CU report: A tough guy — hands down

By B.G. Brooks, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 18, 2008 at 6:39 p.m.

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In practice the day before the first preseason scrimmage, junior cornerback Cha'pelle Brown's left hand got caught somewhere it shouldn't. Result: a fracture across the top side that required casting.

Brown, though, hasn't missed a play since, participating in the Buffs' first two scrimmages and staying in contention for a starting job, which "speaks to the kind of character he has; he's never said boo about it," CU coach Dan Hawkins said.

For his part, Brown said there was "never a question" about continuing to practice. "If it wasn't broke, I was all right. It's a little hard to grab onto things, but I'm getting used to it."

He's hoping the cast can come off before the Aug. 31 opener against Colorado State, and he's also hoping to be in the starting lineup. Five players appear to be competing for the starting corner jobs: Brown, Jimmy Smith, Gardner McKay, Anthony Wright and Jalil Brown, whose impressive Sunday scrimmage earned him time Monday with the first unit.

Meanwhile, the diminutive Cha'pelle Brown (5-foot-7, 180) looks to be a lock as CU's nickel back. As for his size, ignore it, he said: "I just play real hard. That's the way I always play. I never look at my size as anything that hinders me. All I can do is go out there and play."

Get your motor running

Backup quarterback candidate Matt Ballenger invited roommate Ryan Miller, the starting right offensive tackle, on a summer outing to Ballenger's home in Nampa, Idaho.

On the summer-fun agenda was a water-skiing trip to a nearby reservoir. Miller, it should be noted, stands 6-7 and weighs about 315 — not exactly a water nymph.

"Our boat couldn't get him out of the water," Ballenger said. And while they were trying, Miller ran afoul of an errant ski, which popped him in the mouth and loosened two false front teeth, initially damaged on the football field a while back.

Miller, though, called the experience fun and said he was up for another try, maybe behind a bigger motor.

ETC.

* Hawkins wouldn't elaborate on any roster moves that might have resulted from Sunday's scrimmage. "We'll probably reshape that in the next couple of days and throw that out there," he said. "But then again, you know how we are, particularly on offense. When it comes to the guys who handle the ball, they're going to play in there somewhere."

* Freshman kicker Jameson Davis, who has been bothered by a swollen left knee, has recovered sufficiently enough to resume kickoff duties, Hawkins said.

* The Buffs had one practice Monday and have only one light one scheduled Tuesday, with "team unity" functions scheduled for both days. Two-a-days resume Wednesday, and game-planning for CSU begins Thursday.

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