SB Nation - Sione Tau

Monday Buff Bites - Hot Seats, Experience Talk, Storylines...Football Season is Getting Closer

irish1611 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:23:35 -0000

Orlando Sentinel - Phil Steele's NEW AND IMPROVED Experience Chart by Phil Steele
Phil Steele's most recent chart looking at experience returning for 2009 has some bad news for Missouri and Nebraska. Missouri, based on Steele's combination of senior experience, returning offensive yards, returning letter winner, % of tackles returning and career offensive line starts, has the least "experience" returning in all of college football. Yes, that is out of 120 teams. Nebraska also ranked 112th, so they aren't much better. This is all good news for the Buffs, who shouldn't be bragging as they ranked 60th in the nation in Steele's returning experience equation but Kansas State, Missouri and Nebraska all had less returning experience from the North. Kansas ranks 53rd and Iowa State 25th.

Bruce Feldman on the top 10 college football storylines for Media Week (07/27/09) - ESPN
Is Coach Hawk and the Buffaloes one of this week's biggest stories? Bruce Feldman tends to think so...

10. Hawk Love or Hawk Heat? Almost everyone who spends time around Colorado coach Dan Hawkins becomes a believer. (Hawkins' son, CU QB Cody Hawkins, is equally affable.) The elder Hawkins, who recently had a medical scare dealing with complications from kidney stones, hasn't been shy about boosting expectations, talking about winning 10 games this season, doubling the win total from last year in a conference that might be stronger than it was a year ago. The pressure is on, as you can tell from this Q&A with B.G. Brooks. The good news? One-time blue-chipper Darrell Scott, the nation's top RB recruit two years ago, is ready for a breakout season, Cody Hawkins says. Scott was overshadowed last year by unheralded frosh RB Speedy Stewart as Scott played through some injuries and struggled with conditioning issues. Now Scott is healthy, leaner and stronger, and might be primed for a 1,500-yard season and carrying his coach's team to those 10 wins.

Buffs still short on scholarship players | The Buffzone Blog
Kyle Ringo did something we have done in the past couple of weeks breaking down the number of scholarship players. Right now, the active scholarship total for the Buffs in 2009 will be 63 assuming that 10 freshman won't play this year. Currently 73 players are on scholarship not including Josh Moten, Sione Tau, Toney Clemons, Shaun Simon and Edward Nuckols. If your keeping track at home, that is 12 scholarships below the allowable amount, 7 if you can't the current inactives. The best news of the day is that the Buffs are being proactive, taking a self enforced penalty for their NCAA APR performance, something that we have hoped would happen since they have scholarship wiggle room this season:

Coach Dan Hawkins is also taking a scholarship penalty this year for poor performance under the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate system. That penalty could be as many as five scholarships. Basically it means that CU could have signed more players than it did in February, if not for the penalty.

There are 73 active scholarship players and 15 of them are true freshmen. It’s safe to assume about 10 of those players won’t play at all this season, which takes the number of active scholarship players down to 63. That’s not a horrible number, but it does mean CU really needs to avoid the injury plague that killed it last season.

A lot more links after the jump...

Orlando Sentinel - Phil Steele's Coaches on the Hot Seat
Phil Steele puts Coach Hawk at number 4 of coaches on the "hot seat". That's way too high as I think we all agree that it would take a complete failure of a season for Dan to be going anywhere, like 2 or 3 wins failure.

4. Dan Hawkins – Colorado – CU fans were happy with the hire of a successful coach but the first 3 years have produced 3 losing records. They did get to a bowl in 2007 but when they lost the Independence Bowl they dropped to 6-7. Last year Nebraska needed a 57 yard FG at the end of the game to keep CU from 6-6 and a 2nd straight bowl. Hawkins has said 10 wins, no excuses. I do see 8 wins for CU and I see him escaping the hot seat.

Analyzing Michigan's transfers (and dismissals) since Rich Rodriguez came to town - The Diag
The more and more I read about Clemons, the more pumped I am about the guy and player the Buffs got. Even Michigan fans don't want to rip him for transferring. I just wish we had him in 2009.

