Thoughts on Colorado football following Thursday’s open intrasquad scrimmage:
The Buffs should be very efficient in third-and-short situations, using their big backs, Darrell Scott and Demetrius Sumler, behind an offensive line that could have three pro prospects in tackles Nate Solder and Bryce Givens and guard Ryan Miller.
Hated to see sophomore tailback Rodney “Speedy” Stewart go out early in the scrimmage following just one touch: a short reception in which Stewart apparently stiffened up and jogged out of bounds. Stewart then sat on the bench and stretched out his left leg. At least there was no ice or brace. A member of the CU training staff said afterward that Stewart “was just a little sore.” That’s encouraging. CU needs Stewart, who fractured a fibula in Game 9 last season against Texas A&M, to stay healthy.
Sophomore defensive end Conrad Obi, one of the nicest, brightest players on the team, can show a mean streak when he takes on offensive tackles. Perhaps because he smells a starting job, Obi’s motor has revved up. He could be one of the team’s most improved players and among the season’s best stories.
Redshirt-freshman Douglas Rippy (6-feet-1, 235) is going to be a handful for opposing offenses. Sometimes Rippy plays like a linebacker, sometimes like a defensive end. Either way, he poses a matchup problem for blockers because of his strength and quickness.
Freshman defensive tackle Nate Bonsu, a 6-2, 295-pounder from Allen, Texas, got a lot of work with the first-team defense. With CU having to replace departed seniors George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas, Bonsu appears to be taking advantage of an opportunity. He exudes confidence.
I wouldn’t make too much out of the struggles by kicker-punter Zach Grossnickle, the freshman from Denver East. Grossnickle shanked two punts and his 35-yard field goal barely got high enough to clear the crossbar. But it’s never a shock when rookie kickers struggle. It’s all about handling pressure, and that can take some time. Some CU fans may remember that 2002 Ray Guy Award winner Mark Mariscal looked terrible during his first college camp.
Don’t write off the two freshman receivers from Texas, Jarrod Darden and Terdema Ussery. Yes, it is a bit surprising that they have been surpassed by new arrival Will Jefferson. But it’s much too early to pass judgment. Colorado could use their size, especially if the academic issues of junior-college transfer Andre Simmons do not get cleared up.
Heard some fans grumbling during the scrimmage that there wasn’t much excitement. They’re right. Just two touchdowns: a short run by Sumler and a punt return by Jason Espinoza. But that was all by design. CU coaches weren’t about to empty their playbook in an open scrimmage, not knowing if some CSU spy might be in the stands.