Campus Press sports staff pick their favorites for next season
Top Five New Looks for the Buffs’ New-Look Offense
By Brad Cochi, Assistant Sports Editor
The Colorado Buffaloes will look very different offensively than they did last season, with many new weapons to insert into a new offensive attack that includes a no-huddle offense that has Buffs faithful buzzing. Here are some Buffs you may or may not know, but by this time next year, you will.
5. Markques Simas: Simas was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school and was expected to be an effective contributor at the wide receiver position, but he voluntarily redshirted his freshman year at CU because he believed he was undersized and unprepared for the speed of the game. Suited up and ready to play, Simas should fit in well with the Buffs’ new offensive system.
4. Kevin Moyd: Though Moyd will more than likely be the third tailback on the Buffs’ depth chart next season, don’t be surprised to see him make an appearance here and there and make some key plays for the Buffs next season. In the recent Spring Game, Moyd carried the ball nine times for 30 yards and also caught three passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.
3. Patrick Devenny: This junior tight end from Roseville, Calif. is listed at 6-3, 240 pounds, and led all CU receivers in the Spring Game with five catches for 78 yards. Devenny has the tools to make an impact on the field for the Buffs, and with the suspension of last year’s starting tight end Riar Geer, it looks like he will get his chance.
2. Nate Solder: Solder played in every game last season as a tight end and special teams standout, but this season he will be moving to a new position as an offensive tackle. Solder is 6-9, 280 pounds, and said he expects to weigh at least 300 pound by the first play of the 2009 season. With the athleticism to play tight end, the frame to be an offensive lineman, and the smarts to learn a new position on the fly, CU’s offensive line coach Jeff Grimes said he believes Solder has what it takes to dominate at the college level and possibly even the next.
1. Darrell Scott: If you have been following CU’s recruiting class for the 2009 season, then you know who Darrell Scott is. If you haven’t, here’s what you need to know: this kid is good. Scott is the No. 1 high school running back recruit in the nation, and he will be running the ball for the Buffs next season. With starting tailback Hugh Charles graduating, Scott is coming into a situation where he will get the chance to make plays- many chances. The Buffs’ running back coach Darian Hagan said he is unsure as to exactly how the talented freshman will fit into the new offense, but that, “he won’t be sitting on the sideline, that much is for sure.”
Top Five Returning Players
By Margot Schneider, Assistant Sports Editor
5. Josh Smith, sophomore wide receiver:Smith had a few big catches last season and high receiving yardage, although not as high on the actual number of catches. The year of experience will mean a lot for Smith, and with the addition of his nephew, Darrell Scott, the offense should be putting up some points.
4. Ryan Miller, sophomore offensive tackle: Miller is one of three players on the offensive line that is pretty much set as a starter next season. He was ranked high as a recruit coming in last year, and he took over as starter at offensive tackle half way through the season. He will bring a lot of strength to the offensive line.
3. Brad Jones, senior outside linebacker: Colorado may be switching to a defense with more linebackers on the field. After Jordon Dizon’s graduation, Jake Duren’s release, Lynn Katoa’s suspension and a whole crop of new linebackers’ arrivals in the fall, the Buffs will need some experience, and Jones will bring it.
2. Cody Hawkins, sophomore quarterback: Hawkins is the returning starter, and after spring ball, he looks to remain the starter. He has cut down his interceptions and improved his accuracy. With a season as quarterback already, the team is comfortable with him in the role, and he should be able to guide an offense with a lot of new starters.
1. George Hypolite, senior defensive tackle: Hypolite has played in every game in his college career, which will be important on a defense with so many new faces. On the First Team All Big 12, he started in every game but one last season. He can put pressure on the quarterback – he had a team-best six sacks last season – which is important in the pass-happy Big 12. He works hard, and he will bring talent and leadership to the team.
Fisher’s Five football Games to see in 2008
By Philip Fisher, Sports Staff Writer
This coming football season is shaping up to be one for me to remember as I enter my junior year. My freshman year, it was tough to be a Buffs fan as they finished the season 2-10. This past season was much better with a 6-6 record overall, including victories over Oklahoma and Nebraska, plus an appearance in the 2007 PetroSun Independence Bowl against the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide. The 2008 season is full of tough games, but for me, there are five that Buffs fans must not miss.
