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Goree back to offense

Posted October 15, 2008

Colorado redshirt freshman Eugene Goree returned to the offensive side of the ball Tuesday with the first practice in preparation for Kansas State on Saturday. He could play guard in the game.

Coaches moved Goree to guard for two practices last week, but allowed him to play his normal defensive tackle position in the game at Kansas because they didn't believe two practices was enough time to get him ready for action on the offensive side.

Goree has never played offense in a game at any level above little league football, but coaches like the fact that he is strong and can provide a push in the running game. His strength also allows him to compensate for flaws in technique in pass protection, which coaches believe he will get better at as he gets more work on that side of the ball.

"He has all the potential in the world," offensive line coach Jeff Grimes said. "He's just raw. He's a guy who hasn't played much O-line. He's got all the things that you're looking for, the strength, the quickness. He's got a sharp mind. He's a fast learner. Again, the question is how quickly can he learn.

I asked Grimes following Tuesday's practice if he could see a scenario in which he would use Goree at guard at some point this year.

"I could he a scenario in which we use him this week," he said.

So what does he need to do to make that happen?

"No. 1, just know who he's blocking all the time," Grimes said. "He's getting closer and closer on that. And No. 2, just understanding how to do some things, particularly in pass protection."

I asked Grimes to explain the thinking behind giving Goree a shot on offense when there are other options on the roster and guys on scholarship who have been recruited by this coaching staff to play offensive line.

He said he went back to his days as a high school coach when someone would get hurt and he would have to look around the team for help, regardless of position. He said he had done the exact same thing once as a high school coach moving a defensive tackle to guard to start a playoff game, despite the fact the player had never really played offense.

"The scenarios aren't usually quite as drastic at this level, but with as many guys as we've had not be with us this year, you know, you've got to do something," he said. "The other thing is I'm always trying to create competition and push guys. I think competition makes everybody better. If we lose some guys, then we're looking for other ways to create that competition.

"Either he will end up being a guy, or he will push somebody to improve and we'll get something out of it as a positive."

Look for No. 76 to get some time on offense this week.