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University of Northern Colorado 2015 UNC football by position

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Roosevelt Older and wiser, Hurtado hopes to lead Roosevelt to next level Greeley West Greeley West football players working hard now for chance to return to postseason

Greeley Central Greeley Central football team embracing change this fall Windsor Plugged-in Wizards ready to play

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

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OLDER AND WISER, Hurtado hopes to lead Roosevelt to next level

By Bobby Fernandez bfernandez@greeleytribune.com

R ago.

oosevelt is one of maybe a handful of Weld teams bringing back its starting quarterback from a year

Even though the face is the same, the mentality is completely different.

This time last year, Cameron Hurtado was just a sophomore, awarded — and tasked — with the responsibility of guiding a hardnosed Rough Riders offense that is perennially potent yet physically demanding to operate.

He suffered his fair share of bumps and bruises but managed a successful campaign, recording a team-high 920 rushing yards — averaging 6.1 yards per carry — to go with 213 passing yards and 18 total touchdowns (16 on the ground).

Roosevelt went 7-0 in the Class 3A Northern Conference, 10-2 overall and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs, losing to eventual state runner-up Rifle, 15-0.

Now, with a whole season of varsity experience under his belt, Hurtado is looking to take his game — and that of his Rough Riders teammates — to a different level.

“I’m definitely a lot more comfortable out there,” Hurtado said.

“We look a lot better this year, and I’ve been working on throwing.”

In particular, if Hurtado is able to develop his arm strength and passing accuracy, he could add a different dimension to a Roosevelt offense that runs first and asks questions later.

In addition to his experience and improving physical skills, Hurtado also continues to build his presence in the huddle and in the locker room.

“Last year, (Hurtado) was young and he wasn’t as experienced and smart as he could be,” said senior running back Christian Majszak, the team’s second leading rusher last year. “But, he’s definitely coming along. He’s becoming a lot better quarterback, a lot better leader, too — someone that you could look up to.”

Admittedly, Rough Riders coach Noland Eastin rolled the dice last fall by anointing Hurtado the starter as a sophomore.

“Last year was — wow — throwing him into the fire, making him grow

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

Roosevelt's Cameron Hurtado tries to throw the ball over a defender during practice last month at Roosevelt High School in Johnstown.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com

up real quick,” Eastin said. “He had to earn his stripes. ... We try to play with our actions and lead with our actions, and he knows how to do that.”

Even though your typical teen may puff out his chest a bit after earning the starting QB nod as a sophomore, Roosevelt senior center Andrew Kammerzell said Hurtado stayed grounded mentally — which in turn, motivated his offensive line to keep him from being grounded physically.

“We realize that it’s not about one player; it’s about all of us,” Kammerzell said. “And Cameron did a good job of realizing that. He knew that he wasn’t going to be the ‘star player.’ He came out and did his job, and got wins because of it. I trust him without a doubt.”

While the Rough Riders’ line clearly has Hurtado’s back, the blossoming leader has left no doubt that the feeling is mutual.

“Last year, (Hurtado) was a little bit more timid coming up to the line, and he didn’t take command as much,” senior left tackle Alonso Archuleta said. “This year, he’s really coming up to the line, calling plays, he’s confident about himself. He’s ready to go.”

Eastin said he hopes the best is yet to come for Hurtado.

“Last year, he was kind of a deer

in the headlights,” Eastin said. “He looked spooked a little bit last year, at times. This year, I hope he has a little bit more composure. We hope that he can just keep developing every week.”

Roosevelt's Nathan Swartzbaugh runs downfield during practice last month at Roosevelt High School in Johnstown.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/ jpolson@greeleytribune.com

ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS » COACH: Noland Eastin, fifth season » 2014 RECAP: Roosevelt won its third straight league title and fourth in five years. The Rough Riders finished 10-2 and advanced to the second round of playoffs. Roosevelt outscored opponents 34-15 points per game. » KEY ATHLETES: WR/S Orlondo Rivera, sr.; QB/LB Cameron Hurtado, jr.; OL/DL Andrew Kammerzell, sr: OL/DL Alonso Archuleta, sr: , OL/DL Joe Brendenmihl sr: RB/LB Christian Majszak : RB/LB Ray Garcia, sr: RB/ CB Carlos Ortega, sr: WR/CB Rylee Simpson, sr: WR/LB Nathan Swartzbaugh, jr: RB/DB Logan Yost, jr: RB/ LB Jacob Schlagel, jr: » OUTLOOK: Eastin said the Rough Riders have high expectations again this season as they go for their fourth league title, a playoff berth and a run at a state title. Roosevelt has a good corps of returning players who know what Rough Rider football is expected to look like, Eastin added. Eastin said the Rough Riders need to develop depth with hopes that young players step up in the preseason.

Cameron Hurtado

Christian Majszak

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5

GREELEY WEST FOOTBALL PLAYERS

working hard now for chance to return to postseason

Greeley West's Alex Valverde jumps off the ground last month during a drill at Greeley West High School.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com

on defense and he is playing outside linebacker. Gonzales was listed as a defensive back on last year’s roster.

Renouf said Gonzales and t the end of practice Aug. Krautschun are doing well in their roles 18, the Greeley West so far. football coaches told “Both of them together, we love their players to run as that combination,” Renouf said. “ … hard as they could one last time.

(Gonzales) is a different type of runner If the coaches were satisfied, practice than Alex was, but we’re excited about would be over. him. … Aron, he’s really working hard A few shouts and hoots rang out and proud of what he’s doing, too.” and the players dashed the length of The Spartans also have the luxury the field. of stability on offense with third-year Luckily, the Spartans pleased their starting quarterback AJ Lopez under coaches on the first try. center. He threw for 890 yards, 11 Coach Jason Renouf said this type of touchdowns and six interceptions last effort is what he wants to see from his season. players at every practice and every game “We’re always this fall. trying to raise “We just want “We just have people stepping up and they’re working the bar a little to get better hard throughout the offseason and practicing hard and bit,” said Lopez, a every single day getting better every day,” Krautschun said. senior. “And we’re and focus on trying to push that,” he said. ourselves harder than last year so we a linebacker on the University of “As long as we’re doing the best we can can not end the season so early.” on every play, that’s what we’re shooting Northern Colorado’s football roster.

Renouf said Lopez’s leadership and “He’s an amazing running back, so I for. (We’re) not necessarily looking knowledge is a major plus this fall. try to watch film on him and run like long-term yet, just one play at a time.”

“Man, it’s awesome,” Renouf said. he did,” Krautschun said.

The hope is that by November, West “It feels like we’re ahead of the game at He noted the two-back attack has will be back in the postseason. Last this point.” been working well and it has been year, the Spartans finished with an 8-3 Krautschun said West’s system is helping each player get a little more overall record but fell to Pueblo South pretty much the same, and it worked rest. in the first round of the state playoffs, well for the Spartans last season.

“Me and Tre are also going both 20-7.

“We just have people stepping up ways — offense and defense — so we, Senior wingback Aron Krautschun and they’re working hard throughout in a way, split the runs on offense,” said getting back to the playoffs has to the offseason and practicing hard and he said. “It gives us that extra break start with hard work in practice. getting better every day,” he said. whenever we need to rest for defense.”

“I think practices are going to be a Krautschun said it’s his first season lot more difficult this year so we can

By Kayla Cornett kcornett@greeleytribune.com

A

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

just prepare,” he said. “They always say you play how you practice, so I think that was a little bit of an issue last year.

We didn’t always go hard.”

Also, a few players have had to step up this season to fill a couple big holes. Standout running back Alex DeLaCroix graduated in the spring, and two players are working to fill the vacancy.

Senior tailback Tre’vaughn Gonzales will take over DeLaCroix’s spot while Krautschun remains at his position as another rushing option.

Krautschun said he learned a lot about the position by watching DeLaCroix, who rushed for 1,356 yards last season and is listed as

GIRL POWER

The Spartans will have two female players this season, one on varsity and one on the freshman team.

Renouf said senior Kiley Cropper, who also plays soccer, tennis and basketball, will be West’s kicker.

