First spring scrimmage a success
The CU football team is back on its home turf.
The Buffs met Saturday for their first spring scrimmage this year at Folsom Field in what coach Dan Hawkins called a successful practice.
Instead of enjoying the sunny weather, the team donned its gear and tested its skills as 450 fans watched the black squad square off against the white for an hour and 35 minutes.
“For the guys coming out here for the first time with everybody still getting used to the pads on the shoulders again it feels like it has been a while. (Everyone) is out here working real hard and competing,” Wide receiver Josh Smith said.
While many think the quarterback position is up for grabs, Cody Hawkins and Matt Ballenger continued to fight for it. Nick Nelson also got his share of snaps Saturday, completing 10 of 15 passes for 103 yards.
Hawkins completed 10 of 18 passes for a total of 168 yards and three touchdowns and Ballenger completed 3 of 10 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown pass.
“I’m trying as hard as I can but it’s tough. We’ll see if it’s meant to be,” Ballenger said. “It was alright for the first scrimmage but I hope to do a little bit better on the next one.”
Hawkins says he’s feeling more confident than ever.
“Everybody always says it slows down a little bit and it definitely does. You just kind of get more comfortable with taking a play from the sideline and running it out,” Hawkins said.
As far as the play from the QBs, Coach Hawkins was not overly impressed despite their competition. Overall he felt the team had put in a good effort and hustle, having completed approximately 140 plays in less than 2 hours.
“In terms of tempo (practice) was ok. It was a sloppy offense but there’s good potential there,” coach Hawkins said. “I thought they did ok for the first kind of go around. And obviously as we go along, things will become a bit more complicated but by-an-large not bad.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Kyle L. Haas at kyle.l.haas@colorado.edu
