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All freshmen eligible
Posted August 17, 2008
CU coach Dan Hawkins said every member of the freshman class has been cleared to play by the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the NCAA Clearinghouse).
Hawkins also confirmed wide receiver Kendrick Celestine is academically eligible and defensive back Lamont Smith is waiting on a grade that could determine his eligibility this fall.
Hawkins first said on signing day he thought every member of the freshman class was capable of contributing right away this season. So I asked him if he still felt that way two weeks into camp after two scrimmages.
While he still says each freshman could get on the field, I'll give you a few names I believe are safe to file in the redshirt category.
Quarterback Tyler Hansen, wide receiver Chance Blackmon, tackle Ryan Dannewitz, defensive tackle Curtis Cunningham, defensive tackle Will Pericak. Obviously, you also have to include Lynn Katoa because he is ineligible and Jon Major because he is injured.
"I think there are a few guys who are starting to separate themselves a little bit, some because we have to and some because they are doing well," Hawkins said. "We just don't want to press them into service if they're not ready and we don't feel like they can get a maximum amount of experience their first year.
"I think all those guys in their own right are very capable and that's a good sign."
...Offensive lineman Bryce Givens and linebacker Brad Jones sat out the scrimmage Sunday with minor injuries.
...The team is scheduled to go through two light days Monday and Tuesday with walk-throughs and film reviews. The Buffs also have "team-unity" activities planned.
...We'll end today with Hawkins talking about longtime sports information guru Dave Plati after the scrimmage Sunday. Hawkins, like many others, is amazed at Plati's ability to keep such accurate statistics on the sidelines during a scrimmage and to pull random, oddball and often obscure pieces of trivia and knowledge out of the recesses of his mind.
‘There is a reason we call him Stats," Hawkins said. "He is impressive. He is one of my top-five most unique individuals that I know. I’d put him in that exclusive category. He’s got a great personality. He’s got a very unique personality. He’s got a bear trap for a mind, and he’s just got a unique perspective about life. He’s one of those guys in The Tipping Point. Did you read The Tipping Point? He’s the Connector.”
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Posted by mgmtgrad on August 18, 2008 at 12:49 a.m.
Surprise to see tackle Ryan Dannewitz and defensive tackle Will Pericak on the Redshirt list the other's were almost expected.
Is it because of depth at those position more then performance on the field?
We know Hanson is a case of depth even through he is already impressing. And of course we know why Major and Katoa will be Redshirted, but with the depth at that position that may work out for the future. Not that either of them couldn't have competed this year.
Marcus J
Posted by archalon on August 18, 2008 at 7:34 a.m.
Good job Kendrick on getting the grades up.
Not suprised by the Redshirts, but maybe Givens needs one too. He's still a little light.
Pericak is expected because he needs to grow into a DT, and Cunnigham may have to burn his if there is an injury, otherwise, no worries with the rest.
If CU can pull Te'o in next year, imagine him, Katoa and Major in 2010 ? One of them would surely win a Butkus award or two.
Posted by mgmtgrad on August 18, 2008 at 9:45 a.m.
archalon, thanks for the feedback on Pericak, what about Dannewitz?
I live out of state and can't go to the practices and scrimmages.
Agree with your last comment through.
Marcus J