“This is her first time playing football, and she’s very athletic,” he said. “ … She has gotten some reps at some different positions, but mostly kicker. She’s a gifted kicker.”

Freshman Zaranique Aguilar, nicknamed Azari, has been playing football for years, Renouf said, so she should add some experience to the freshman squad.

“Azari is an offensive lineman/ defensive lineman,” he added.

Greeley West's Kiley Cropper kicks the football last month at Greeley West High School in Greeley. The kicker is a senior and plays soccer, tennis and basketball along with football.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/ jpolson@greeleytribune.com

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Greeley Central football team

EMBRACING CHANGE THIS FALL

By Kayla Cornett kcornett@greeleytribune.com

D

espite a long practice with the sun beating down on him, Chris Martin still had a smile on his face Aug. 19.

He had just finished a six-station conditioning session focusing on areas key for any football player: agility, core strength, speed and power. Each group broke its huddle with the words “hard work.”

But the Greeley Central senior quarterback didn’t mind the hard work.

In fact, he enjoyed it.

“It’s helpful and it’s fun,” Martin said of the conditioning. “And when you can get your conditioning to be fun, that’s always a plus.”

Change is sweeping the Wildcats squad this fall, starting at the top with new head coach Gary Luster. He brings a more relaxed coaching style to the field, and his players seem to be buying in.

“I always tell them, ‘if you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right,’ ” Luster said.

Senior running back Kody Drake said the vibe around the team has changed.

The Wildcats feel like a family this year.

“We weren’t the brotherhood like we needed to be (last year) as a team,” Drake said. “With the new coaches, we’re all a family now. It’s a brotherhood, and we really need that to win.

“And the whole vibe out here is different. ... We’re not gonna start slow this year.”

Another big adjustment comes on offense. Last year’s starting quarterback Zach Koch graduated last spring, giving

Martin the chance to take the reins for Central. “(Koch) was a role model because he taught me a lot when he was here,” said Martin, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds. “But it’s nice to get the reps, get to actually play, get my time to shine.”

In addition to moving into the starting role, Martin and the other offensive players are adjusting to a new scheme. The Wildcats will be using a shotgun/pistol formation to give Martin and running backs Drake and senior Efren Hernandez more options.

This formation includes a zone

Greeley Central running back Kody Drake runs through a drill last month at Greeley Central High School.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com

GREELEY CENTRAL WILDCATS » COACH: Gary Luster, first season » 2014 RECAP: The Wildcats were 1-4 in the Class 4A Northern Conference, 3-7 overall. » KEY ATHLETES: RB Kody Drake, sr.; RB Efren Hernandez, sr.; QB Chris Martin, sr.; SS/WR Riley Ortegon, sr.; MLB Marcus Aragon, sr.

» OUTLOOK: Under a new head coach, Central’s players seem motivated and excited for the coming season. The Wildcats haven’t had a winning season since 2009, but the talent and excitement they have this year could help them get back to .500. Also, the new offense seems to suit Central well with speedy running backs Drake and Hernandez.

New Greeley Central football coach Gary Luster talks with a player at practice last month

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see them in the backfield at the same time a lot. And now, they’re both in the backfield. So if you’re a defensive guy, who are you gonna key on?”

Drake said he thinks running a zone scheme will be better for the backs.

“It allows a lot more vision, a lot more opportunities to break away and stuff,” he said. “As far as adapting to changes, it’s not that difficult. We just have to keep working, (use) repetition and we’ll get it.”

Martin agreed, saying it’s pretty quick to learn the offense and it’s fun for his position.

“Compared to last year, it was good, but this (year) I get to run the ball, throw the ball a lot more,” he said. “And it’s just a good change.”

Luster said Martin, Drake (996 rushing yards last year) and Hernandez (966 rushing yards) look good executing the new offense.

“We want to get the ball into (Drake and Hernandez’s) hands because they’re playmakers, and they’ve shown that for the last year,” Luster said. “Both of them have come in stronger and faster.

“And Chris is a real heady kid, too.

He’s a real smart kid and he works extremely hard, and he’s gonna make it work.”

Drake said one of the Wildcats’ motivating factors this season is they all know they need to change the culture to get more wins than in years past.

“Everybody says we need to change things around here and, well, we’re changing it,” he said. “So, we’ll be different.”

concept, which could mean having everyone move in the same direction to create deception and make it easier for the quarterback or running backs to find a hole.

Luster said the idea came from cooffensive coordinator Jordan Tellez, a Central graduate. The other co-offensive coordinator is former head coach Cary Smith.

“Jordan came in with this offense and, I have to be honest with you, I wasn’t sold at first,” Luster said. “This is kind of the issues that we’ve had is we have these two great running backs but we didn’t

at Greeley Central High School in Greeley. Coach Luster is changing the offensive scheme this season.

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Wizards ready to play

By Bobby Fernandez bfernandez@greeleytribune.com

P

lug and play.

Coach Chris Jones is in his ninth year in charge of the Windsor football team. The Wizards’ triple option offense has been installed for six years. Their aggressive, hard-nosed defense is every bit as established.

In summary: Windsor’s program is at a place in which it can merely plug in new players from year to year, play ... and win.

“The freshmen and (junior varsity) guys are (running) the same plays,” Jones said. “The stuff doesn’t change too much. ... The system is in place, and we’re not going to change things up and totally say ‘We’ve got to go to this now.’ ” If it works, why fix it? And the Wizards’ way certainly has been the right way throughout Jones’ tenure, which includes a Class 3A state championship in 2011.

While the environment that surrounds Windsor’s team has changed time and time again throughout the years, the Wizards’ approach has remained the same.

Windsor moved from 3A to 4A after its championship year in 2011. It has made the 4A playoffs each of the three seasons in its new classification, despite playing in a completely new conference

— the 4A Longs Peak — last season.

This fall, the Wizards will have their third starting quarterback in four seasons since winning the title in 2011.

Anyone expecting Windsor to take any kind of step back with the new signal caller might want to think again.

Wizards junior Brad Peeples takes the reins from Tanner Bohm, who was Windsor’s starting QB the past two seasons before graduating at the end of last school year.

Peeples provided spot duty at quarterback behind Bohm last fall and even started an early season game Bohm missed because of injury.

Even with modest experience under center, Peeples came into the season with the poise, polish and composure of a grizzled veteran.

Plug him into a team that already has so many other parts in place, and watch him play.

“There are a lot of guys I can give the

Windsor's quarterback Brad Peeples throws to Wade West last month during practice at Windsor High School.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com

keep growing.”

One desirable byproduct of the Wizards developing a recognizable and consistent program: It rarely takes a standout athlete long to make his impact felt at the varsity level. Just ask junior

Windsor’s program is at a place in which it can merely plug in new players from year to year, play ... and win. ball to, and a lot of people are getting behind me,” said Peeples, who had 196 total yards and four touchdowns last season. “The offensive line has really helped me move into the starting quarterback position. It’s a lot of work, but I think we’re all ready for it.”

Players are introduced early to all the distinguishable features that make up Windsor football.

“With all of our middle school camps and stuff like that, we really implement that offense over at the middle school,” senior right guard/inside linebacker Nolan Lanckriet said. “So we’re seeing it from seventh grade — that same offense.

So it’s really great to grow with that and

linebacker/defensive end Corte Tapia.

A year ago, Tapia was Windsor’s fourth-leading tackler (87 total tackles) behind a trio of seniors. He was also second behind then-senior Cody Johnson in sacks with 14.5 in 12 games.

“It helps having such a good system in which everyone can come in and know what to do, and they have their own certain role,” Tapia said. “When you come in, you know what your job is.”

