A concern heading into the spring (with Paul Richardson off to the NFL), the unit showed depth, talent and versatility …

Offensive line – D+ … Improvement in other facets of the offense will not be visible to the casual fan until the offensive line shows it can open a hole for the running backs and protect the quarterback. 

Defensive line – C … Making due without to potential starters (academics), the unit had a good, but not great, spring. Depth has improved over past seasons, but work still needs to be done …

Linebackers – B+ … Colorado has a great returning star in Addison Gillam, and his supporting cast has improved. Red-shirt freshman Derek McCartney (grandson of legendary CU coach Bill McCartney) had a great spring, and Kenneth Olugbode was described by coach Mike MacIntyre as a “freak”, as the sophomore was so dominant this spring …

Secondary – A- … A weakness has become a strength, as the unit – while still young – has experience and talent.

What can we expect from Colorado in 2014? 

In over 120 years of football, the University of Colorado had never experienced a stretch of more than six consecutive losing seasons … until now. The 4-8 mark in 2013 was the eighth straight losing season, and 2014 may well be No. 9.

The Buffs are improved, but the rest of the Pac-12 has improved as well. With CU’s schedule, the Buffs could be a much better team, and still finish with a 4-8 record. A similar record, with improvement across the board (read: no blowout losses) will be accepted by the Buff Nation. 

With a fast start (CSU in Denver; at UMass; Arizona State; Hawai’i, at Cal) in September, Buff fans may have hope for of a sixth regular season win and a bowl bid. Best bet: still a year away … 5-7 

---

Stuart Whitehair, CU grad and editor for CU at the game provided the information for our Colorado Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up.  For more Buffalo  football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Stuart on Twitter @cuatthegame1.

---