5. CU versus Missouri: Missouri exploded onto the national college football scene last season when they went 7-1 in the Big 12, won the Big 12 North Championship, and beat Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl 38-7. The Buffs were steam-rolled by the Tigers last season at home 55-10. I have a feeling that the Buffs are hungry for revenge and want to embarrass the Tigers in Columbia. Even if it isn’t a complete blowout, Cody Hawkins and the rest of the Buffs will be heading into Columbia to take on Chase Daniel and the rest of the Tigers in what will be a must see game.
4. CU versus Nebraska: Just as with the CSU game, CU fans do not need to be told about this rivalry. This is the final game of the year and should be nationally televised from Lincoln, Neb. on the day after Thanksgiving. Every CU fan must see this game and watch as the Buffs destroy the Huskers.
3. CU versus Colorado State: This goes without explaining. GO BUFFS, BEAT CSU! Let’s keep the in-state bragging rights!
2. CU versus Texas: This is a top game to watch for three reasons. First, Darrell Scott chose to play at CU instead of Texas in a close race between the two schools that came down to national signing day. It’s going to be great watching Scott play against the Longhorns. Second, it’s homecoming weekend. Last year the Buffs beat Oklahoma on homecoming weekend. Let’s hope the homecoming magic continues. Third, it’s the Texas Longhorns playing at Folsom! As much as I dislike the Longhorns, I will admit that the Texas program is very storied and one for other NCAA programs to envy. They are consistently a great team with a fan following to match. The Buffs will have their hands full, but in the end, I think the Longhorns will be going home with a nice helping of disappointment.
1. CU versus West Virginia in primetime: How can any Buff fan not be excited about this game? I expect anyone who calls himself a Buff fan to somehow watch the game. Be there, watch it on TV, TiVo the game, do whatever you have to do to see this game! This will be one to remember.
There you have it Buff fans. My top five games to see in the 2008 season are CU versus West Virginia, CU versus Texas, CU versus Colorado State, CU versus Nebraska, and CU versus Missouri. The season kicks off August 31 against the Colorado State Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver. So be sure that you get out that jersey, dust off that lucky hat, and watch the Buffs all season long as they battle for a spot in the national spotlight.
Top Five CU football moments
By Rachael Fischer, Sports Staff Writer
With a quarterback battle, a top recruit and the football program projected to be on the rise, the top five football moments of next season could be anything. While trying to pick the top five future moments may be near impossible, here is what I think are going to be some of the more important ones:
5. Florida State: Last year did not go so well for the Buffs as they lost to Florida State 6-16. This year the fans will be expecting the Buffs to redeem themselves as they play once again at home.
4. West Virginia: Playing an out of league game against a good team can always be exciting. Playing a team that is highly ranked in the BCS polls, however, adds a little something extra. Aside from being a home game, it will also be streamed on ESPN for the entire nation to enjoy.
3. Texas A&M: Conference games are always huge, especially if the Buffs are playing against a Texas team. Since the teams did not face off in a game last season, this season’s game will be worth watching. Though it will not take place in Boulder, this game is one that fans will want to keep their eyes on.
2. Texas: After finishing out their season in a bowl game, Texas may prove to be a tough competitor. This game will not only be a must-see game in terms of the competitive level of the teams, but it will also be CU’s homecoming game.
1. CU vs. CSU: This match up is one of the best ways to begin the season. Not only will fans enjoy watching the Buffs play against their in state rivals at Invesco Field at Mile High, but they will get to see the Buffs in action for the first time since the bowl game last season. Also, with the much anticipated arrival of Darrell Scott to the program, and the quarterback battle, it will be a must see for all Buffs fans.
Contact Campus Press Assistant Sports Editor Brad Cochi at bradley.cochi@colorado.edu.
Contact Campus Press Assistant Sports Editor Margot Schneider at margot.schneider@thecampuspress.com.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Philip Fisher at philip.fisher@colorado.edu
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Rachael Fischer at
rachael.fischer@colorado.edu.