Senior fullback Jake Shields said the system the Wizards have created and refined over the years has also given the team a clear identity, which fosters a higher level of pride and chemistry compared to those of less stable

WINDSOR WIZARDS » COACH: Chris Jones, ninth season » 2014 RECAP: Windsor placed third in the Longs Peak with a 3-2 record, 8-4 overall. The Wizards advanced to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs, where they lost to eventual state champion, top-seeded Pine Creek, 24-7. » KEY ATHLETES: WR Brady Bowman, sr.; OG Ben Gallagher, sr; OG/ILB Nolan Lanckriet, sr.; FB Jake Shields, sr.; OT Mitch Watson, jr.; OT Kaithen Sulzman, sr.; WB/FS Landon Schmidt, sr.; WB/FB Brandon Pamirez, soph.; WB/WR Zach Moser, jr.; DE Petey Maxwell, sr.; DT Storm Fox, jr.; DE Zach Watts, soph.; CB Hunter Broeder, sr.; CB Jake Hammond, jr.; OLB Josh Bloss, sr.; ILB Corte Tapia, jr.

» OUTLOOK: Even though Windsor has a new starting quarterback, junior Brad Peeples, they are bringing back enough key players to be a contender at the conference and state levels. Jones said playing in the Longs Peak for a second straight year should allow his team to better understand how opponents plan to defend the Wizards’ attack. Also, Jones said Windsor is looking to implement a more diverse playaction passing attack, as well as making several counter running Landon Nolan adjustments.

Schmidt Lanckriet

Windsor's Jake Shields runs downfield last month during practice at Windsor High School.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com 10

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

programs.

“The freshmen never know what to expect, and next thing you know, they’re right there with us (upperclassmen), because we all bring them in as a team,” said Shields, the team’s leading rusher a year ago (1,128 yards).

“They just want to do things a certain way because all the rest of us are doing it.”

Its plug-and-play approach has allowed Windsor to develop another mantra, of sorts: reload and roll on.

Even though the 17 seniors on the Wizards’ 63-player roster this fall have the synchronized goal of bringing a title back to Windsor, senior Landon Schmidt said he and the rest of the seniors have the peace of mind of knowing that with such an established self-sustaining system, the Wizards’ championship window isn’t likely to close any time soon.

“Once we all graduate, kids are just going to step right in, right where they need to be,” said Schmidt, who plays free safety and wing back.

TEAM-BY-TEAM FOOTBALL PREVIEW BRIGGSDALE FALCONS » COACH: Rick Mondt, 10th season » 2014 RECAP: The Falcons struggled last year, going 1-7 overall. » KEY PLAYERS: Zack Reub, sr.; Jr. Gore, sr.; Brandon Gorman, sr.; Logan Stacey, sr.; Jake Kiper, sr.; Logan Vach, sr. » OUTLOOK: Mondt said he expects the Falcons to be improved in all aspects of the game, with an experienced senior class. The transfer of Vach should also help, Mondt said.

DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN EAGLES » COACH: Mick Holmes, 16th season » 2014 RECAP: Dayspring won the 8-man North Plains Conference, but it lost to Granada in the state semifinals. » KEY ATHLETES: C/NG Sam Slager; RB Nate Crawford; TE/DE Will Coggswell » OUTLOOK: The Eagles graduated eight seniors, so Holmes said they have some holes to fill offensively and defensively.

They are returning two players on offense and four on defense. Mitch Sides, a senior, will anchor the line offensively and defensively. Also returning is Caleb Urwiller, an all-conference running back. All three linebackers are returning, with Gavin Bicknell and Seth Mondragon being the leading tacklers from last season.

EATON REDS » COACH: Zac Lemon, second season » 2014 RECAP: Eaton went 8-4 and finished fourth in the 2A Patriot League. The Reds made it to the state semifinals before losing to eventual champion Brush. » KEY ATHLETES: RB/LB Colton Ingram, sr; RB/DB Dalton Waln, sr; LB Rusty Lohr, sr; OL/LB Tanner Kramer, sr; TE/DE Kylyn Suarez, sr; OL/DL Ed Fritzler, jr; WR/LB Dalton Ervin, sr. » OUTLOOK: Eaton graduated a solid class of seniors but expects to be just as competitive with experience returning in the backfield, on the line and on the entire defense, Lemon said. If the new group of young players can adjust to the varsity level in the tough Patriot League, Lemon said he expects the Reds to make another deep playoff run.

FORT LUPTON BLUEDEVILS » COACH: Tommy Galicia, first season » 2014 RECAP: Fort Lupton went 1-6 in the 3A Colorado 7 League, 1-9 overall. » KEY ATHLETES: WR/S Isaiah Padilla, sr.; QB Patrick Vasquez, sr.; DL/OL Dominik Montano, sr. » OUTLOOK: Galicia said he and the rest of the coaching are looking forward to working with a new team this season. Galicia added that numbers are up this season, and players and coaches have worked hard throughout the summer to install new plays.

GREELEY WEST SPARTANS » COACH: Jason Renouf, third season » 2014 RECAP: The Spartans made it to the 4A playoffs last year but fell in the first round to Pueblo South. They finished 3-2 in the Longs Peak Conference and 8-3 overall. » KEY ATHLETES: QB AJ Lopez, sr.; TB/DB Tre’vaughn Gonzales, sr.; WB/OLB Aron Krautschun, sr.; WR/CB Darren DeLaCroix, jr. » OUTLOOK: The Spartans are hungry to get back to the postseason. They have a few experienced players to help them get back there, but West graduated a large group of defensive players. If some younger players step up alongside their senior leaders, the Spartans have a strong chance to repeat last year’s success.

HIGHLAND HUSKIES » COACH: Paul Downing, first season » 2014 RECAP: Highland finished 0-5 in North Central League play, 1-9 overall. » KEY ATHLETES: G/LB Riley Hansen, sr.; TE/ DE Rian James, sr.; FB/LB Brayden Peterson, sr.; G/LB Chris Barber, sr.; RB/DB Trey Allmon, soph.; QB/DB Will Overton, jr.; RB/DB Blake Stewart, jr. » OUTLOOK: The Huskies are 4-41 in the last five years but are looking to rebound with a new coaching staff. They return at least seven starters on both sides of the ball with only four seniors graduating from last year’s team. With a new system and strong participation throughout the summer, Downing said the Huskies are optimistic about their chances in the North Central.

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NORTHRIDGE GRIZZLIES » COACH: Jeff Fulton, 16th season » 2014 RECAP: Northridge was a playoff team. Its record was 6-5, highlighted with three all-state players. » KEY ATHLETES: TB Isaiah Avalos; MLB/ RB Alonzo Lopes; OL/DL Elijah Garcia; WR Colton Maupin; WR Gabriel Chavez; DE/RB Manny Araujo; DB Luis Torres; QB Chance Eben » OUTLOOK: The Grizzlies’ goal every year is to make the playoffs, Fulton said. Speed is their strength and they are going to have a track meet during a football games on Friday nights because Northridge uses no huddle.

PAWNEE COYOTES » COACH: Doug Miller, 19th season » 2014 RECAP: Pawnee went 4-2 in 1A 6-man North Conference play, 5-4 overall. » KEY PLAYERS: RB/LB Luke Duggan, sr.; QB/DE Owen Wahlert, jr.; WR/LB Bryce Schnug, jr.; FB/S Drew Ellis, jr.; C/DE Joe Sanders, jr. » OUTLOOK: Even though Peetz and Fleming are the league favorite, Miller said his Coyotes look to be in the mix. Pawnee has inexperienced depth, and Miller said the younger kids will have to step up.

PLATTE VALLEY BRONCOS » COACH: Troy Hoffman, sixth season » 2013 RECAP: The Broncos finished second in the Patriot League and lost in the 2A semifinals to Kent Denver 19-16. The Broncos went 4-1 in league, 8-4 overall. » KEY ATHLETES: SS/WR Matthew Hoffman, sr; TE/DE Parker Joens, sr; DB/WR Parker Gilliland, sr; OL/DL Anthony Ibarra, sr; QB Tanner Schwindt, sr; LB/TB Drew Neuerburg, jr. » OUTLOOK: Platte Valley has experience on both lines, which will go a long way towards the Broncos reaching their goals., Hoffman said. Derek Wert (WB/DB) will be important to the offense, Hoffman added.

Hoffman said the team’s competitiveness in the Patriot League will be determined by how quickly the new starters adjust to the varsity level.

