Apr 22, 2023; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jeremiah Brown (42) returns a blocked field goal during the first half of the spring game at Folsom Filed. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Entering the 2024 college football season, the Colorado Buffaloes own a flurry of players who appear ready to break out this fall.
The 10 candidates I’ll mention below range from offseason transfer portal acquisitions and incoming freshmen to returning players who will likely assume larger roles. At least in my opinion, a “breakout” season can carry many different definitions depending on the player.
Regardless, second-year Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders will need many of his more unproven players to put their mark on the 2024 Buffs.
Below is a look at one breakout candidate at each of Colorado’s position groups:
A clear breakout favorite here, Micah Welch had an outstanding spring as an early enrolee and is making noise again during preseason camp. The incoming freshman must first beat out Charlie Offerdahl, Dallan Hayden and Isaiah Augustave for playing time, however.
Wide receiver: Drelon Miller
Another incoming freshman looking to beat out multiple veterans, Drelon Miller has the talent to make an instant impact at the college level. But like Welch, the former four-star prospect must make the most of every opportunity granted to him.
Tight end: Sam Hart
Aug 3, 2023; Columbus, OH, USA; Sam Hart (81) and Jace Middleton (46) compete during the first football practice of the 2023 season at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Doral Chenoweth-The Columbus Dispatch
Ultimately, CU’s tight ends will be judged on how well they can block, and I believe Colorado native Sam Hart (Cherokee Trail High School) will find success as an extra offensive lineman of sorts.
Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes center Hank Zilinskas (58) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
By all accounts, Zilinskas has made major strides this offseason. Here’s what fellow Colorado offensive lineman Tyler Brown had to say about Hank Zilinskas:
“Our starting center right now, big Hank has done a phenomenal job, steady,” Brown told Buffaloes Wire. “Talk about a guy who just comes in and grinds every single day and works his tail off.”
Zilinskas, another Colorado native, started in two games last fall for the injured Van Wells.
Quarterback: Ryan Staub
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 25: Ryan Staub #16 of the Colorado Buffaloes throws a pass against the Utah Utes during the first half of their game at Rice Eccles Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
In a perfect world, Ryan Staub only sees the field when Colorado is leading big late. But if the redshirt freshman is forced into high-pressure action, he’s capable of keeping the Buffs’ offense afloat.
Staub could’ve transferred out of Boulder this offseason but chose to stay, signaling that both he and Colorado’s coaches see potential.
Cornerback: Colton Hood
Dec 30, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Colton Hood (24) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback is another difficult position to name a breakout candidate for because of how much proven talent is on Colorado’s roster. However, Auburn Tigers transfer Colton Hood is earning reps during fall camp and has made the most of them.
Safety: Herman Smith III
Herman Smith III was one of Coach Prime’s better defensive backs during their two seasons together at Jackson State. A slept-on transfer who spent last season at Idaho State, Smith owns eight career pass deflections and an interception.
Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jeremiah Brown (42) reacts after a fumble against the Colorado State Rams during the first half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Jeremiah Brown, the defensive star of Colorado’s spring game, is entering his second year at Colorado following an impressive two seasons at Jackson State. If he can work in enough snaps behind Trevor Woods and LaVonta Bentley, I’m predicting Brown will have a more productive season with the Buffs.
Defensive line: Anquin Barnes Jr.
Alabama All-Stars’ Anquin Barnes (93) of Lee celebrates after sacking Mississippi All-Stars’ Chandler Pittman (7) of Magee at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. Alabama All-Stars defeated Mississippi All-Stars 19-7.
Anquin Barnes Jr. didn’t play much across three years with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but the 6-foot-5, 315-pound defensive tackle has been looking strong during his early days in Boulder. Coach Prime even mentioned Barnes as a defensive standout last week.
Defensive end Arden Walker is another potential breakout candidate to watch at this position group.
Special teams: Jace Feely
Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes place kicker Jace Feely (17) kicks the ball against the Colorado State Rams during the first half at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Second-year CU kicker Jace Feely will likely handle kickoff duties and long-range field goals. While the former Arizona State kicker struggled with accuracy at times last season, Feely’s big right leg gives him an extremely high ceiling.
Last week, I asked Feely what he learned about himself from last season:
“I learned a lot about how I react to certain coaching and what it really is to start and play on a college football team,” Feely told Buffaloes Wire. “There’s a lot of stuff that I need to fix and I think I fixed it this year.”
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: One breakout candidate at each of Colorado’s position groups
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Publish date : 2024-08-14 06:14:00
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