Toney Clemons: I was always a Clemons fan, especially when I realized that he was Terrelle Pryor's cousin (ca-ching, ca-ching). But everyone knows how that turned out. Clemons went out with class, and you can't fault him for wanting to be a big time guy in a pro-style offense. Matthews is still the pro-style guy trying to succeed in the spread offense, so that role is taken. But having Clemons couldn't have hurt, especially when RichRod has five or so wideouts on the field at a time.

List of top party schools by Princeton Review | The Courier-Journal
The Princeton Review has released it's annual list of the top party school in the nation and the Buffs come in at 11, second in the Big 12. I, for one, am damn proud...

The State of the Big 12: When will the North rise again? - Dr. Saturday
The great CFB Blog Dr Saturday is starting it's Big 12 week with a post about the South's dissonance of the North over the past few years. The site will have a ton of stories on our favorite conference this week so check back often.

Who’s the boss in mysterious North? - ColumbiaTribune.com
The Columbia Tribune looks at 12 or so questions in the Big 12 for 2009

6. Thin ice in Boulder: Entering his fourth season at Colorado, Dan Hawkins told reporters he expects to win 10 games this fall — a bold statement considering CU has won just 13 under Hawkins the last three seasons. The North appears ripe for the taking, but the Buffs don’t figure to come close to 10 wins as long as their quarterbacks are completing 56 percent of their passes, as co-QBs Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen did last season. CU has no excuse not to reach a bowl game, but if Hawkins’ team struggles again, will his blustering days be done in Boulder?

11. Darrell Scott, take two: He was widely considered the crown jewel of Colorado’s 2008 recruiting class, perhaps the biggest-ever catch for the Buffs. But injuries and offensive line issues contributed to a dud of a debut season for Darrell Scott last season. He logged just 87 carries and produced only 364 yards and a touchdown, getting eight or fewer carries in seven of CU’s 12 games. Scott had just six runs of 10 yards or more. It won’t take much to eclipse last year’s production, but will Scott ever live up to the expectations that followed his celebrated recruitment?

Tulsa World: Twelve questions for the Big 12
The Tulsa World does something similar to the Columbia Tribune:

9. Will Colorado finally get going under Dan Hawkins? They'd better. Hawkins' motto this season is "Ten wins and no excuses." This is a team that went 5-7 overall and 2-6 in league play and now, apparently, has uncertainty at quarterback. Buff fans won't rest over another underachieving season.

Spring Recap: The Offensive Line

irish1611 — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:11:38 -0000

Pre-Spring Thoughts:

Coming into spring ball, all we could really think about was the potential the offensive line had. Last year with the injuries to Ryan Miller, Mike Iltis and Max Tuioti-Mariner as well as other issues that plagued the offensive line, many young Buffs played and gained experience. When you looked at the 2009 roster before the start of spring, there were 12 players that were eligible for any one of the starting spots on the offensive line (that doesn't even count players like C Evan Eastburn and OT Ryan Dannewitz.)That is great depth and with many players getting a taste last year, it was easy to think that all of this competition would make the o-line that much better. Going into camp, you could guess that Ryan Miller (6'8 310 So.) and Nate Solder (6'9" 300 Jr.) had the inside track at both of the tackle positions with the three other spots open for battle. Optimistic was the best way to describe the offensive line.

But that optimism was tempered by the departure of 2008 offensive line coach, Jeff Grimes, to Auburn and the hiring of Denver Johnson, a former head coach of Murray State and Illinois State as well as the ACL injury to one time 2008 starting guard, Max Tuioti-Mariner (6'3" 300 RFr).

Prior to his head coaching stints, Denver Johnson worked his way through the ranks at Oklahoma State, Mississippi State and Oklahoma, gaining important Big 12 experience and establishing himself recruiting-wise in the state of Texas, something that made Buff fans excited.

As for MTM, the ACL injury was his third in as many years, something most of us cannot imagine returning from. Tuioti-Mariner showed why he was a top recruit in 2008 by quickly inserting himself into the starting lineup before he was lost early the season with his second ACL injury. He, as well as Ryan Miller, received a medical redshirt for last season, something that only increased the optimism around the future of the offensive line. MTM is still determined to come back and coach Dan Hawkins thinks that he can be ready for fall.

click after the jump to read the rest of the offensive line recap...