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UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS » COACH: Casey Doss, third season » 2014 RECAP: University was 3-6 overall and 0-5 in the 2A Patriot League. » KEY ATHLETES: OL/DL Draven Rivera, jr.; DE/TE DeAndres Gordon, jr.; LB/TE Justin Anderson, sr.; OL/DL Cody Darnell, soph.; QB Ethan Brown, jr.; WR/DB Paul Medina, jr.; WR/DB Conlan McCleave, sr.; K Lucas Kolatz, sr.; DL Rey Ramos, jr.; OL/DL Joey Davis, sr, WR/DB Brok Gladden, jr, WR/DB Trai Loma, jr. » OUTLOOK: UH is returning a number of young players with varsity experience, Doss said, with a small senior group that is looking to lead the Bulldogs to the playoffs.

The offense has to replace a number of skill players but returns a good group up front and Brown at quarterback. Doss added that the defense will be led by two returning all-conference players in Anderson and Gordon and hope to build early on the newly installed pressure defense scheme.

VALLEY VIKINGS » COACH: Dan Flanagan, second season » 2014 RECAP: Valley went 3-1 in nonleague games, 1-4 in the stacked Patriot League, finishing 4-5 overall. » KEY ATHLETES: QB/S Ty Bailey, sr.; RB/DL Juan Gomez, sr.; LB/WR Dominick Mozal, sr.; LB/TE Trever Gantenbein, sr.; LB/FB Macoy Flanagan, sr.; OL/DL Nick Hawkins, sr.; OL/ DL Grant May, sr.; DB/WR Riley Diederich, sr. » OUTLOOK: Valley has several seniors and juniors that have had a lot of playing time over the past two seasons. Even though playing in the stacked 2A Patriot League is always tough, Flanagan said Valley has the athletes to compete. The Vikings have 12 returning starters.

WELD CENTRAL REBELS » COACH: James Canaday, first season » KEY ATHLETES: Canaday said the Rebels have some quality athletes that will be put in key positions that will help the team excel on the football field. » OUTLOOK: The Rebels have a tough early season schedule preceding 3A Colorado 7 League play. Canaday said Weld Central also has a lot of respect for the other teams in its league, but feel as the season progresses, the Rebels will be a team to watch for.

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DAYSPRING EAGLES

BRIGGSDALE FALCONS Sept. 4

vs. Pawnee

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Deer Trail

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Weldon Valley

3:30 p.m.

Oct. 3

vs. North Park

1:00 p.m.

Oct. 16

Fleming

7:30 p.m

Oct. 23

vs. Flagler

7:00 p.m.

GREELEY CENTRAL WILDCATS Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 6

at Green Mountain 11:00 a.m. vs. Thompson Valley 7:00 p.m. at Littleton 7:00 p.m. vs. Windsor 7:00 p.m. vs. Greeley West 7:00 p.m. at Fort Collins 7:00 p.m. at Broomfield 7:00 p.m. vs. Skyline 7:00 p.m. vs. Silver Creek 7:00 p.m. at Mountain View 7:00 p.m.

PAWNEE COYOTES Sept. 4

at Briggsdale

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 at Arickaree

7:00 p.m.

Sept. 18 vs. Fleming

7:00 p.m.

Sept. 26 at North Park

1:30 p.m.

Oct. 2

7:00 p.m.

vs. Weldon Valley

Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 31

at Custer vs. Hayden at Soroco vs. Las Animas at Caliche vs. Akron at Merino at Sedgwick vs. Haxtun

EATON REDS Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

GREELEY WEST SPARTANS Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 31 Nov. 6

vs. Northridge at D’Evelyn vs. Silver Creek vs. Mountain View at Greeley Central at Windsor vs. Adams City at Thompson Valley at Longmont vs. Loveland

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

at Bennett vs. Holyoke at La Junta vs. Manitou Springs vs. Platte Valley at University vs. Sterling at Valley at Brush

FORT LUPTON BLUEDEVILS

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

HIGHLAND HUSKIES Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

vs. Resurrection Christian 7:00 p.m. at Lyons 7:00 p.m. vs. Byers 7:00 p.m. at Calhan 2:00 p.m. vs. Holyoke 7:30 p.m. at Wiggins 7:00 p.m. at Yuma 7:00 p.m. vs. Burlington 7:00 p.m. at Wray 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 28 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

vs. Centaurus at Valley at Berthoud at Lutheran vs. Englewood vs. Skyview at Elizabeth vs. Weld Central vs. Vista PEAK at Fort Morgan

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

NORTHRIDGE GRIZZLIES Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 5

at Greeley West at Evergreen at Centaurus at Roosevelt vs. Frederick at Erie vs. Niwot at Mead vs. Berthoud vs. Holy Family

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

PLATTE VALLEY BRONCOS

ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

UNIVERSITY BULLDOGS

Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Sept. 5 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

at Resurrection Christian 7:00 p.m. at Strasburg 7:00 p.m. vs. Bennett 7:00 p.m. vs. Lutheran 7:00 p.m. at Eaton 7:00 p.m. vs. Brush 7:00 p.m. vs. Valley 7:00 p.m. at University 7:00 p.m. vs. Sterling 7:00 p.m.

VALLEY VIKINGS Aug. 29 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

at Estes Park at Berthoud vs. Fort Lupton vs. Wray at Brush vs. Sterling at Platte Valley vs. Eaton at University

11:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

vs. Thompson Valley 7:00 p.m. vs. Windsor 7:00 p.m. at Loveland 6:30 p.m. vs. Northridge 7:00 p.m. vs. Mead 7:00 p.m. at Frederick 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family 7:00 p.m. at Niwot 7:00 p.m. vs. Erie 7:00 p.m. at Berthoud 7:00 p.m.

WELD CENTRAL REBELS Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

vs. D’Evelyn vs. Brush at Evergreen at Vistas PEAK vs. Fort Morgan at Elizabeth vs. Skyview at Fort Lupton vs. Lutheran at Englewood

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

at Bishop Machebeuf 7:00 p.m. vs. The Academy 7:00 p.m. vs. Holyoke 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s 7:00 p.m. at Sterling 7:00 p.m. vs. Eaton 7:00 p.m. at Brush 7:00 p.m. vs. Platte Valley 7:00 p.m. vs. Valley 7:00 p.m.

WINDSOR WIZARDS Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

at Roosevelt 7:00 p.m. at Broomfield 7:00 p.m. vs. Fort Collins 7:00 p.m. at Greeley Central 7:00 p.m. vs. Skyline 7:00 p.m. vs. Greeley West 7:00 p.m. at Longmont 6:30 p.m. at Loveland 6:30 p.m. vs. Thompson Valley 7:00 p.m. at Adams City 7:00 p.m.

* Denotes conference game

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NORTHERN COLORADO BEARS

COLORADO BUFFALOES

COLORADO STATE RAMS

SEPT. 5 vs. Western State Colorado 1:30 p.m.

SEPT. 3 at Hawaii - 11 p.m.

SEPT. 5 vs. Savannah State - 2 p.m.

SEPT. 12 vs. Massachusetts - Noon

SEPT. 12 vs. Minnesota - 1:30 p.m.

SEPT. 12 at Houston Baptist - 6 p.m.

SEPT. 19 vs. Colorado State at Sports Authority Field - 5 p.m.

SEPT. 19 at Southern Utah - 6 p.m.*

SEPT. 19 vs. Colorado at Sports Authority Field 5 p.m.

SEPT. 26 vs. Nicholls State - TBA

SEPT. 26 at UT San Antonio - 5 p.m.

