BOULDER — There were no surprises in Saturday’s rain-soaked Colorado Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field, but it is safe to say there was also a not-so-subtle warning included for future opponents.
The Buffaloes’ offense promises to be very, very potent with quarterback Shedeur Sanders at the helm of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur‘s scheme.
Not that the Buffs unveiled anything new. Shurmur earlier in the week promised to keep things vanilla Saturday and Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ team did exactly that. The Buffs ran just enough plays in a roughly hour-long scrimmage situation to give an announced crowd of 28,424 a taste of what next fall will hold.
But even that taste provided enough flavor to whet the appetite of CU fans who are anxious for their team to take the next step.
That next step, of course, would be a winning record in Colorado’s return to the Big 12 and a bowl game, which Coach Prime vowed the Buffs would achieve.
“This was just an opportunity for our fan base nationally to see us do some things,” Sanders said. “We kept everything really simplistic.”
The main takeaways from Saturday:
1. The talent level has again improved. Even though the Buffs saw a number of players exit via the portal over the last couple of weeks, the overall talent level of the roster has improved — and more improvement is on the way.
“The progress that we’ve made is another caliber of player that’s playing, a player that truly expects to go to the next level, meaning the NFL,” Coach Prime told the media. “They expect to be drafted Thursday, Friday or today in the NFL … These young men want to practice, they want to have each other’s back. They want the physicality, they want all the smoke, so to speak. I love what we’re building in this locker room.”
Sanders made it clear that any holes in the roster are quickly being filled. For instance, while CU’s running back situation was greatly limited Saturday because of departures and injuries, those vacancies have already been filled by commitments who will be in Boulder in time for summer workouts.
2. Shedeur Sanders appears ready to take his game up another notch. Already the owner of a host of school records, Colorado’s QB1 looked ready to add to those numbers, appearing to be in midseason form despite the bad weather conditions. Sanders had an efficient 10-for-14 day for 116 yards and a touchdown while completing passes at every level — deep, mid-range, tight windows, touch when needed and plenty of zip when necessary.
There were also no signs of the back injury that prevented him from playing in last year’s season finale.
“I’m feeling great right now and I’m on a great workout program,” he said. “This summer is definitely going to be a grind … I am just trying to get where I want to physically and never losing a step.”
3. CU’s offensive line should be improved. The Buffs have five new starters up front — tackles Jordan Seatonand Kahlil Benson, guards Tyler Brown and Justin Mayers and center Hank Zilinskas. While there’s still no doubt plenty of work to be done, they showed cohesiveness and a good understanding of what it will take to keep Sanders upright next fall. They yielded just one sack, opened some holes for the run game and overall look to be a clear step ahead of last season.
4. Colorado’s wideouts will once again be a handful for any defense. It’s clear that two-way star Travis Hunter will once again be a focal point. Hunter gathered in four passes for 27 yards, including one catch that was halted early by officials but likely would have been a much longer gain.
But Hunter won’t be the only target. Jimmy Horn Jr. (58 catches last season) had a nice catch for a first down while newcomer LaJohntay Wester hauled in three balls for 66 yards, including a 24-yard gain and a touchdown catch. Omarion Miller hauled in a pair of catches for the No. 1 offense and reserve Kaleb Mathishad a 28-yard reception while also adding a long touchdown run on a reverse.
5. CU’s defense will put its best players in position to make plays. Hunter, who spent all of last season playing cornerback, is clearly at home playing the nickel. He can cover and can also have an impact inside against the run. Linebacker Trevor Woods, meanwhile, also looks comfortable at the “dime” spot, where he can impact the run game and also cover when necessary.
Also making some plays were linebacker Jeremiah Brown (six tackles), edge rusher Tristan Marois (the only sack of Sanders), nose tackle Shane Cokes (a strip sack), linebacker Jaylen Wester (three tackles) and edge rusher Taje McCoy (three tackles, one for loss).
6. Tight ends needed. One area the Buffs will still likely address via the portal is another tight end who can bring some beef to the run game and also pose a threat as a receiver. Sophomore Brady Kopetz got the start with the No. 1 unit Saturday but it is a position that will clearly need some help in the depth department.
7. Running backs will look much different in the fall. CU lost two running backs to the portal this spring and two others, Charlie Offerdahl and Micah Welch, were unavailable Saturday because of injuries.
That left CU with just defensive back Isaiah Hardge stepping in as an emergency fill-in and redshirt sophomore Christian Sarem. Hardge performed admirably, knocking out the longest play of the day, a 40-yard touchdown scamper.
But with two commitments on the way for the summer, there’s little doubt CU’s run game will have a much different look when the season opens.
8. Coach Prime says he’s here to stay. While nationwide chatter continues to question whether Sanders will be here after this season, CU’s head coach says he’s in Boulder for the long haul even after his sons leave the program.
“I don’t follow my kids, I pave roads for my kids,” he said. “I do not plan on following my kids to the NFL. I have work to do here. I absolutely love it here. It’s beautiful here … I love everything about this part of the country and the fan base that we have here. I just want to really bless you with a tremendously successful team. I really do. That’s my heart.”
OFFERDAHL EARNS SCHOLARSHIP: Walkon running back Charlie Offerdahl, who has earned consistent praise from the coaching staff for his work ethic and dedication, was awarded a scholarship in a pregame ceremony in the locker room.
“It’s unbelievable,” Offerdahl said. “I just want to thank everyone in this organization. I’s a blessing.”
Coach Prime called it a “teary eyed” moment.
“He was raised correctly,” Sanders said. “A wonderful mother and father who supported him 100% of the way … Charlie is the prototype man. I love what he stands for. I love who he is. I love what he’s about and we wanted to treat him. It was a tremendous moment, but it’s nothing that we gave him. He took it. He played up, took it and he earned it and he deserved it.”
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Story by Neill Woelk, Contributing Editor for CUBuffs.com. Content courtesy of the University of Colorado at Boulder.