Post Spring Thoughts:

Starting with Denver Johnson, it seems like he has fit in extremely well with the offensive line as well as pleasing the fan base saying the Buffs were going to be more aggressive, playing on the opponents side of the ball. Johnson learned the terminology of the offensive line instead of instilling his own to keep the learning curve down, focusing more on changes in technique from the Grimes era, something that will pay dividends in the fall. Basically, Johnson's goal is turn the Buffs into a smash mouth team, something that fits the change in the overall offensive scheme. I think 9 out of 10 Buff fans would give an enthusiastic two thumbs up for the Denver Johnson hire thus far, with a perfect 10 coming if he can turn heads recruiting Texas.

On to the players. The first day of spring ball, the starting lineup was Solder at left tackle, Matt Bahr at left guard (6'4" 285 So.), Mike Iltis at center (6'3" 275 So.), Miller at right guard and initially surprising, Bryce Givens at right tackle (6'6" 275 R-Fr.). The move of Miller to guard and redshirt freshman, Bryce Givens, to right tackle came as a surprise to many Buff fans considering Miller's past starting experience at tackle but Denver Johnson stuck to his word; he wants the five best offensive lineman on the field. If you remember correctly, Givens was a four star recruit in 2008 but was about 250 pounds and had concussion issues. It looks like he has put the health concerns behind him and with the addition of 25 pounds to his 6'6" frame, he made himself a serious contender for the starting tackle spot. Solder and Givens are both big, athletic guys on the edge and should be a successful mainstay for the Buffs the next two years. At the conclusion of camp, Solder, Givens, Miller and Iltis found themselves in the same spots while the left guard spot is still up for grabs, in my opinion. Johnson is still trying to get a feel for all of his guys which would explain three different starters at the guard position this spring from Bahr to Sione Tau (6'5" 325 So.) to Ethan Adkins (6'4" 295 So.). Expect as many as six players battling for that one guard spot with the three I mentioned above as well as Shawn Daniels (6'3" 280 So.), Tuioti-Mariner and Blake Behrens (6'3" 290 So.) (all three out due to injury this spring) to have their shot.

As far as the performance this spring, it was a nice progression of results. With a new offensive line coach, Miller moving to guard, new starters at the other guard position as well as center and right tackle, everybody had to adapt and it took time to see the results on the field. I do have to say I am excited about the offensive line especially if we can solidify the guard spot. Hopefully Tuioti-Mariner or Behrens, who can gained experience last year, can step in and be a starter for the next three to four years.

The running game failed to really get going in the initial two scrimmages. The first scrimmage, the offense rushed for only 108 yards on 33 carries, good for a 3.3 average. No running back averaged over 4 yards a clip. The second scrimmage was not much better: 29 carries, 102 yards for an average of 3.5 ypc. The spring game was a different story, though. You could tell that the line had progressed and were more comfortable with the offense and the scheme. In a perfect way to end the spring session, the Buffs ran 50 times for 310 yards, an average of 6.2 per carry. All running backs went for over 5.5 yards an attempt, something that we expected based on the talent of the offensive line.

Injuries:

OG Max Tuioti-Mariner out for entire spring, OG Devin Head limited this spring, played in spring game, OG Blake Behrens limited/out this spring, OG Shawn Daniels limited/out this spring, OL Sione Tau did not play in spring game, missed a few practices for personal reasons after starting at left guard for the second week of spring. All expected to be ready for fall ball, doubt about MTM being ready.

Player(s) Who Emerged:

C Mike Iltis and RT Bryce Givens. Iltis has filled in nicely for last year's starter and stalwart, Daniel Sanders. Iltis is still learning this position and getting comfortable making the line calls but he never relinquished the center spot all spring. As for Givens, enough was said above about his successful offseason. Both Givens and Solder should be fun to watch at the tackle spots.

Final Assessment:

All things still look on the up and up. This squad is deep and if MTM comes back healthy, watch out. This unit has all the talent and it looks like the coaching to be very successful in the Big 12. A lot will be on the shoulders of the offensive line with a depleted wide receiver corp and a duo at quarterback that probably isn't going to beat anybody by themselves. The way this group goes, is the way the offense goes in 2009. The best part is they are still young, but experienced from last season!

Biggest Postion Battles Going Into Spring Ball: Part One

irish1611 — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:08:02 -0000

The story lines won't be lacking going into spring camp, as many starting positions will begin to be fought for in less than 10 days. This will be the first installment to a three or four part series, looking at the position battles that will be going on.