SEPT. 26 vs. Weber State - 1:30 p.m.*

OCT. 3 vs. Oregon - TBA*

OCT. 3 at Sacramento State - 5 p.m.* OCT. 17 vs. UC Davis - 1:30 p.m.*

OCT. 10 vs. Boise State - 5 p.m.*

OCT. 17 vs. Arizona - TBA*

OCT. 17 vs. Air Force - 1:30 p.m.*

OCT. 24 at Oregon State - TBA*

OCT. 24 vs. Eastern Washington - 1:30 p.m.*

OCT. 31 at UCLA - TBA*

OCT. 31 at Northern Arizona - 1 p.m.*

NOV. 7 vs. Stanford - TBA*

NOV. 7 vs. Portland State - Noon*

OCT. 3 at Utah State - TBA*

OCT. 10 at. Arizona State - TBA*

OCT. 31 vs. San Diego State - 1:30 p.m.* NOV. 7 at Wyoming - TBA* NOV. 14 vs. UNLV - 5 p.m.*

NOV. 13 vs. USC - 7 p.m.*

NOV. 21 at New Mexico - 3:30 p.m.*

NOV. 21 at Washington State - TBA*

NOV. 28 at Fresno State - 7 p.m.*

NOV. 14 at North Dakota - Noon*

NOV. 28 at Utah - TBA*

NOV. 21 vs. Abilene Christian - Noon

DEC. 5 Pac-12 Championship Game - TBA

DENVER WK 1 WK 2 WK 3 WK 4 WK 5 WK 6 WK 7 WK 8 WK 9

SEPT. 13 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 27 OCT. 4 OCT. 11 OCT. 18 BYE WEEK NOV. 1 NOV. 8

2:25 P.M. RAVENS 6:25 P.M. AT CHIEFS 6:30 P.M. AT LIONS 2:25 P.M. VIKINGS 2:25 P.M. AT RAIDERS 11 A.M. AT BROWNS 6:30 P.M. PACKERS 2:25 P.M. AT COLTS

DEC. 5 Mountain West Championship Game 5:30 p.m.

BRONCOS WK 10 WK 11 WK 12 WK 13 WK 14 WK 15 WK 16 WK 17

NOV. 15 NOV. 22 NOV. 29 DEC. 6 DEC. 13 DEC. 20 DEC. 28 JAN. 3

2:25 P.M. CHIEFS 11 A.M. AT BEARS 6:30 P.M. PATRIOTS 2:05 P.M. AT CHARGERS 2:05 P.M. RAIDERS 2:25 P.M. AT STEELERS 6:30 P.M. BENGALS 2:25 P.M. CHARGERS

* Denotes conference game COLORED: HOME GAMES//WHITE: AWAY GAMES

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2015 UNC FOOTBALL BY POSITION

By Samuel G. Mustari smustari@greeleytribune.com Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com 14

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

A

ll the ingredients are in place for the University of Northern Colorado team to end what has seemed like a 12-year hunger strike when it comes to winning.

To most, it’s hard to believe the Bears haven’t had a winning season since 2003 and along the way have been the cellar-dwellers of the Big Sky Conference — never having a winning conference record — since making the move to the NCAA Division I ranks more than a decade ago.

However, more than just early-season wishful thinking, there’s no lack of optimism on Championship Boulevard from head coach Earnest Collins Jr. down to the true freshmen vying for playing time.

Some of the factors that have the Bears and Collins figuring that his fifth season as the head coach is the one that will be remembered for the right reason are: » The Bears’ roster is chock full of players who are talking about buying into the program, including a threesome of quarterbacks in a daily battle to become the starter.

All three have even talked about how a backup role would be acceptable — yet not desired — to maintain a team concept that has everybody covering each other’s backs. » The players who opted not to be a part of the program — most notably quarterback Sean Rubalcaba — have left.

Gone. No longer a part of the program’s longer-than-expected rebuilding process. » To a player, each one talks about looking forward to being part of the process that will make the program’s loyal supporters, well, loyal again. » One of the biggest preseason rosters in recent years is evidence that depth shouldn’t be a problem, including at key positions. » A new up-tempo spread offense has been installed to open up the Bears’ opportunities, spread defenses out and equalize any deficiencies. » The Bears have a favorable schedule with the cycle leaving BSC contenders Montana and Montana State off the slate this season.

The following is a position-byposition analysis of this season’s team, which opens at home at 1:35 p.m. today in a nonconference game against Western State Colorado University at Nottingham Field.

University of Northern Colorado's Sid TurnbullFrazier runs with the ball during a running drill last month at the ButlerHancock practice fields in Greeley.

OFFENSE Quarterback On paper, senior Jonathan Newsom looks to be the starter based on having the most playing time a year ago as Rubalcaba’s backup.

Also, throw Southern Mississippi transfer Kyle Sloter and the obvious quarterback of the future in redshirt freshman Jacob Knipp into the mix and it’s easy to see how naming a starter

won’t be easy.

“I think any one of the three of us could start,” Newsom offered in the first week of preseason drills. “And we’re all pulling for each other.

Offensive Line Left-to-right, the Bears return junior Marcus Piechowski (6-foot-5, 292 pounds), redshirt freshman Dan Ryan (6-foot-2, 288), junior center James Floyd (6-foot-3, 305), junior Austin Hendrickson (6-foot-3, 283) and redshirt sophomore Coleman MCann (6-foot-3, 285).

Backups Sean McGill (jr., 6-foot-7, 290), sophomore Zach Wilkinson (6foot-5, 255) and senior Sean Palinckx (6-foot-6, 290) give the Bears some added depth.

Running back UNC is expected to employ a one-back look most of the time, and the foursome of freshman Trae Riek (5-foot-11, 200), junior Darius Graham (6-foot-1, 228), redshirt sophomore Anthony Davis (5-foot-9, 182) and redshirt sophomore Brandon Cartagena (5-foot-11, 175) all are expected to see playing time.

“If a guy’s hot, he’s staying there, but all four bring something to the table,” Collins said. “We’ll keep fresh legs in there.”

When the Bears do use a fullback, junior Quinn Zamora (6-foot, 235) is penciled in as the starter.

Wide Receiver/Tight End This is another position where depth could play a huge role despite losing Dimitri Stimphil, who graduated as one of the school’s top receivers.

Junior Stephen Miller (6-foot-3, 195) is expected to have a breakout year along with senior speedster Malcom Whye (5foot-11, 160) and senior Sean Leslie (6foot-3, 215) providing plenty of depth.

Redshirt sophomores Hakeem Deggs (5-foot-7, 157) and Ellis Onic II (5-foot6, 163) also bring plenty of speed.

With the new spread offense, tight ends Samad Hinds (6-foot-5, 245), a redshirt sophomore, and redshirt

freshman Michael McCauley (6-foot-3, 220) could be on the field in double tight-end set at times.

DEFENSE Defensive Line Junior Mikhail Dubose (6-foot-2, 250) is expected to be the leader, but sophomore nose guard Keifer Morris (6foot-4, 235), junior Chuntony Johnson (6-foot, 280), and junior Myles Overton (6-foot-4, 305) have all drew the praise of defensive coordinator Larry Kerr as players to keep a close eye on up front.

Linebacker Kerr indicated the competition at linebacker is fierce and mentioned redshirt sophomore James Riddle (6foot-4, 200) and senior JaQuel Walker (6-foot-1, 210) as the pair that has had an outstanding preseason camp.

Sophomore Bryan Stansbury (6-foot3, 255) also has been penciled in as a starter.

Defensive Backs This was the strength of the squad last season and with returning cornerback Brandon Lenoir (5-foot-10, 168) and senior A.J. Battle (6-foot-1, 168) the talent level isn’t expected to drop off.

Junior Thomas Singleton (5-foot-10, 175) provides plenty of depth while the Bears field experience at safety with junior Taylor Risner (6-foot-2, 204) and senior Trevor Douglass (5-foot-8, 190).

SPECIAL TEAMS By far, this was the Bears’ weakest unit a year ago as punters and kickers never found much consistency.

The bright spot is Onic, whose speed gives the Bears a chance to score every time he touches the ball. He’ll be joined

by Deggs on returns.

Sophomore Bailey Landwehr hopes to redeem himself as a punter and kicker.

A pair of freshmen — Hunter Rainwater of Broomfield and Marques Combs of Palisade — are battling for playing time.

Newsom is penciled in as the holder with freshman Ryan Abdulla of Thornton as the long snapper.

University of Northern Colorado's Malcolm Whye pushes through a defender during a drill at the ButlerHancock practice fields in Greeley.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/jpolson@greeleytribune.com FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

15

CSU’S STAR RECEIVER FOCUSED ON TEAM GOALS AS SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

By Baker Geist gtsports@greeleytribune.com

A

FORT COLLINS

fter scoring 17 touchdowns and logging 1,750 receiving yards en route to being named a consensus All-American last season, any fan would think the Colorado State wide receiver Rashard Higgins has lofty personal goals heading into the 2015 season.

