Three questions for Dan Hawkins
1 What is the strength of your team?
"I think if you're looking for something tangible, it probably would be in the D-line, particularly because of George (Hypolite) and Brandon (Nicolas). The intangible part of it is our chemistry."
2 How would you rate your schedule?
"Very tough, very tough. But you know, also, it's very gratifying. I'm looking forward to playing all those teams. Open with the (Colorado State) Rams, and Eastern Washington had a great playoff run last year, so there'll be a lot of excitement."
3 What would you consider a successful season?
"Wow. I just want to get better. I think I want to get better in the off-field stuff, the eligibility stuff, continue to grow our leadership. . . . Everybody wants more wins than losses, and so do I. But I want to see things that are conducive to winning. We've got to not turn the ball over, we've got to run it better and stop the run - get better in statistical categories like that."
Preseason report card
* RUSHING OFFENSE: The Buffaloes have been average in the Big 12 Conference the past two seasons (172.9 yards rushing in 2006, 144.2 in 2007) - numbers not pleasing to third-year coach Dan Hawkins. The climb from the middle of the pack could begin this season with an offensive line taking shape under running game coordinator/line coach Jeff Grimes and the arrival of freshmen tailbacks Darrell Scott, Rodney "Speedy" Stewart and Ray Polk. But sophomore Demetrius Sumler vowed not to be overshadowed by the newcomers and lived up to that. He'll start in the opener. Grade: C
* PASSING OFFENSE: CU made a dramatic ascent, going from 116th nationally in 2006 to 54th in 2007 under new starting quarterback Cody Hawkins. Still, there's fine-tuning to be done, especially in decreasing turnovers. Hawkins threw 17 interceptions (to 22 touchdown passes) and was ninth in the league in passing efficiency. Three of his top four receivers - Scotty McKnight, Patrick Williams, Josh Smith - are back, and Stewart offers a boost out of the backfield. Knee surgery will sideline tight end Riar Geer for at least two games, lifting Patrick De- venny and freshman Ryan Deehan. Grade: B
* RUSHING DEFENSE: The Buffs were efficient run stoppers in 2007, allowing only 128.0 yards a game. But a big reason was graduated linebacker Jordon Dizon, among the national leaders in tackles (12.5 a game). Another playmaker - former walk-on Jeff Smart is highly capable and junior-college transfer Shaun Mohler is highly touted - needs to step up. Quickly. Senior tackles George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas and senior end Maurice Lucas form a formidable front, and senior safeties Ryan Walters and D.J. Dykes are sure tacklers. Freshman safety Patrick Mahnke will play. Grade: B-plus
* PASSING DEFENSE: Can you say annually suspect? Since 2003, the Buffs have ranked 114th, 105th, 87th, 94th and 73rd against the pass, so 2007 stands as a relative high-water mark. But CU must break in two new starting cornerbacks (probably Gardner McKay and Cha'pelle Brown), which isn't comforting in a league brimming with bona fide playmakers at quarterback and receiver. Plus, it has been a while since the Buffs generated a consistent pass rush (20 quarterback sacks last season, tied for ninth in the Big 12) without sacrificing coverage. Grade: C
* SPECIAL TEAMS: Newcomers Aric Goodman (placekicking) and Jameson Davis (kickoffs) will handle the kicking roles, and Matt DiLallo is an experienced, if not entirely consistent, punter (35.8 average). The Buffs made needed strides in the return games, rising from 104th nationally in 2006 to 38th in punt returns and 95th to 29th in kickoff returns. Both areas were points of heavy emphasis in Dan Hawkins' second year and will be again as he counts on the swift Smith, McKnight, Dykes and possibly Scott as returners. Jason Espinoza (broken collarbone) is sidelined. Grade: B
Depth chart
OFFENSE
Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment
QB Cody Hawkins (Matt Ballenger) | Hawkins' mantra: ball security.
TB Demetrius Sumler (Kevin Moyd) | But keep an eye on Darrell Scott.
FB Maurice Cantrell (Jake Behrens) | Cantrell's capable when called on.
WR Patrick Williams (Scott McKnight) | Williams' mantra: Stop the drops.
