I guess I’m not that surprised after Josh Smith left and we have never committed to Scott to be the go to guy on the ground.  I am guessing top recruits aren’t going to lining up to come play here any time soon.  Dan Hawkins better figure something out very soon or the next coach will inherit a worse program than Hawkins did 4 years ago.  Hopefully these coaches start figuring out how to utilize the talent they have before it all transfers away.  Every team needs a Scotty McNight type of guy, but not many teams win with only those types of players.  On the other hand maybe Scott is transfering because he is not willing to work through the hard times to see the good times ahead.  If that is the case then CU is better off without him.  But, from the outside looking in it appears that this is truely a case of horrible coaching.

Just a quick but very exciting update for all you Buffs wondering about the delay with Andre Simmons’ admission:
According to the Daily Camera, Andre Simmons has been cleared to enroll in classes. If this report is true (no official statement from the school yet), Simmons can begin practicing with the team today. Let’s hope that he can catch on to the offense quickly and be prepared for the Sept. 6th kickoff against CSU! GO BUFFS!!

Since the start of practices last Friday we have been able to get a glimpse of the 2009 Buffs, but we now get to see what they can do in full pads. Players always look bigger in pads but this group certainly seems to have put on some muscle mass over the off-season. We’ve heard the stories of the hellish program that strength and conditioning coach Jeff Pitman runs in order to get everyone ready, and it seems to be paying dividends this year; these boys look strong.
Some proof of this can be found in the post-spring Workout Warriors on ESPN. It really is amazing how Solder has improved on an already impressive frame. Of the top ten he came in a number 4, not too shabby. Here’s what they had to say about him:
“Nate Solder, Colorado, OT: A handful of five-star recruits have come to CU in the past few years. Solder wasn’t one of them. He was deemed an average tight end prospect by the online recruiting services, but man, has he blossomed in Boulder. He’s now a chiseled 6-8, 300-pound junior with a staggering 8.3 percent body fat according to the school, which had him tested in the Bod Pod, a system for measuring body composition. The guy practically makes Dwight Howard look like a Van Gundy. Solder’s workout numbers are just as impressive: He power-cleans 407, hang-cleans 445, back squats 622, vertical jumps 34 inches and runs the 40 in 4.86 seconds.”
Now remember, that was posted back at the end of spring practices so chances are good that he’s improved even more. And Solder isn’t the only one who has shown significant improvements, it’s just easy to choose someone with the pure size that Nate has. All of our boys have the same strength coach, which is great news for us. With certain positions still lacking some high-end talent, having the strength/condition boost will close the talent gap when we line up against certain teams this year.
After last season’s ridiculous amount of injuries, it is easy to see how important overall conditioning can be. I’m hoping that this higher level of strength/condition will help prevent a repeat of that, and it should if Pitman’s program continues to work.

As all the players begin reporting today for the start of fall camp there are a few Buffs that are new to the team who have the best opportunity to make an impact come game time. There are some players who we haven’t seen take any snaps yet, but I’d like to look solely at the new recruits. We’ll get to those other guys later during fall camp. For now, here is my list of new recruits that we should watch throughout the fall and see if they can crack into the lineup within the next few weeks:
Nick Kasa – This massive d-lineman should hopefully be able to come in and show why he was seen as one of the top defensive ends in the country coming out of high school. At 6’7″ and his surprising quickness off the line, Kasa should give us a nice boost on the defensive front where we will be replacing 3 starters.
*Andre Simmons – While Simmons isn’t technically new to college football (transfered from Independence Community College in Kansas), he is new to the Buffs and FBS (Division I-A) style play. But having that bit of JC experience will help him make a more immediate transition and impact on the lineup. Plus, at 6’3″ and running a 4.46 in the 40 (he said he wants to get back to his best of 4.39) he could give us a much needed height and speed boost at the WR position.
Jarrod Darden AND Terdema Ussery – These incoming WR’s have been working with the team since June, studying the playbook and soaking up as much as they can from the older guys. At 6’4″ and 6’5″ respectively (according to CUBuffs.com), these two could also supplement a lacking wide receiver core and hopefully help out our unimpressive passing game.
These 4 Buffs aren’t the only new guys that could break into the lineup this season, but they have a certain buzz that has developed around their potential. Add that to the needed assistance at their position and you’ve got a recipe that points in the direction of some early playing time.
Some Other Notables:
Zach Grossnickle (K) – If we see another meltdown of Aric Goodman (5-14 in 2008), we could see this Denver native step in. Or any of our other kickers, any change would be beneficial at this point.
Edward Nuckols (DT) – Since we haven’t seen much of the replacement d-line, there is a chance that we’ll need more young talent to step up and contribute.
We’ll have to see how quickly a lot of these young guys pick up the new system, but we are in need of some support from the newcomers this year and they are most fit for the job (as of now). It should be interesting to see how everything shakes out before Sept. 5th but we can be certain that it will be fun to watch! If you’d personally like to see who’s progressing the best be sure to check out the open practices leading up to the scrimmage on the 13th. If you think I missed someone on the list, leave a comment and explain why. We need to get some discussion going and build some hype for the season. Let’s hear your thoughts. Until next time, GO BUFFS!!!

