Big 12 Spring Review: Colorado

I got some inside help on the Colorado review from Marc at BuffsTV. Basically I tossed some questions out there about Colorado’s spring practice and he answered them. Thanks Marc!

Questions about the Buffalos

What is the biggest question that Colorado needs to answer this spring?

For the sake of all of the upperclassmen on the team, 2006 can not be written off as a rebuilding year. The Buffaloes must adapt to new coaches and new systems and be ready to define this season as a successful one. They've got one breather game with Montana State before heading into the standard difficult non-conference schedule that has come to define the Colorado program (Colorado State, Arizona State and Georgia) MSU should allow them to get a feel for the new offense in a real game before the pressure comes squarely down upon them.

What will be the biggest position battle this spring?

Quarterback. Joel Klatt the CU starter for the last 3 years is looking for an NFL team now. The competition will be fierce with seniors Brian White and James Cox competing with junior Bernard Jackson for the top spot. This competition will not be finalized in the spring. That's a great thing for Cox who has a bruised thumb and is sitting out much of the spring. Watching these guys compete is great since they are all starting from square one with a brand new offense. Brand new and exciting!

Who is an unknown player that will emerge as a star this spring?

A bulked up junior Hugh Charles is a force to watch at running back and it is great to see redshirt freshman Kevin Moyd provide him some excellent competition in his first year of action. And probably the best news for the Buffs is the play of junior Tyson DeVree at tight end. Quality tightends are a staple at CU (see Daniel Graham, Joe Klopfenstein, Christian Fauria, Matt Lepsis..) and Tyson is on the national watch lists already.

What can we expect to see different from the Buffs with new head coach Dan Hawkins?

This guy is passionate. He has slept every night at Dal Ward duirng spring practice. Check this out. A few days ago sophomore Ben Burney made an interception in 7-on-7 drills. Hawkins sprinted down the sideline after him trying to strip the ball along the way then the two of them celebrated together with high fives and chest bumps in the end zone. That's what I want from my coach.

Who will be the biggest star on the team?

The stars are still to be determined, but one thing we know for sure is that senior center Mark Fenton will define the heart and soul of this team as he leads the Buffs into the 2006 campaign.