However, one trait gets lost among all Higgins’ stats and hype is the one he exudes most comfortably: Humility.

Entering his junior season, Higgins has earned attention nationally. One recent national article even called him a “Megatron in Training.” All the hype rolls off Higgins, who is focused on a singular goal: helping the Rams win.

“I just want to win the game,” Higgins said. “I know my stats are supposed to prove my play but at the end of the day, if I only caught two balls for 30 yards and those set us up for field goals to win the game, at the end of the day, that’s all I want.”

It hasn’t always been an easy road for Higgins at CSU. Despite the nickname, “Hollywood," the Texas native had an admittedly difficult time living up to expectations during his freshman season.

Instead of letting frustration take over, Higgins sought advice from receivers coach and mentor Alvis Whitted.

Going into his sophomore season, he vowed to make things right.

16

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

“I told myself going into my sophomore season that I was going to catch the passes I dropped my freshman year,” Higgins said. “Going into my sophomore year, it paid off. I caught more balls, my yards went up and my touchdowns went up. I just got into a good place with my quarterback.”

Simply being talented isn’t good enough to help a team consistently win on Saturday. Players must also buy in to and trust the philosophy of a coaching staff. First-year head coach Mike Bobo is the second coach in Higgins’ CSU career. Establishing trust has been a goal of Bobo’s since he arrived in Fort Collins

hardest, and he has not blinked an eye.

“He is humble. He comes to work every day, and he’s gotten better and better throughout this process because there’s a lot he can improve on, but that’s what excites you about a young man who’s never satisfied,” Bobo said.

The Rams do have some question marks this season, most notably at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Nick Stevens has been named the starter, but freshman Coleman Key could also be a factor if Stevens struggles.

Adapting to a new system and a new pace of play can be difficult, and Higgins contends if he and the Rams’ receiving

“He is humble. He comes to work every day, and he’s gotten better and better throughout this process because there’s a lot he can improve on, but that’s what excites you about a young man who’s never satisfied,” Bobo said. after serving as the offensive coordinator at Georgia since 2007.

Higgins was one of the first players Bobo contacted after accepting the job at CSU, and it didn’t take long for Higgins’ team-first mentality to shine through.

“I see 96 catches, I see 1,700 yards, ‘x’ number of touchdowns, I see this nickname (and) I’m like ‘I’m coming in, this guy’s in his third year, all he’s going to be thinking about is I’m going to the (NFL),’ ” Bobo said. “But since day one I made it a point that if he’s the best player on the team, I’m coaching him the

corps can make the quarterback “look good” by making big plays, the Rams could take home the Mountain West championship.

It’s evident that among all of Higgins’ stats, winning the championship that’s eluded him would be the ultimate achievement of his career.

“I’ve never won a Mountain West championship or, better yet, a championship period,” Higgins said. “I never won one out of high school, so if I get a chance to get my hands on the Mountain West championship or any

championship, that would be a big goal for myself...this could be the year.” » Biggest Strength: WR Rashard Higgins The third-year player had an outstanding season last year, putting up impressive stats en route to an All-American selection. Even without quarterback Garrett Grayson and a new head coach with a new offensive system, Higgins seems to be fully buying into Bobo’s philosophy and is more than ready to help the Rams’ offense in whatever way he can. » Biggest Weaknesses: Offensive line and quarterback The Rams offensive line has only three starters returning from last season, leaving questions as to how the unit will gel throughout the season.

Former first team All-Mountain West lineman Ty Sambrailo is now with the Denver Broncos, and both Bobo and offensive coordinator Will Friend note not having him on the line will have an impact. While the coaches also note the depth on the O-line, a lack of experience may hinder the Rams this season.

The quarterback position is vitally important for any team. Having played in a combined four games for the Rams, redshirt sophomore and recently named starter Nick Stevens and redshirt freshman Coleman Key lack experience.

Senior Sam Carlson appears ready to step in on the inexperienced offensive line to help fill the leadership void left by the departure of Sambrailo. » Season Outlook: Overall, CSU has the pieces in place to be successful this season. The offense is expected to have a balanced attack, utilizing running and passing attacks. The biggest questions for the Rams this season: Can the quarterback be comfortable and confident enough to make good decisions? Can the offensive line hold up and protect the quarterback long enough so making good decisions is possible?

Even with those questions, the Rams should have enough experience on offense with wide receivers Higgins and Joe Hansley and tight ends Kivon Cartwright and Steven Walker to eliminate most offensive problems.

Additionally, an experienced, seniorladen defense should be able to win some close games if the offense is struggling.

Colorado State wide receiver Rashard Higgins, right, is tackled last season after catching a passduring the first quarter against Air Force in Fort Collins.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

How quickly they can adapt to the new offensive system, and how well the offensive line can provide protection, will go a long way toward determining CSU’s offensive success this season. » Key Losses: QB Garrett Grayson, LT Ty Sambrailo Grayson was a sure thing at quarterback. Throwing for a combined 56 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Rams, his leadership and maturity behind center will be missed.

Sambrailo was an anchor on the Rams’ offensive line, having played five different positions throughout his CSU career. At media day Friend simply said “I wish we had him back.” His loss will leave a big void on the offensive line. » Players to Watch: LB Cory James, S Kevin Pierre-Louis, OL Sam Carlson Cory James enters the 2015 season with 22 career sacks, 11 short of tying CSU’s career sack record set by Clark Haggans. While 11 sacks in his senior season is quite a task, fans can expect him to be in on the action quite a bit with the straight-forward attack promised by Rams’ defensive coordinator Tyson Summers.

Kevin Pierre-Louis should help anchor a defensive backfield that has plenty of experience. Louis is one of seven returning defensive starters from a year ago, so fans should be confident in the experience of the defense.

» Prediction: The Rams have plenty of chances in their nonconference schedule to get in a groove offensively in the season opener against FCS opponent Savannah State today. Minnesota will be a challenge a week later, but the other two non-conference games (at Colorado on Sept. 19 and at UT San Antonio on Sept. 26) should be very winnable.

If the defense is as strong as expected, the Rams should be more than competitive in MWC play, getting past New Mexico, UNLV and Air Force, and possibly Wyoming who, despite a strong rushing attack, will be welcoming in a new quarterback, as well. Expect Boise State, Utah State, San Diego State and Fresno State to be challenging. Still, the Rams should do well enough to earn a bowl bid in one of the six bowl games with which the Mountain West has ties.

USA Today currently projects the Rams to play in the Armed Forces Bowl vs. Rutgers.

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Colorado State wide receiver Rashard Higgins, right, catches a touchdown pass last season against San Jose State in San Jose, Calif.

(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

CU’S HOPES REST ON LIUFAU...AGAIN

By Justin Guerriero CU Independent/for The Tribune BOULDER

O

nce again, the Colorado football spotlight is on quarterback Sefo Liufau.

The junior signal caller proved last season he can be either the key for the Buffaloes’ success, or he could hinder their progress.

to have a breakout season. As a true freshman last year, Fields was second on the team in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns. Fields is an ideal sidekick to Spruce and would relieve some pressure on Liufau, who seemed too often last season to target only Spruce. If Fields can force opposing defenses to put more focus on him, Spruce and returning players like Bryce Bobo are going to have their roles amplified.

Last season, Liufau led a Colorado team that, despite a 2-10 record, was quite successful in putting up points. » Biggest weakness: Matching up to In total offense, the Buffs ranked 59th the Pac-12 heavyweights in the nation. To put that in perspective, The Colorado Buffaloes have been the Colorado had a higher ranked offense laughingstock of the Pac-12 since joining than No. 18 Missouri and No. 21 in 2011, putting up a 4-32 record in Louisville. conference play. The Pac-12 has proven Liufau passed for 3,200 yards, with to be one of the tougher conferences 28 touchdowns and a Pac-12-high 15 in college football, and for a team like interceptions.