1) Starting Running Back - Darrell Scott and Rodney Stewart

With the new pro-style offense coming the Boulder this offseason, both of these running backs should have plenty of chances to carry the ball in 2009 but it is always fun to talk about who will be the starter and get a little more each game. Stewart, the de facto offensive MVP last year, is recovering from a knee injury while Darrell Scott is supposed to be in shape and ready to go. Both will benefit from a more experienced and hopefully, healthier offensive line. The key for Stewart is to get healthy and continue to make plays. That is why he saw the field last year over guys like Scott and Sumler, he outworked everyone and was able to make plays for a team that had no playmakers. As for Scott, consistency and making the jump is the key. After a tumultuous year of lofty expectations and injuries, Scott just needs to play and let his skills shine through. I also think Scott has something to prove to the coaches that he is mentally and physically tough enough to handle the load. Should be a great battle to track in spring and fall practices. Again, these two playmakers should see plenty of time on the field.

The Ralphie Report Prediction: Darrell Scott. Don't get me wrong, replacing Stewart as the starting running back is not going to easy and as much as I think Scott will blow up next year, Speedy should still get 20 touches a game. I feel Scott will bring another dimension to the team. I can also see Scott and Stewart being on the field together. With a healthy duo back there, it could spell trouble for a defense and should make Colorado more dynamic. Stewart will probably prove me wrong by embracing the underdog role yet again .

2) Starting Center - Evan Eastburn, Mike Iltis, add any name here

With the departure of All Big 12 performer Daniel Sanders, center is one of the few question marks on the offensive line in 2009 and frankly, is wide open. I am satisfied with the option at guard and tackle, even with the injury to MTM At center, though, their is no heir apparent as Sanders was a stalwart at the position. A solid performance out of Sanders replacement will fill out what looks to be a strong line going forward in the Big 12. Offensive tackles get all the glory in terms of being the most talked about on the field but the leader is usually at the center position, something that Sanders excelled at on the field.

The Ralphie Report Prediction: Mike Iltis. All we have heard out of offseason camp is Iltis has really impressed Denver Johnson and that he will be hard to keep out of the rotation at center or guard. Eastburn will definitely get a fair shake.

3) Starting Cornerbacks - Jalil Brown, Anthony Wright, Cha'pelle Brown, Jimmy Smith, Ben Burney

Like the linebacker group, this unit has talent from top to bottom. Jimmy Smith is probably the most athletic player on the entire team and if I had to circle on guy on the defensive side of the ball who will be playing at the next level, it would be him. He has the size that defensive back coaches dream of. Last year, he came through towards the end of the season, showing he can support the run as well as make big plays. All Cha'pelle Brown did in 2008 was come in fourth in team tackles, lead the team in pass breakups, tie for the team lead in interceptions and had a late pick six against Eastern Washington, avoiding the FCS disaster. The Buffs will also be aided by the return of 2007 starter Ben Burney who was out in 2008 due to multiple injuries. Jalil Brown was also impressive last year with 55 tackles and playing a ton in the nickel spot. He is also a bigger type of defensive back, similar to Jimmy Smith.

The Ralphie Report Prediction: Jimmy Smith and Cha'pelle Brown. Don't get me wrong, Ben Burney and Jalil Brown will make it interesting on Cha'pelle Brown but I don't think anyone can take Jimmy Smith off the field baring injury or bad effort from Smith. He is too talented. It will be interesting to see how Burney recovers and fits in the secondary that seems to have recovered nicely from losing him and Terrence Wheatley two years ago. Cha'pelle made a ton of plays last year so that is why he gets the nod but I have visions of Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith, both big body cornerbacks, playing physical on the edge against Big 12 WR's. With the lack of a defensive line, this unit will need to be spectacular this year if the Buffs have a chance at a special season.

Poll

What is the biggest strength of the defense right now?