WR Josh Smith (Cody Crawford) | Smith, aka "J-Fly," does just that.
TE Patrick Devenny (Ryan Deehan) | Riar Geer out for at least two games.
LT Nate Solder (Ethan Adkins Solder) | is a force in the making.
LG Devin Head or Shawn Daniels) | Competition remains fierce.
C Daniel Sanders (Keenan Stevens) | "Girthy" has become a solid center.
RG Blake Behrens or Max Tuioti-Mariner) | Both guard starters could change.
RT Ryan Miller (Matthew Bahr) | Miller: On the fast track to stardom.
PK Aric Goodman (Jameson Davis) | Goodman was "Money" in camp.
DEFENSE
Pos. Starter Backup Comment
LE Maurice Lucas (Conrad Obi) | Lucas should be a prime-timer.
DT George Hypolite (Taj Kaynor) | "Hypo" plays/talks with best.
NT Brandon Nicolas (Eugene Goree) | Nicolas nice complement to Hypolite.
RE Jason Brace (Marquez Herrod) | Good preseason camp elevated Brace.
MLB Jeff Smart (Michael Sipili) | Smart is that - and extremely tough.
WLB Marcus Burton (Shaun Mohler) | Burton's fast, and a solid 260 pounds.
SLB Brad Jones (B.J. Beatty) | Jones brings athleticism, experience.
LCB Cha'pelle Brown (Jalil Brown) | Jalil also is No. 1 nickel back.
RCB Gardner McKay (Anthony Wright) | McKay's goal: Play the run stronger.
FS Ryan Walters (Anthony Perkins) | Walters' goal: Stay injury-free.
SS Daniel Dykes (Patrick Mahnke) | Dykes made 12 starts in 2007.
P Matt DiLallo (Tom Suazo) | Consistency still eludes DiLallo.
Outlook
7-5 Season 3 under Dan Hawkins finds the Buffs ahead of schedule in most areas, particularly on offense. But a typically unforgiving schedule offers a handful of swing games that might mask CU's improvement.
==============
Three questions for Steve Fairchild
1 What is the strength of your team?
"On the offensive side of the ball, we like our running backs and offensive line. Defensively, it is just depth."
2 How would you rate your schedule?
"Whatever you got, you play. This league is talented now. Since I left, the last seven years, there's some good football teams in this league. It's good from top to bottom. We can't worry about what everybody else has."
3 What would you consider a successful season?
"As far as predicting wins and losses, I have no idea. I see fairly clearly where we are at and I know exactly where we want to go. I think the plan and the coaches are in place to do that. I don't know how quickly we will go down that road. I'm more concerned just day to day that we continue to improve every day that we practice, not only get better, but the way we practice."
Preseason report card
* RUSHING OFFENSE: Coach Steve Fairchild would love to have a physical, punishing rushing attack that would allow the Rams to also stretch the field. CSU has the players to accomplish that. Gartrell Johnson and Kyle Bell head a deep group of running backs, and four full-time starters are back on the offensive line. Grade: B
* PASSING OFFENSE: Billy Farris, a backup for two seasons, needs to prove himself at quarterback. Tight end Kory Sperry is returning after a medical hardship year, but he's a bona fide playmaker. The Rams will need to develop reliable wide receivers, but new recruits could help turn the receiving corps into a strength as the season progresses. Grade: C
* RUSHING DEFENSE: Three starters are gone from the defensive line, but sacks leader Tommie Hill, Matt Rupp and linebacker Jeff Horinek, the leading tackler last year, should provide defensive coordinator Larry Kerr with a solid nucleus. Grade: C
* PASSING DEFENSE: Free safety Klint Kubiak and strong safety Mike Pagnotta missed a combined 13 games last year because of illness and injuries. They are good at run support and will be the headline performers in what will be an inexperienced secondary. Grade: C
* SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Jason Smith will miss part of the season because of a broken arm. In his absence, freshman Ben DeLine will fill in as the placekicker and and junior college transfer Anthony Hartz will be the punter. Dion Morton will handle punt returns. Grade: C-plus
Depth chart
OFFENSE
Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment
QB Billy Farris (Klay Kubiak) | Not much experience at key position.
