Buffs show progress in spring scrimmage

B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News

Saturday, April 14, 2007

BOULDER -- OK, so it wasn't the type of performance that would come close to appeasing pointaholics. But at the University of Colorado, three offensive touchdowns in a final spring scrimmage passes for progress.

The Buffaloes concluded Spring No. 2 under coach Dan Hawkins Saturday with yet another creatively designed scrimmage -- it's what's available with only six able-bodied offensive linemen -- that featured more punch than was shown a year ago.

Hawkins termed the afternoon's work of 62 plays interspersed with 7-on-7 passing and special teams practice, "OK . . . we scored a few points (but) would have liked to run the ball a little bit better. But overall, not bad."

Of his two quarterbacks -- Cody Hawkins, a redshirt freshman, and Nick Nelson, a junior college transfer -- Dan Hawkins noted, "They both had some moments on both ends of the spectrum. They showed some signs of being able to run the club."

Cody Hawkins completed 12-of-20 attempts for 119 yards and a 12-yard scoring pass to Dusty Sprague. He was intercepted in the final series by linebacker Jake Duren, who returned the pick 32 yards for a touchdown.

Nelson, who was 3-for-10 for 30 yards, appeared to have trouble getting into a rhythm in full scrimmaging. He was sacked once by defensive tackle George Hypolite for an 8-yard loss.

But in 7-on-7 drills, Nelson completed 21 of his 28 attempts for 256 yards and a pair of TDs (one interception), while Cody Hawkins was 15-of-23 for 182 yards and two TDs.

Over the course of the spring, Dan Hawkins said he was most encouraged by the Buffs' "attitude, their focus . . . I like where we're going. I kind of see an upward trend in terms of the whole perspective of what we're trying to get done . . . As the days and months go by, I think you see a little more ownership, more leadership."

CU's second-year coach said his biggest challenge in August would be getting his incoming freshmen game-ready, and very quickly.

"We're going to have a whole bunch of new guys, and we're excited," he said. "I think there's going to be a decent amount of those people who have the opportunity to play. Getting those guys worked in and see how they emerge will be a big part of it. And we'll just continue to polish."



HE'S EVERYWHERE: Bernard Jackson, the 2006 starter at quarterback, was used at that position and several others, including receiver, tailback and as a kickoff returner. His sole QB duty Saturday was as a runner.

Jackson, the Buffs' offensive captain, could wind up being utilized most at receiver this fall, but his running ability can't be underemphasized.

Lined up at tailback in the first offensive series of the second half, Jackson ran 37 yards for a touchdown on third-and-one. He opened the series by running a QB counter for three yards.

Jackson finished the scrimmage with 178 yards (82 rushing, 96 on kickoff returns). He did not attempt a pass.

Jackson's rushing total was the best among the tailbacks. Three others, Hugh Charles, Byron Ellis and Demetrius Sumler, accounted for 32 yards among them. Charles scored on a 1-yard run.

"I'm not going to complain," Jackson said of his multi-purpose "slash" role. "If that's what needs to be done, OK. I'll just set my role on the team and run with it."

Dan Hawkins said watch for Jackson "to continue to be all over the place. That guy's just so darn electric with the ball. We want to be creative in terms of allowing him to do what he does best."

WHERE'S HE BEEN? At inside linebacker, unfortunately. That would be senior Joe Sanders, who requested a move back to his original position, tight end, prior to the beginning of spring drills.

Dan Hawkins said, "Have at it," and Sanders has responded with a splendid spring. His Saturday stats: two catches for 28 yards in 11-on-11 work, five for 78 yards and a TD in 7-on-7 drills.

Hawkins said the 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior "did a nice job. There were a couple of (passes) he dropped where I think he was a little off in his confidence. But that'll come . . . and the guy can motor."

NO NONU' Inside linebacker Justin Nonu, an athletic 300-pounder who showed promise upon arriving for his freshman season in 2006, will be granted a medical hardship because of chronic back problems. His college career likely is over, according to a CU news release.

However, Dan Hawkins declined to confirm Nonu's status, calling it a "possibility" the player's career is done. Hawkins also said the status of sophomore safety Reggie Foster would be determined "at a later date."

INJURY UPDATE: Missing Saturday's scrimmage due to injuries were defensive end Drew Hudgins (knee) and receivers Chase McBride (shoulder) and Scotty McKnight (ankle). Held out of contact for precautionary reasons were guard Erick Faatagi (knee) and cornerback Terrence Wheatley (wrist), although Wheatley participated in 7-on-7 passing work.

All should be cleared to return by the opening of August camp.

CROSBY HONORED: Mason Crosby, CU's All-American former placement specialist, had his jersey (No. 16) honored at halftime Saturday. His is only the 25th jersey the school has recognized, and Crosby called it the "greatest honor I've ever had."

His normal 14-hour drive from Georgetown, Texas, to Boulder required 18 hours for this trip due to "the worst snowstorm I've ever been through."

Crosby, who could be a first-round selection in the NFL Draft later this month, has high hopes for his CU successor, senior Kevin Eberhart, of Broomfield.

"We talked, he's solid, he's going to be great," Crosby said. "I have no doubts he's going to be an amazing kicker next year."

Eberhart was two-for-four Saturday, hitting field goals of 38 and 36 yards and kicking seven PATs. His misses were from 52 and 55 yards.

ETC.: Punter Matt DiLallo averaged 41.7 yards on three attempts, while Tom Suazo averaged 46.0 on two. Suazo's first attempt was blocked and returned 16 yards for a TD by Patrick Williams . . . . Safety Lionel Harris was the afternoon's leading tackler, posting three solo tackles and three assists, with a pair of third-down stops . . . . Saturday's attendance was announced at 5,800 . . . . Dates to remember: Aug. 5, players report; Aug. 6 or 7, first practice (shorts); Aug. 11, first day in full pads; Aug. 27, first day of classes; Sept. 1, first game (Colorado State in Denver).

brooksb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5466