Defensive Line (I should have omitted this one)

4 votes

Linebackers (assume without Lynn Katoa)

70 votes

Defensive Backs

40 votes

114 votes | Poll has closed

Who is Denver Johnson? Supposedly The New Buffs Offensive Line Coach, That's Who

irish1611 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:02:32 -0000

All signs point to former Illinois State head coach, Denver Johnson, being named the new offensive line coach according to Bloomington Pantagraph.com. Well, I have to say that this looks like a pretty decent move for the Colorado Buffaloes. No, Denver Johnson is not the founder of the Mile High Club. Johnson has been a head coach at two schools and has had assistant coaching jobs at Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. Johnson, a former offensive lineman who played at Tulsa and had a brief stint in the NFL with Tampa Bay in 1981 - 1983, recently resigned from the head coaching position at Illinois State after nine years in the position. More on his coaching resume below.

According to mvc-sports.com, Johnson resigned from the Illinois State job after a season ending loss that ended the "2008 season with a 3-8 record overall, after finishing 4-7 in 2007. It was ISU’s first back-to-back losing seasons in over a decade."

"During his nine-year run at Illinois State, Johnson posted a 48-54 record with the Redbirds, highlighted by the 2006 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision Playoff run and a season-ending No. 8 national ranking. Johnson’s teams produced some of the most prolific offensive campaigns in the program's history by establishing 28 offensive school records, including the most points and the most rushing, passing and total yards in a season."

He also seems to be a good recruiter:

As a result, the Redbirds landed three, three-star recruits, as rated by national recruiting services, and the class as a whole ranked No. 2 nationally among all NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs.

TRR's take: So it looks like he has a good track record for strong offensive production. Johnson will inherit one of the more promising units at Colorado in a long time in the offensive line. Still, Denver Johnson will have plenty of opportunity to put his stamp on this group as the pieces still need to be molded and grown. Johnson will first have to keep the growth and development of a promising line going in the right direction. Next, their are plenty of battles and questions that still need to be answered even with all the potential. First, who will take over duties as the rock of the offensive line in center. The good thing for Johnson is that he has a ton of talent to choose from. The bad thing is Johnson will have to find a guy with hardly any experience to play the position. At the other positions, he will have to hope OT Ryan Miller and OG Max Tuioti-Mariner heal and continue to develop. Miller and MTM have the ability to be All Big 12 players for the rest of their careers but both are still young. He will also have to be instrumental in continuing to develop a still very raw OT Nate Solder at tackle who still should be considered a project in one of the most important positions on the football field. The final task will be to get Bryce Givens ready to go and correctly shuffle through the log jam at the guard/tackle spots that consists of guys like Mike Iltis, Blake Behrens, Devin Head, Matt Bahr and Sione Tau among others, to put the best players out on the field. Johnson may have acquired one of the more promising unites on the team but there is still plenty of work to be done. The assistance of offensive technician Brad Bedell would be very helpful to keep continuity, something that is very important at the offensive line position with play calls, etc.

More on Denver Johnson from Illinois State's athletic site:

Johnson's players have gone on to receive 34 All-America honors in his tenure at Illinois State.

Following a disappointing 4-7 campaign in 2007, Johnson and his staff hit the recruiting trail with determination. As a result, the Redbirds landed three, three-star recruits, as rated by national recruiting services, and the class as a whole ranked No. 2 nationally among all NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs.

In 2006, the Redbirds posted the second-highest win total in school history with nine victories, finished the season ranked No. 8 in the final polls and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

From 2007 - 2005, the Redbird passing offense was the best in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Throughout his entire career, the offense at Illinois State was a leader in the MVC.

Illinois State originally plucked Johnson from Murray State after the 1999 season, where he was 7-4 in each of his three campaigns as the Racers' head coach. After four years playing professional football, Johnson began his coaching career in 1985 as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma State and was with the Cowboys for the 1985 Gator Bowl.

His first full-time coaching job came at Tennessee-Martin, where he was assistant head coach and coached the offensive line from 1986-89. In 1988, UT-Martin, with an explosive offense, fashioned a record of 11-2 with a quarterfinal appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Johnson coached the offensive line at Oklahoma State from 1989-93 before embarking on a three-year stint as an assistant coach at Mississippi State. The 1993 Bulldogs earned a spot in the Peach Bowl, and in 1995, Johnson was recognized as one of the top assistant coaches in the Southeastern Conference.

Johnson was on the Oklahoma staff for the 1996 season before taking over the Murray State program prior to the 1997 campaign.

A late hiring process and the loss of several key players from the previous year's team appeared to have Johnson poised for a slow start at Murray State, but that was not the case. The Racers responded with a 7-4 mark.