RB Gartrell Johnson or Kyle Bell | They could play in same backfield.
FB Zac Pauga (Eric Peitz) | Pauga is a solid piece of offense.
WR Dion Morton (Marquise Law) | Morton must step up as playmaker.
WR Rashaun Greer (Ryan Gardner) | Greer looking for first reception.
TE Kory Sperry (Chris Kawulok) | Sperry might be bona fide NFL prospect.
C Tim Walter (Phil Serchia) | Walter started nine games last year.
SG Adrian Martinez (Scott Benedict) | Martinez has started 22 games.
ST Cole Pemberton (Dane Stratton) | Pemberton adds experience to O-line.
WT Mark Starr (Paul Madsen) | Starr split time at tackle and tight end.
WG Shelley Smith (Jake Gdowsk) | Smith started 12 games as sophomore.
PK Jason Smith (Ben DeLine) | DeLine follows dad Steve at CSU.
DEFENSE
Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment
RE Tommie Hill (Cory Macon ) | Hill must shake off preseason injury.
NT Matt Rupp (Guy Miller) | Rupp moves into starting role.
DT Ty Whittier or James Morehead | Tight battle at this position.
LE Jake Pottorff (Wade Landers ) | Pottorff started nine games in '07.
WLB Ricky Brewer (John Clark ) | Brewer is an impact player.
MLB Jeff Horinek (Curtis Cornelson) | Horinek has started 28 games in row.
SLB Mychal Sisson (Michael Kawulok) | Position lacks varsity experience.
CB Brandon Owens (Scott Zick ) | Redshirt freshman mans this position.
CB Nick Oppenneer (Gerard Thomas ) | Ankle injury slowed Oppenneer.
FS Klint Kubiak (Zach Donaldson ) | Kubiak fired up to play again.
SS Mike Pagnotta (Jake Galusha ) | Pagnotta is a hard-nosed defender.
P Jason Smith (Anthony Hartz) | Hartz will fill in for injured Smith.
Outlook
4-8 Steve Fairchild has started to rebuild the foundation for a return to winning ways in Fort Collins, but it might not happen this season.
1 What is the strength of your team?
"I think if you're looking for something tangible, it probably would be in the D-line, particularly because of George (Hypolite) and Brandon (Nicolas). The intangible part of it is our chemistry."
2 How would you rate your schedule?
"Very tough, very tough. But you know, also, it's very gratifying. I'm looking forward to playing all those teams. Open with the (Colorado State) Rams, and Eastern Washington had a great playoff run last year, so there'll be a lot of excitement."
3 What would you consider a successful season?
"Wow. I just want to get better. I think I want to get better in the off-field stuff, the eligibility stuff, continue to grow our leadership. . . . Everybody wants more wins than losses, and so do I. But I want to see things that are conducive to winning. We've got to not turn the ball over, we've got to run it better and stop the run - get better in statistical categories like that."
Preseason report card
* RUSHING OFFENSE: The Buffaloes have been average in the Big 12 Conference the past two seasons (172.9 yards rushing in 2006, 144.2 in 2007) - numbers not pleasing to third-year coach Dan Hawkins. The climb from the middle of the pack could begin this season with an offensive line taking shape under running game coordinator/line coach Jeff Grimes and the arrival of freshmen tailbacks Darrell Scott, Rodney "Speedy" Stewart and Ray Polk. But sophomore Demetrius Sumler vowed not to be overshadowed by the newcomers and lived up to that. He'll start in the opener. Grade: C
* PASSING OFFENSE: CU made a dramatic ascent, going from 116th nationally in 2006 to 54th in 2007 under new starting quarterback Cody Hawkins. Still, there's fine-tuning to be done, especially in decreasing turnovers. Hawkins threw 17 interceptions (to 22 touchdown passes) and was ninth in the league in passing efficiency. Three of his top four receivers - Scotty McKnight, Patrick Williams, Josh Smith - are back, and Stewart offers a boost out of the backfield. Knee surgery will sideline tight end Riar Geer for at least two games, lifting Patrick De- venny and freshman Ryan Deehan. Grade: B