It is with great regret that I must report that Monday the University confirmed that Josh Smith WR and Ryan Wallace TE have elected to transfer schools according to ESPN. Smith was a clear asset to the team on special teams as a returner and on offense as a wide receiver. He reportedly wanted to transfer to a school that would provide improved opportunities to pursue his rap music career. Wallace was part of the nationally ranked 2008 recruiting class and would have seen action likely in his sophomore year. He elected to transfer to return closer to his family in Kentucky. I hope this is the end of the attrition in the program but I wonder how Darrell Scott will respond to the departure of his uncle Josh Smith.

Riar Geer and Lynn Katoa are both suspended from practice and games until something changes with their situation. I am sorry I could not post about Geer, but I was already in such a state of shock from Katoa that I decided to simply crawl into a hole somewhere until the day was over and hope no more Buffs were arrested!
Here is the Geer Story.

Here is a Katoa Update.
In other news, Dizon kicked a little more butt at the CU timing day than at the NFL combine. That is great news for him considering he ran a pretty bad 40 time in the combine. However, what I didn’t realize until this rivals article is that Dizon is training for the NFL while still taking a full load (15 credits) of classes so he can graduate! Nice to see some positives this offseason.
Here is another report from scout.
Spring practices are under way, and rumors abound of a no huddle offense being installed, while Kobra Kai the Deathback has been seen catching passes! Also, Solder is looking good in his switch from TE while JFly is now #1 instead of #9.

Lynn Katoa, our top 100 LB recruit from the 2008 recruiting class, apparently has done this:

Witnesses told police that a man, whom they reportedly identified as Katoa, “walked into the apartment, slammed one victim’s head into a wall, then hit another victim with his fist. There were some accounts that the suspect was holding a rock at the time.”

Katoa turned himself in under suspicion of 2nd Degree assault. He has since posted $5k bail.
The AP story and the Boulder daily camera story differ in that the AP story does not include the history behind the fight. Apparently, Katoa was mad that these guys and their friends tazered one of his buddies earlier in the night.
This is really bad news for Katoa and the program. The key is the rock. There is some confusion amongst the witnesses on which hand he used, if he even had the rock, etc. If the court declares he assaulted with a deadly weapon, than Katoa will likely never play a down for CU. The way I have read the stories so far, and in comparison to the Sipili case last year, I think Katoa can hope for a years suspension at best. Will he even stay with he program? Who knows at this point, everything is still up in the air.
The only other good thing I can think of is that Katoa did not cause any permanent harm like Sipili did.
On a personal note, I understand why Katoa did what he did. I in no way condone it. As a Buff, this is a tragedy. Let us hope that he learns a lesson here without losing his scholarship.

First, listen to Dizon speak about his last year at CU. What team do you think should draft him? I hope the Broncos get him.
Here is a great CU moment to tide you through the offseason:

I am really, really, really steamed about this!

There has been a lot of speculation among Texas fans that CU (or a booster of some sort) offered Darrel Scott’s mom a job at a Bank in Boulder to get him to commit. Apparently, the source of that rumor has surfaced.