Colorado, competing with teams like Colorado’s defensive struggles weren’t Oregon and Stanford is not an easy task. a secret. As a result, the pressure was on The Buffs certainly have the means to Liufau to carry the team, making each improve this season, but the odds will be pick he threw even more costly. stacked against them.

“Being consistent and not turning the ball over — I think that’s the main » Key additions: DB Afolabi key right now,” Liufau said during CU’s Laguda, DL Jordan Carrell, DL Blake media day. “In critical situations, that’s Robbins when you can’t turn the ball over, and These three players are entering that’s what I did too much last year.” their first season in a Buffaloes uniform This season, however, offers Liufau after transferring from various junior the chance to write a different story. colleges. Laguda will provide some depth The types of mistakes he made last at free safety, as will year — bad clock Jered Bell, who has management, bad been prone to injury.

“Being consistent and reads of defenses and If Bell goes down not turning the ball bad turnovers — are again, Laguda will mistakes a guy with over — I think that’s likely see extended Liufau’s natural the main key right playing time. Carrell abilities shouldn’t now,” Liufau said and Robbins were make two seasons in during CU’s media day. brought in to bolster a row. a defensive line that In addition, Liufau struggled immensely again can look forward in 2014. MacIntyre and new defensive to throwing to receiver Nelson Spruce coordinator Jim Leavitt are hoping that this season. The two formed a dynamic Carrell and Robbins will have a positive duo last season, and their bond is likely impact on a unit that largely failed to put to sustain, if not improve, this year. pressure on opposing quarterbacks and was awful against the run last season. » Biggest strength: Receiving corps The Buffs’ group of receivers has the potential to be stellar. The group will be led by Spruce, who was nearly unstoppable last season, averaging 99.8 yards per game. Shay Fields will look

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

» Key losses: WR D.D. Goodson, K Will Oliver, CB Greg Henderson The Buffs will be without the services of D.D. Goodson this year. Goodson

was a solid complementary piece in the Buffs’ lineup for most of his career, and his speed and versatility will be missed.

Losing a kicker is always tough, too.

There are many intangibles involved with the position — such as being comfortable in the stadium and building a relationship with the long snapper and placeholder — that cannot be learned on the first try. Oliver was called on quite a bit last season to deliver points when the offense couldn’t get into the end zone.

Finally, the Buffs have a big hole left by cornerback Greg Henderson. The fouryear starter was a fixture for Colorado’s defense, and his 36 pass deflections currently rank third in CU history.

» Players to watch: DB Ken Crawley, WR Devin Ross, DB Tedric Thompson Crawley will be starting at right cornerback, and his experience and talent should set him up to have a solid season. He has the potential to be a key player on a defense that is looking to create a new identity for itself after a poor overall showing in 2014. Wide receiver Devin Ross has an opportunity to become one of the complementary receivers to Nelson Spruce this season.

He could fill the void left by the departure of D.D. Goodson. Defensive Back Tedric Thompson will make a highly anticipated return to the starting

lineup after a concussion against UCLA last year ended his sophomore season.

Thompson seems to have made a full recovery and will anchor CU’s secondary at strong safety. » Outlook: This team looks to be MacIntyre’s best at CU, and this year Buffa-lunatics around the country could see their expectations satisfied. If the Buffs can come out with a bang and win their first four games — winnable matchups against Hawaii, Massachusetts, Colorado State and Nicholls State — they can set themselves up for bowl eligibility. If Colorado enters Pac-12 play with a 4-0 record it could squeeze

Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau directs his team last season against Washington in Boulder.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

out at least two conference wins, which could propel it to a bowl for the first time since losing to Alabama in the 2007 Independence Bowl. » Season prediction: 7-6 overall, 3-6 in Pac-12 play This could be the season in which the Buffaloes show they are no longer the whipping boy of the Pac-12 Conference. The level of confidence in the locker room, key coaching additions like Leavitt, and McCreery the experience of&the Sun returning starters — most importantly Sefo Liufau — points in the direction of a winning record and a possible bowl berth.

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Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau, right, throws a touchdown pass to Donovan Lee last season against Oregon in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)

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MANNING’S NEW O-LINE

INCLUDES DUO WITH ZERO NFL STARTS

By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning throws during the morning session at the team's training camp Aug. 18 in Englewood.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

P

ENGLEWOOD

eyton Manning has never had an offensive line this young. In fact, several of the starters have never played in an NFL regular-season game.

“I always like being around young football players,” insisted Manning, who was already mastering X’s and O’s when these guys were just learning their ABCs. Entering preseason action, the 39-year-old quarterback was protected, from left, by rookies Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia, practice squad graduate Matt Paradis and veterans Louis Vasquez and Ryan Harris. However, late last month the Broncos signed veteran guard Evan Mathis who is expected to replace Garcia in the starting lineup.

Vasquez is back at his natural right guard position after playing right tackle over the second half of last season. Harris rejoined the Broncos when star tackle Ryan Clady blew out his left ACL three months ago and Sambrailo became Manning’s blindside protector.

In its first action, the unit gave up a sack on the second snap at Seattle in the preseason opener. Then, the fresh-faced O-line stiffened and Brock Osweiler drove Denver to scores on all five of the Broncos’ firsthalf possessions. The unit has similar success protecting Manning the second preseason game at Houston.

“Those three young guys playing side by side by side, to start off their careers, their very first game action to be up there in Seattle, I don’t care if it’s preseason or not, those Seahawks fans showed up in the rain, they were loud as hell and I think those guys handled that very, very well,” O-line coach Clancy Barone said.

One advantage the young offensive linemen have had: They’ve faced Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware every day in camp.

Miller, recently discharged from the league’s drug program after testing clean for two years, has been on an absolute tear this summer, no longer weighed down by extra pounds or the specter of a third-strike suspension.

“To go against guys like him, guys like DeMarcus Ware, every single day, run and pass, day in and day out, it makes game day just seem so much slower,” Barone said. “The fact is it won’t get any tougher than that on game day. And there are very few guys who are equal to that on game day. So, if you can go in there and compete against the world’s best day in and day out, it does help.”

Miller weaved past Sambrailo a few times when preparing for the Texans to get in Manning’s face.

“I want Ty to be a Pro Bowler and sixth-year player today. But I also understand the process that he’s going through,” Kubiak said. “He, Max and Matt, watching

them, I think as coaches we have to have patience when we see some of those things.”

The staff has some help in that regard.

A common sight at camp this summer is Miller or Ware talking up the young O-linemen after beating them, offering tips or unmasking tip-offs.

“The thing that I’m really impressed with is to watch DeMarcus and Von grab them after that series and say, ‘Come here, let me tell you why that happened,’” Kubiak said. “That’s very encouraging.”

And valuable.

“That is worth five meetings from me right there,” Barone said. “And they get it in about 10 seconds from their teammate. That’s awesome for all of us, it really is.”

Sambrailo, whom Barone calls “a football junkie,” was immediately named a starter after the Broncos selected him in the second round out of Colorado State.

Garcia, a fourth-rounder from Florida, and Paradis, a sixth-round draft pick out of Boise State last year, joined Sambrailo in the first-string offense soon after training camp began. And while its expected his starting spot will go to Mathis, Garcia still will be a key part of the Broncos’ offensive line in 2015.

“Smart guys are going to play sooner and play longer,” Barone said. “And these guys are both very, very smart guys.”

OFFSEASON AT A GLANCE Key losses » G Orlando Franklin » LB Nate Irving » DT Terrance Knighton » S Rahim Moore » TE Jacob Tamme » TE Julius Thomas » DT Mitch Unrein » WR Wes Welker Key additions » TE Owen Daniels » DE Vance Walker » S Darian Stewart » G Shelley Smith » LB Reggie Walker » DE Antonio Smith

Denver Broncos offensive line coach Clancy Barone, front, directs his squad during the morning session at the team's training camp Aug. 18 in Englewood.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

21

UNC’s Collins tunes out distractions in pursuit of success

By Samuel G. Mustari smustari@greeleytribune.com

E

arnest Collins Jr. can read.

The University of Northern Colorado football coach can hear, too.