* RUSHING DEFENSE: The Buffs were efficient run stoppers in 2007, allowing only 128.0 yards a game. But a big reason was graduated linebacker Jordon Dizon, among the national leaders in tackles (12.5 a game). Another playmaker - former walk-on Jeff Smart is highly capable and junior-college transfer Shaun Mohler is highly touted - needs to step up. Quickly. Senior tackles George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas and senior end Maurice Lucas form a formidable front, and senior safeties Ryan Walters and D.J. Dykes are sure tacklers. Freshman safety Patrick Mahnke will play. Grade: B-plus
* PASSING DEFENSE: Can you say annually suspect? Since 2003, the Buffs have ranked 114th, 105th, 87th, 94th and 73rd against the pass, so 2007 stands as a relative high-water mark. But CU must break in two new starting cornerbacks (probably Gardner McKay and Cha'pelle Brown), which isn't comforting in a league brimming with bona fide playmakers at quarterback and receiver. Plus, it has been a while since the Buffs generated a consistent pass rush (20 quarterback sacks last season, tied for ninth in the Big 12) without sacrificing coverage. Grade: C
* SPECIAL TEAMS: Newcomers Aric Goodman (placekicking) and Jameson Davis (kickoffs) will handle the kicking roles, and Matt DiLallo is an experienced, if not entirely consistent, punter (35.8 average). The Buffs made needed strides in the return games, rising from 104th nationally in 2006 to 38th in punt returns and 95th to 29th in kickoff returns. Both areas were points of heavy emphasis in Dan Hawkins' second year and will be again as he counts on the swift Smith, McKnight, Dykes and possibly Scott as returners. Jason Espinoza (broken collarbone) is sidelined. Grade: B
Depth chart
OFFENSE
Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment
QB Cody Hawkins (Matt Ballenger) | Hawkins' mantra: ball security.
TB Demetrius Sumler (Kevin Moyd) | But keep an eye on Darrell Scott.
FB Maurice Cantrell (Jake Behrens) | Cantrell's capable when called on.
WR Patrick Williams (Scott McKnight) | Williams' mantra: Stop the drops.
WR Josh Smith (Cody Crawford) | Smith, aka "J-Fly," does just that.
TE Patrick Devenny (Ryan Deehan) | Riar Geer out for at least two games.
LT Nate Solder (Ethan Adkins Solder) | is a force in the making.
LG Devin Head or Shawn Daniels) | Competition remains fierce.
C Daniel Sanders (Keenan Stevens) | "Girthy" has become a solid center.
RG Blake Behrens or Max Tuioti-Mariner) | Both guard starters could change.
RT Ryan Miller (Matthew Bahr) | Miller: On the fast track to stardom.
PK Aric Goodman (Jameson Davis) | Goodman was "Money" in camp.
DEFENSE
Pos. Starter Backup Comment
LE Maurice Lucas (Conrad Obi) | Lucas should be a prime-timer.
DT George Hypolite (Taj Kaynor) | "Hypo" plays/talks with best.
NT Brandon Nicolas (Eugene Goree) | Nicolas nice complement to Hypolite.
RE Jason Brace (Marquez Herrod) | Good preseason camp elevated Brace.
MLB Jeff Smart (Michael Sipili) | Smart is that - and extremely tough.
WLB Marcus Burton (Shaun Mohler) | Burton's fast, and a solid 260 pounds.
SLB Brad Jones (B.J. Beatty) | Jones brings athleticism, experience.
LCB Cha'pelle Brown (Jalil Brown) | Jalil also is No. 1 nickel back.
RCB Gardner McKay (Anthony Wright) | McKay's goal: Play the run stronger.
FS Ryan Walters (Anthony Perkins) | Walters' goal: Stay injury-free.
SS Daniel Dykes (Patrick Mahnke) | Dykes made 12 starts in 2007.
P Matt DiLallo (Tom Suazo) | Consistency still eludes DiLallo.
Outlook
7-5 Season 3 under Dan Hawkins finds the Buffs ahead of schedule in most areas, particularly on offense. But a typically unforgiving schedule offers a handful of swing games that might mask CU's improvement.
==============
Three questions for Steve Fairchild
1 What is the strength of your team?
"On the offensive side of the ball, we like our running backs and offensive line. Defensively, it is just depth."
