Through one full week of preseason camp, the Colorado Buffaloes appear to be well ahead of where they were at this time last year. Yes, there may be some growing pains with new coordinators and a slew of hungry incoming transfers, but early returns point to CU being a more well-rounded college football team entering head coach Deion Sanders’ second season.
The Buffs opened their 2024 fall camp on Monday, exactly one month ahead of their season opener against the North Dakota State Bison. Throughout the week, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, incoming transfer cornerbacks Preston Hodge and DJ McKinney, linebacker Trevor Woods and multiple other standout players spoke with the media.
Below are six takeaways from Colorado’s first week of fall camp:
Trevor Woods and Will Sheppard are thriving
Linebacker Trevor Woods and wide receiver Will Sheppard have arguably made the most noise so far. Woods, a former safety who put on significant weight this offseason, had two interceptions on Monday and recorded a pick-six on Thursday, according to DNVR Buffs. Meanwhile, Sheppard has recorded multiple highlight reel catches.
Robert Livingston’s defense remains unsettled
Here’s what first-year defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said on Wednesday regarding Colorado’s defense:
“We’ll go 10 days at camp and then we’ll look at what they can do well,” Livingston said. “Our coaches’ job is to put these guys in positions to be successful. That’s what you should do in any industry. My cardinal sin, or biggest pet peeve, is when people say what somebody can’t do. Let’s look at what they can do. If somebody’s dynamic at one thing, well then here’s a novel idea: Let’s get them doing that. And we’ll build around that. We’ve talked about it in the past. There are six or seven guys that are shooters; they’re our best players. We’ll get them shots and then adapt and adjust around that.”
Every running back is getting a chance to prove themselves
While Coach Prime recently tabbed former walk-on Charlie Offerdahl as Colorado’s lead running back, everybody in the room is getting an opportunity to prove themselves this fall camp. Here’s what Colorado running backs coach Gary “Flea” Harrell said about the competition:
“They all will get a chance to go with the No. 1s,” Harrell said. “Charlie, he earned it, he deserves it. He’ll be the guy leading the reps. But as we go through practice, Micah (Welch) will get a chance to go with Shedeur and the two transfers, Isaiah (Augustave) and Dallan (Hayden), they’ll get a chance to go with Shedeur as well. Once we go through a week or maybe a week-and-a-half, we’ll find that chemistry. I’m gonna give them opportunity. They have to make sure Shedeur feels comfortable with them in the game.”
Pat Shurmur is committing to the run
On Friday, Charlie Offerdahl and former Ohio State standout Dallan Hayden both said that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is putting an added emphasis on the run.
“We have a new scheme this year, a new OC, so I feel like the run game will be a lot better,” Hayden said. “I know I can help them.”
Shurmur also stated the obvious when speaking with the media this week, sharing that Colorado must pound the rock better while also better protecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
The offensive line is doing its job
Going up against a similarly improved defensive line, Colorado’s O-line appears to be making strides early in fall camp.
“It’s night and day,” Offerdahl said of the Buffs’ new-look offensive line. “They’re pigs, they’re fast, they can move their feet well, they’re getting on blocks and they’re creating those holes for us. It’s amazing.”
Don’t mess with Kahlil Benson
Multiple players have come forward to share that Indiana transfer offensive tackle Kahlil Benson has brought an element of tenacity that Colorado may have been missing last season.
“The one who everyone chirps with the most is Kahlil,” Trevor Woods said. “You never know what’s going to happen with him. He’s a great dude off the field, but he’ll come talking.”
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: What we learned from Colorado’s first week of fall camp
Buffaloes Wire