Earnest Collins Jr. Listen? Yep, that’s something he also can do.

Being selective in relation to all of the above is something he learned to do a long time ago.

If you talk to Collins, it goes with the territory.

With that in mind, the alwaysaccessible, candid coach regularly reads the Bible and buries his snoot into

game plans and motivational coaching manuals and the like on a regular basis.

He hears whistles blowing and pads popping in his sleep.

Listening is done on a regular basis and is prioritized.

The words of his family and those of his boss — UNC athletic director Darren Dunn — his players and colleagues are of the utmost importance.

Message boards filled with unattributed opinions and story lines based on innuendo don’t merit one second of Collins’ time.

The guy is comfortable in his own skin.

A 9-36 four-year record won’t change the way Collins, 44, does business.

Outsiders’ opinions won’t, either.

“I pay attention to what I’m doing and the best way possible to do it,”

Collins said after a recent preseason workout. “All of the other stuff, the this and that I think you’re referring to. No, I don’t pay any attention to it.

“I don’t read message boards or listen to talk radio,” Collins added. “I can’t tell you who says what.”

Translated, those hiding behind handles like Beardown, BearsAlum, beardevil39 and BigBearFan76 — just to name a few — don’t offer opinions that carry much weight.

Collins isn’t naive. He knows he needs to put more wins on the board to secure his future, but that’s a given in the coaching industry.

He knows his name is attached to some of the worst records in school history — 0-11 in 2011, and 1-11 in 2013 and even 3-8 a year ago when expectations were a lot higher.

University of Northern Colorado's Head Football Coach Earnest Collins Jr. walks across the field during a scrimmage on Saturday at Butler-Hancock practice field in Greeley. The Bear's coaches were very attentive during the practice to improve the team's performance before the season begins.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/ jpolson@greeleytribune.com

Collins knows the bottom line indicates he’s in the business of winning football games, and there simply aren’t enough tallies on the left side of the win/ loss column to indicate he’s done so.

“Every year ... you want to win as many games as you can,” Collins said.

“The first thing we always try to do is win ballgames.”

Collins is UNC’s third highest paid coach with an annual salary of $107,000,

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nearly $20,000 less than men’s basketball coach B.J. Hill and women’s basketball coach Kamie Ethridge.

“I know that I have a job and I’ll do it to the best of my ability until the right person tells me I can’t,” Collins said.

“That person would be my boss.”

His boss, at least the one he directly reports to, is Dunn.

“We’re not in the business of winning football games as much as we are graduating student-athletes and preparing them to be successful later on in life,” Dunn said. “Sure, I want us to win as much as anybody, and I know that Earnest is doing everything in his power to do so.”

Dunn indicated he’s never had a conversation with Collins about needing to win a certain amount of games to maintain his job.

“Nope, never,” Dunn said.

Like Collins, Dunn doesn’t pay close attention to message boards, but explained that certain members of his staff “monitor those kinds of things."

“That’s not saying that I’m not interested in what people’s concerns are,” Dunn added. “I make an attempt to return every email and phone message I get from people and listen to their concerns. We may not always agree, but I want to listen.”

Dunn and UNC president Kay Norton extended Collins’ contract through the 2017 season a year ago, expressing their desire to see the program succeed but also supporting their decision by supporting Collins’ congenial way of representing the school, moving the program forward — albeit slowly — and his potential to run around a team that is starving for success.

“I’m interested in how our fans feel, how our season-ticket holders feel and our boosters feel,” Dunn said. “They’re the lifeline of our athletic program.”

It’s fair to say that Collins’ extension came under some ire, but the boo birds drifted as fast as the crisp fall temperatures turned to rain and snow.

“I have a job to do, and that’s to coach football,” said Collins, a former defensive back/return specialist for the Bears who made his bones coaching as an assistant at UNC, Northwest Missouri State, the University of Kansas and Alcorn State University. He came home to serve in a position he said “was always a place I wanted to be the head coach,” after finally being selected after an exhaustive selection process that flirted with names like Dave Logan, a highly successful high school coach at Arvada West, Denver Mullen and now Cherry Creek.

There were others, too, on the short list.

Bob Stitt, another former UNC assistant, is now the coach at the highly-

successful University of Montana after a long stint at the Colorado School of Mines.

Collins was the school’s pick, and they’re sticking with him.

ARE COACHES HIRED TO GET FIRED? It’s not very often college football coaches stay in one place their entire career.

A recent study done by the NCAA revealed less than 40 percent of Division I coaches stay employed at one school longer than seven seasons.

At the Division I/Football Championship Series, in which UNC competes, the number is closer to 50 percent.

2008-2011 — as an assistant/defensive coordinator at Colorado State University, once leaving on his own to advance his career at UCLA. The second time Kerr left Fort Collins is when Steve Fairchild’s staff was fired in 2011.

“You have to stay the course,” said Kerr, who is approaching 40 years in the business. “The mindset is to do what you believe in and stick to it.

“In the two years I’ve been here, Earnest has done a great job of making the players be accountable on and off the field, but we know that we’re in the business to win games and I honestly see that process coming into place. You have to win football games. You can’t let the outside distractions get to you because

Blasi was the school’s first head coach to finish with a winning record. He was proceeded by Ron Simonson, who was a dismal 13-30 in three seasons before Glenn turned around the program.

Some leave for higher paying, more visible and supposedly more rewarding jobs. Others leave for a gamut of reasons — the two most notable being personnel reasons and not winning enough.

Collins’ defensive coordinator Larry Kerr knows how the system works. He spent two stints — 1993-2002 and

this is not an easy business. We know that the people expect you to win.”

Collins’ predecessor, Scott Downing, was fired from UNC after five seasons and a dismal 9-47 record.

Downing’s stint included the biggest black eye the school’s athletic department has ever had when backup punter Mitch

University of Northern Colorado's Head Football Coach Earnest Collins Jr. talks to freshman linebacker Devin Rothrock at the Bear's first football scrimmage of the 2015 season on Saturday at Bulter-Hancock practice field in Greeley. Coach Collins was talking to individual players during the two hour scrimmage about ways to improve their game.

Photo by: JOSHUA POLSON/ jpolson@greeleytribune.com

Cozad was convicted of stabbing starter Rafael Mendoza in preseason drills.

Cozad eventually did prison time.

Downing landed on his feet as an assistant coach at Tulsa University, but when that staff was shown the door, he found another job as the special teams coordinator with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

Before Downing, Kay Dalton, one of UNC’s most popular head coaches, was fired by then-athletic director Jay Hinrichs, who in his own words was brought in to “change the culture.”

The culture changed for Hinrichs two years ago when he was unexpectedly fired

by Norton, but he’s been able to secure an administrative position — Director of Physical Education and Recreation — with Aims Community College.

Dalton, a highly successful assistant coach at the Division I level along with being a longtime NFL assistant coach, was vocal when he was blindsided by Hinrichs, firing him moments after he returned from a winter recruiting trip.

He even vowed never to step a foot on the UNC campus again, but Collins helped mend the fences and Dalton is now a special offensive assistant on the UNC staff.

UNC’s longest tenured head coach was Bob Blasi, who occupied the position for 19 seasons (1966-1984), compiling a 107-71-3 mark, still holding the school record for most victories by a head coach. He’s second in winning percentage (.599) to Joe Glenn (99-34,.744), who won back-to-back Division II titles (1996-97) as the Bears head coach. Glenn coached the Bears from 1989-1999.

UNC HISTORY OF HEAD COACHES Research reveals UNC has no record who its head football coach was in its first season of fielding a team in 1892 and in 1897.

In 1894, 1898, from 1901-1904 and again from 1906-16, the school didn’t field a team, partially because the country was at war and did not have enough players.

John Lister is officially listed as head coach, going winless in three seasons — 1893, 1895 and 1896.

John Hancock, who is more known for being the Bears’ wrestling coach, was the head football coach from 1932-42 and from 1946-53, compiling a 77-78-5 record.

Blasi was the school’s first head coach to finish with a winning record. He was proceeded by Ron Simonson, who was a dismal 13-30 in three seasons before Glenn turned around the program.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015

23