Johnson graduated from Tulsa in 1981. He helped TU to the 1976 Independence Bowl as a player and was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference offensive lineman under former Ohio State and Arizona State head coach John Cooper. He was also an academic all-conference pick.

Following his college playing career at Tulsa, Johnson moved to the professional ranks. He was with the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers from April 1981 to February 1983.

He then joined the Los Angeles Express of the now-defunct United States Football League from February 1983 through August 1984. Johnson then wrapped up his playing career with the USFL's Houston Gamblers from February 1984 through August 1985. His USFL playing days included playing stints with quarterbacks Jim Kelly and Steve Young, both of whom went on to stardom in the National Football League.

Known for his homespun humor and southern drawl, Johnson is a public speaker in high demand. His interesting delivery style, combined with a keen mind, plays well in the corporate setting, at fund-raisers, in a recruit's home and in the Redbird locker room.

Year-By-Year Head Coaching Results

2007 - Illinois State	4-7/2-4
2006 - Illinois State	9-4/5-2
2005 - Illinois State	7-4/4-3
2004 - Illinois State	4-7/2-5
2003 - Illinois State	6-6/3-4
2002 - Illinois State	6-5/4-3
2001 - Illinois State	2-9/2-5
2000 - Illinois State	7-4/4-2
ILLINOIS STATE TOTAL	45-46/26-28
1999 - Murray State	7-4/5-2
1998 - Murray State	7-4/5-2
1997 - Murray State	7-4/5-2
MURRAY STATE TOTAL	21-12/15-6
CAREER TOTAL (11 YEARS)	66-58/41-34

Coaching Ledger

2000-	Illinois State, Head Coach
1997-99	Murray State, Head Coach
1996	Oklahoma, Assistant Coach
1993-95	Mississippi State, Assistant Coach
1989-93	Oklahoma State, Assistant Coach
1986-89	Tennessee-Martin, Assistant Head Coach
1985-86	Oklahoma State, Graduate Assistant

Illinois State University Football

Poll

How do you feel about Dan Hawkins hiring Denver Johnson to be the next offensive line coach for the Buffs?

Looks like a good hire on paper and seems to have plenty of qualifications (former offensive lineman, two time head coach, impressive who's who in assistant jobs, etc.) to be satisfied with the choice

182 votes

I would have had preferred that they got someone who had more ties to CU like Stan Brock.

44 votes

226 votes | Poll has closed

Worst of 2008 #10: Off The Field Issues

irish1611 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:45:06 -0000

Just as much as injuries were against the norm this year, off the field issues were also on a surprising uptick. Every program has these problems but in 2008, it seemed to be at an all time high for Colorado and once again, another excuse for the program not being able to progress this year. The rap list is long, but here it is...remember all of this is only in the calendar year of 2008!

In January, LB Nate Vaiomounga was charged with criminal mischief under $500 for allegedly breaking a window in a residence hall. Vaiomounga was kicked off the team last month after being involved with the theft of a purse on campus.

Former FB/OL Kai Maiava was cited for underage possession and consumption of alcohol. Maiava has since transferred to UCLA to play for Slick Rick. We sure could have used Maiava this season on the offensive line, where he played as a true freshman before the coaches decided to convert him to a fullback. Maiava said that the position change, coupled with family issues were the reason he transferred. I wonder if the coaches have any regrets about that decision? I believe their is more to the story than what we know.

In March of this year, Riar Greer, probable starting tight end for the season, was accused of attacking two students at an off-campus party. His football season was in jeopardy while we awaited his arraignment on July 18th. Geer held out of offseason workouts but was able to resume playing. He missed the first two games because of injury before returning for West Virginia.

Also in early March, star recruit freshman LB Lynn Katoa was arrested on suspicion of second degree assault. He has since been suspended for the 2008 season and will red shirt due to being ineligible. Katoa was expected to see action in his freshman year especially after the loss of Jordan Dizon to the NFL. Katoa is still a question mark for 2009 as no one around the program seems extremely confident that he will see the field next year.

read more after the jump....

In April, potential starting LB Jake Duren was booted off the team for suspicion of first-degree criminal trespassing after being found bloody and smelling of alcohol in a hallway of the housing complex after smashing a car window.