According to the NYT, it was the jilted position coach of St. Bonaventure, Scott’s highschool.
This tool goes by the name of Sonsini. The scuttlebutt on that is that this guy was promised a position at UT if he could deliver Scott. In the last few days, Sonsini was pushed out of the picture by Scott and CU came back into the picture in a big way to win the comittment.
His quote:

“Colorado came in on Friday and said and did something and offered something that Darrell and his mom couldn’t pass up.”

This is absurd. The position that was purportedly offered Mrs. Scott would have been a highly paid bank management type job. Mrs. Scott is a OB/GYN Nurse!
Our Boosters can barely be bothered to donate for well, anything and everybody knows that CU is under the microscope and the press is just licking its chops for another chance at us. I mean, how stupid would this booster have to be? And to suggest that our coaches offered the job?
The NYT actually had a reporter in the room when Scott made his final decisions. Here is a quote from that article via the Dallas News(earlier linked to on signing day):

In an account documenting Scott’s decision-making process, The Times reported that Scott cooled on Texas because he was uncomfortable about the school’s recent hire of Major Applewhite as running backs coach.
“The more I thought about it, the more it scared me,” The Times quoted Scott as saying. Scott expressed concern about Applewhite’s experience with running backs and said he did not want to attend a university where he did not know the position coach.

Anything is possible in recruiting, but really, this would be some of the worst underhand recruiting ever. Considering the reputation Hawk and Cabral over the years, nothing fits here.
Neither the NCAA or the BigXII are currently involved at all (i.e. this is all unsubstantiated rumor started by a position coach that watched his payday walk away):

The Big 12 is not an investigative body and the conference’s compliance department has not received a request from any of its member universities to look into Scott’s signing, the spokesman Rob Carolla said.

Because this is all a bunch of baloney, I will NOT be posting about this again unless some actual proof turns up or something interesting happens (like Sonsini being ridiculed/fired for this sort of stunt)
Just thought ya all should know…

It’s also senior week. We also must thank each and everyone for the contributions they have made to Buff nation. Each one of these Buffs have left an indelible mark on the program and lasting memories for each us. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these guys and their contributions. What do you remember most about each of them?
17 Barnett, Alvin WR
47 Barrett, Alonzo DE
2 Charles, Hugh TB
84 DeVree, Tyson TE
44 Dizon, Jordon ILB
39 Eberhart, Kevin PK
27 Ellis, Byron TB
25 Harris, Lionel S
76 Harrison, Edwin OL
10 Jackson, Bernard QB/WR
43 Jagoras, Samson FB
38 McBride, Chase WR
77 Polumbus, Tyler OL
1 Robinson, Stephone WR
13 Sanders, Joe TE
83 Sprague, Dusty WR
26 Wheatley, Terrence CB

Linebacker Michael Sipili has been suspended from school by the CU Office of Judicial Affairs. He has been suspended for the fall semester This means he won’t play for the Buffs this fall at all. He will eligible again in the spring. Since he played as a true freshman he can take this year as a red shirt year.

Well, here we are, 1/4 of the way through our season (well close, depends on how the rest goes!). We have a game coming up where the team can finally catch its breath. We are not playing an instate rival on a mission of hate, an up and coming team coached by a former national championship winner, or even a team so loaded with talent they could probably forget their coach and still beat most teams on any given night. The buffs are favored, at home, and need to get revved up for the Regular season. Despite all the naysaying after the last two losses, we all expect a big, maybe not easy, but comfortable victory. It is time to work on improvement, not survival. Take a deep breath and think about it. And about where we were last year at this time.
That said, what do you want to see out of this team? What specific area/group of players/player do you want to see to show significant improvement? There are the Wide receivers, the Offensive line, Little Hawk, or even our Secondary (despite last weeks impressive display).
Personally, I want to see our Offensive line just go out there and blow people up. I want pancakes, a very clean Little Hawk, and holes that USC could be proud of (sorry Nebraska fans!). It is time for this group to grow up or get blown up, and if we are gonna blow it up, please do it now before Oklahoma comes to town with their average margin of victory of about 40+ points.
Your thoughts?

