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Summer notes and observations

Posted June 20, 2008

I stopped by the CU practice fields Thursday evening to see player organized seven-on-seven practices and just familiarize myself with some of the new guys.

Everyone keeps asking me about Lynn Katoa and whether he is back in Boulder and practicing. He was there Thursday, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him.

Katoa was suspended during the spring semester by the Office of Judicial Affairs for an off campus fistfight and won't be eligible to play this fall. He didn't complete enough credit hours in the spring after enrolling in classes in January, which officially started his matriculation under NCAA rules.

Unless something really unusual happens, he will redshirt this fall but will be allowed to practice with his teammates. Could be a blessing in disguise for the program in the longterm because he'll be around longer.

There have been some rumors about a few different guys possibly transferring this summer. I checked with athletic director Mike Bohn and he said no players have asked for a release from their scholarship since former offensive lineman/fullback Kai Maiava did so at the end of the spring term.

In case you're wondering, the athletic director is responsible for granting scholarship releases, not head coaches. Though the decision to do so is almost always done in conjunction with the coaches.

...Had a brief chat with Cody Hawkins. He was the clear leader on the field during the practice. He is getting ready for the family trip to South America and the Amazon next month by getting the necessary shots and taking some pills .

I'm not going to lay out the details of the trip ahead of time, but it sounds like they're in for a wonderful time.

...Conrad Obi is huge. I mean, the kid is getting big. He's up to 260 pounds now and is pretty imposing. Really easy going, fun guy, too. I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

...Fellow defensive end Marquez Herrod is also getting bigger. In fact, Herrod said he got up to 280 pounds in May and is now trying to drop a few pounds to make sure he doesn't lose any quickness.

...And one more note from the defensive ends. Drew Hudgins was out on the field with getting some work in Thursday. I spoke to him briefly afterward and he said his repaired Achilles tendon is coming along now a full year after he ruptured it.

Hudgins didn't practice at all in the spring because of the injury, but he said he feels much stronger now than he did back in April and March. Looks like he's gaining weight and could be a factor in the pass rush mix this fall.

Talked to some veteran guys such as George Hypolite, Ryan Walters, Jeff Smart, Jalil Brown, Patrick Devenny and Scotty McKnight. They were unanimous in saying the summer workouts are going as well or better than they ever have.