CU football begins with first spring practice
The CU football team took to the field Monday for its first spring practice.
With new vigor, the players began to work out the kinks of the off-season, as they worked routinely through their practice inside the bubble.
Coach Dan Hawkins said it was a successful practice and the start of what he hopes to be a game-winning season.
“I’m always that kind of guy that’s looking for that next notch,” Hawkins said. “I thought we ran around well, I thought we hustled, and I thought we finished. Defense did a good job getting turnovers, which is bad for the offense, but I thought the tempo was really good and the execution was pretty good.”
Missing from practice were players Lynn Katoa and Riar Geer. As it stands, both players are suspended from spring practice.
Hawkins said he was unsure as to the long term punishments for either player.
“Both of them are out,” he said. “Both of them can’t practice, as long as the situation stays as it is.”
Also absent for the spring due to injury or other reasons were players Joel Adams, Ben Burney, Bret Smith and Ryan Walters.
Apart from those missing, Hawkins said the rest of the team had a challenge ahead of them.
In one sense, Hawkins is a coach, but some might tell you he is a director allowing his players to audition for other unfamiliar spots on the team.
“Going into the third year, (we have) more guys with experience in a system,” Hawkins said. “(We’re) establishing a little bit of depth in there and having some young guys who really should challenge for some spots.”
Running back coach Darian Hagan spoke positively about the practice as well, saying that one of his focuses was to get his players loose and running fast.
Hawkins went on to stress the importance of an internally competitive team, saying that he felt this team was already staying competitive.
He said Kai Maiava and Nate Solder are two notables hoping to mix things up a little bit.
Maiava left his position as an offensive guard in an attempt to play a fullback and tight end. Solder will try to do the opposite, switching from tight end to offensive tackle.
Hawkins said he could not speak to how well either played in their new roles so far.
Maiava said he was happy in his new spot, even if his old friends on the offensive line were giving him a hard time.
“It felt good getting these helmets back on,” Maiava said. “Can’t wait to put on the pads though.”
Hawkins said he also made a move from offensive to defensive at practice to spend more time with his players.
“I’m kind of spending more of my time with defense this year (instead of) leading those offensive guys around,” Hawkins said. “What I don’t want are our guys thinking that their coach is an offensive coach. We win games with defense, and so I want to spend more time with those guys over there.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Kyle L. Haas at kyle.l.haas@colorado.edu.