If you read the latest Buff news you can’t help to read about Cody Hawkins and his advantage over Nelson as a starter. Seems we should have a discussion on the subject.
I can recall to last year’s scrimmage, watching Cody play and thinking he was the most poised and natural quaterback out on the field, (sorry B-Jax). Certainly, Little Hawk is the future and both him and Hawk will face extreme pressure especially when things go bad, which they will. A young quaterback will make mistakes. BUT…I believe Cody is a great future, hands down this offense will be much stronger than last year, and Cody will be the investment that we need to for a better season and a stronger future.
We will find out after tomorrow’s scrimmage what Helfrich’s decision will be.
Go Buffs!

LB Michael Sipili has been officially charged with assault following his June altercation. Hawkins has previously suspended him indefinitely. It will be interesting to see how Hawk Love is applied to this situation.
But let’s give it up for RJ Brown the former walk-on turned Captain. Let’s hope his work ethic and leadership translate to the strong play the Buffs need in the middle.

Well, if you were frustrated with performances of Bernard Jackson or James Cox, don’t look to Brian White to be the savior this week against ASU. Brian White quit the team.
“He gave no indication of where he is going,” coach Dan Hawkins said. “He just told me that he is hanging it up.”
Wow!

Former University of Colorado starting safety Tyrone Henderson has joined the Montana St. football team and should see action next weekend against the Buffs. Henderson was kicked off the team by new head coach Dan Hawkins for violating team rules. Henderson had not practiced much with the team since Hawkins took over as coach so it is unlikely he will be helping Montana St. know the playbook. On the bright side it’s not like the NCAA changed their transfer rules to allow Henderson to play for another division I school.

It’s the last day in Folsom for 20 seniors. Here’s the List Who are you going to miss most?
# 9 Hubbard, Tom – S
# 12 Dawn, Akarika – ILB
# 14 Klatt, Joel – QB
# 17 Vickers, Lawrence – VB
# 27 Iwuh, Brian – OLB
# 28 Griffith, Kyle – ILB
# 29 Torp, John – P
# 43 Schaub, Brendan – FB
# 45 Sypniewski, Quinn – TE
# 47 Gonzales, Marcus – WR
# 59 Pace, Greg – SN
# 62 Guydon, John – DT
# 73 O’Neal, Clint – OL
# 79 Moore, Gary – OL
# 82 Judge, Evan – WR
# 82 Garee, James – DT
# 89 Klopfenstein, Joe – TE
# 90 Hammond, Matt – SN
# 93 Manupuna, Vaka – DT
# 95 Clement, Nick – DT
Kopfenstein and Sypnewski are going to be missed sorley. WHo will be the next great CU tight end? The ferocity of Iwuh and Dawn will be missed as well. And man oh man I hope we can see that Vickers stiff arm on Sundays. Rumor has it that we might see Klatt on Sundays. And how will Crosby fare without Pace? Thanks for sticking with the team through thick and thin. Go Buffs!

Defensive tackle James Garee, outside linebacker Brian Iwuh, quarterback Joel Klatt and V-back Lawrence Vickers have been selected as the 2005 Buffs Captains. James Garee for his physical style of play. Brian Iwuh for being a monster force all over the field. I can’t believe he is a senior already, but I can believe that he is a Butkus award nomineed along with Thaddeus Washington. Joel Klatt probably just because he is the oldest guy on the team. And Vickers because if you have a guy with a position named after him he should definitely be a captain.

JJ’s Back! Back again! JJ Billingsley’s injuries are healed and academically his grades are back up. This Buffs.tv favorite is ready to crack some skulls.. He says he is 98% healthy and we are all looking for him to return to form. After receiving a medical red shirt he still has two years of crushing blows left with the Buffs. Remember his goal line stand against CSU last year. Back in his first season we were predicting great thing for JJ. Can’t wait to see him in action again.

Now that his football career is behind him, Jeremy Bloom is moving full speed ahead with his skiing goals. Ski Racing magazine reports that ski manufacture V