2 How would you rate your schedule?
"Whatever you got, you play. This league is talented now. Since I left, the last seven years, there's some good football teams in this league. It's good from top to bottom. We can't worry about what everybody else has."
3 What would you consider a successful season?
"As far as predicting wins and losses, I have no idea. I see fairly clearly where we are at and I know exactly where we want to go. I think the plan and the coaches are in place to do that. I don't know how quickly we will go down that road. I'm more concerned just day to day that we continue to improve every day that we practice, not only get better, but the way we practice."
Preseason report card
* RUSHING OFFENSE: Coach Steve Fairchild would love to have a physical, punishing rushing attack that would allow the Rams to also stretch the field. CSU has the players to accomplish that. Gartrell Johnson and Kyle Bell head a deep group of running backs, and four full-time starters are back on the offensive line. Grade: B
* PASSING OFFENSE: Billy Farris, a backup for two seasons, needs to prove himself at quarterback. Tight end Kory Sperry is returning after a medical hardship year, but he's a bona fide playmaker. The Rams will need to develop reliable wide receivers, but new recruits could help turn the receiving corps into a strength as the season progresses. Grade: C
* RUSHING DEFENSE: Three starters are gone from the defensive line, but sacks leader Tommie Hill, Matt Rupp and linebacker Jeff Horinek, the leading tackler last year, should provide defensive coordinator Larry Kerr with a solid nucleus. Grade: C
* PASSING DEFENSE: Free safety Klint Kubiak and strong safety Mike Pagnotta missed a combined 13 games last year because of illness and injuries. They are good at run support and will be the headline performers in what will be an inexperienced secondary. Grade: C
* SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Jason Smith will miss part of the season because of a broken arm. In his absence, freshman Ben DeLine will fill in as the placekicker and and junior college transfer Anthony Hartz will be the punter. Dion Morton will handle punt returns. Grade: C-plus
Depth chart
OFFENSE
Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment
QB Billy Farris (Klay Kubiak) | Not much experience at key position.
RB Gartrell Johnson or Kyle Bell | They could play in same backfield.
FB Zac Pauga (Eric Peitz) | Pauga is a solid piece of offense.
WR Dion Morton (Marquise Law) | Morton must step up as playmaker.
WR Rashaun Greer (Ryan Gardner) | Greer looking for first reception.
TE Kory Sperry (Chris Kawulok) | Sperry might be bona fide NFL prospect.
C Tim Walter (Phil Serchia) | Walter started nine games last year.
SG Adrian Martinez (Scott Benedict) | Martinez has started 22 games.
ST Cole Pemberton (Dane Stratton) | Pemberton adds experience to O-line.
WT Mark Starr (Paul Madsen) | Starr split time at tackle and tight end.
WG Shelley Smith (Jake Gdowsk) | Smith started 12 games as sophomore.
PK Jason Smith (Ben DeLine) | DeLine follows dad Steve at CSU.
DEFENSE
Pos. Starter (Backup) | Comment
RE Tommie Hill (Cory Macon ) | Hill must shake off preseason injury.
NT Matt Rupp (Guy Miller) | Rupp moves into starting role.
DT Ty Whittier or James Morehead | Tight battle at this position.
LE Jake Pottorff (Wade Landers ) | Pottorff started nine games in '07.
WLB Ricky Brewer (John Clark ) | Brewer is an impact player.
MLB Jeff Horinek (Curtis Cornelson) | Horinek has started 28 games in row.
SLB Mychal Sisson (Michael Kawulok) | Position lacks varsity experience.
CB Brandon Owens (Scott Zick ) | Redshirt freshman mans this position.
CB Nick Oppenneer (Gerard Thomas ) | Ankle injury slowed Oppenneer.
FS Klint Kubiak (Zach Donaldson ) | Kubiak fired up to play again.
SS Mike Pagnotta (Jake Galusha ) | Pagnotta is a hard-nosed defender.
P Jason Smith (Anthony Hartz) | Hartz will fill in for injured Smith.
Outlook
4-8 Steve Fairchild has started to rebuild the foundation for a return to winning ways in Fort Collins, but it might not happen this season.