In May, former DB Clyde Surrell, who was at the heart of the University of Colorado recruiting scandal in 2000, is once again reliving that past as a women is asking a judge to press charges against Surrell for an alleged rape in high school. During the 2000 season, Surrell was at the infamous party that began the CU scandal. Surrell was charged with providing alcohol to minors in 2001.

Michael Sipili, a LB who was suspended last year for the entire season as he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault after badly beating another student, was sued for injuries stemming from the same incident that led to the victim having long-term disfigurement and traumatic brain injuries. Christopher Perri, a former DL for the Buffs, was also sued for the same incident due to his role in instigating the ordeal.

Former Buffs QB Bernard Jackson and DB Lionel Harris were arrested in connection with armed robbery of a Boulder complex. Basically, they broke into an apartment, pulled a couple guns and demanded cash. Both should be going away for a long time after being booked with first degree burglary, aggravated robbery and felony menacing. According to police reports, Jackson and Harris may also be linked to several other incidents that have happened in the same area. Jackson was the often embattled quarterback in Hawkins first year as coach of the Buffs.

Also, sophomore WR Kendrick Celestine, who was expected to be a dynamic big play receiver, was fighting for his eligibility early in the spring as he needed to get a B in a summer course or else he would have been ineligible for the upcoming year. He made the grade but Celestine left the team in the middle of the year to go back home to Louisiana and attend to his newborn child. Celestine playedin his first two years as a Buff and was expected to be a 3rd or 4th option this year, especially with his explosive speed.

Devin Head, a starting offensive guard for Colorado this year, was also suspended for the game against Eastern Washington for being with freshman OL Ethan Adkins during a DWI. Ethan Adkins, also suspended, was expected to be a reserve tackle and not a significant impact player this year.

Three other expected impact players were also ineligible for this year due to academic issues: WR Markques Simas, OG Eric Faatagi and OT Sione Tau. Perhaps the biggest player missing was the big and explosive WR Markques Simas. Simas, known for this famous quote, will be expected to bring big things next year to an offense that was lacking playmakers in 2008:

"I did it in high school, but I realize I can’t do it in high school. The teachers are real strict and they really don’t know you all too well like a high school teacher would. I thought I could give them a smile or whatever and get the grade, but then I realized it doesn’t work. You can’t charm your way through college."

As recent as a couple of weeks ago, Simas has said that he is taking classes much more serious this year. Dan Hawkins even mentioned during one of his press calls that Simas has been terrorizing the starting defense this year in practice. Sione Tau and Erick Faatagi probably would have seen time this year with all of the offensive line issues.

Part of being a successful program is being respected on and off the field and building a reputation for potential recruits, the University of Colorado administration or potential donors. More importantly for Hawkins, these issues cannot happen next year for his ability to show progress and keep the faithful happy. Another offseason like this past one and a losing 2009 campaign, the amount of supporters will be thin. Losing and making bad headlines won't be something that the administration will tolerate. Until Colorado players start acting professional, the program may not be first class either.

Status	Depth	Name	Pos	Description
Ineligible	Backup	Simas, Markques	WR	Would have played this year
Ineligible	Backup	Tau, Sione	OT	Backup but would have seen time
Ineligible/Kick Off Team	Backup	Vaiomounga, Nate	OLB	Special Teamer/Backup
Ineligible	Backup	Erick Faatagi	OG	Backup/Starter
Ineligible	Red Shirt	Katoa, Lynn	ILB	Legal & Academic Issues
Suspended	Starter	Geer, Riar	TE	On Campus Fight
Suspended	Starter	Head, Devin	OG	Suspended for WVU game/Starter
Suspended	Backup	Adkins, Ethan	OT	Suspended Indefinitely
Left Team	Backup	Celestine, Kendrick	WR	Family Issues/Playing Time Issues
Kicked Off Team	Starter	Duren, Jake	LB	First-degree criminal trespassing
Left Team	Backup	Maiava, Kai	OG/FB	Angry with Switching Positions

Poll

What off-the-field issue hurt the Buffs the most this year on-the-field?

WR Markques Simas

28 votes

FB Kai Maiava

8 votes

OL Erick Faatagi

2 votes

LB Lynn Katoa

14 votes

OL Sione Tau

3 votes

LB Jake Duren

1 votes

WR Kendrick Celestine

2 votes

58 votes | Poll has closed