The Colorado football program has two wide receivers who have proven they are capable of playing at high level and challenging defenses.
Toney Clemons and Paul Richardson combined for 77 catches for 996 yards and nine touchdowns in 2010 and will be relied on heavily as the Buffs move into the Pac-12 next fall.
But the depth chart behind them could accurately be described as a gray area this spring with plenty of uncertainty about the capabilities of the players there.
CU coaches added some valuable depth over the weekend and a literal Gray area with the addition of Georgia transfer Logan Gray.
The former Bulldog visited the program and has decided to transfer to CU for his senior season next fall.
He will be eligible to play right away without having to sit out the customary transfer year because he is graduating from Georgia in May and is moving to a school that offers a postgraduate degree program not available in Athens, Ga.
“It’s a little bit more complicated than someone coming out of high school but I’m trying to get it all squared away academically right now,” Gray said.
Gray went to Georgia as a highly recruited quarterback from Columbia, Mo., four years ago but eventually switched to wide receiver when he was unable to win the starting job under center.
He played in all 13 games last fall as a wide receiver and also returned punts for the Bulldogs.
He said CU coaches envision him filling the same roles in Boulder.
“They told me that they have a couple pretty strong wide receivers like Paul Richardson and a couple other guys, but they could definitely use some help,”Gray said. “And then obviously returning punts. They’re looking for another guy to help make an impact on offense and special teams.”
Gray’s younger brother, Quinn, is already a student at CU and was able to help show him around the campus and the town during his visit.
Gray said having family at CU was a big reason why he chose to be a Buff rather than several other options available to him.
Gray already has introduced himself to quarterback Tyler Hansen and the two had lunch Saturday prior to the spring game. Gray said he believes he will be a good fit in the Buffs’ new pro style West Coast offense.
“I think they definitely have talented guys out there, but at the same time, I think that any team across the country can use more depth and I think I’m a guy that can make some plays, Gray said. “So I’m just excited about being able to help out.”
CU won’t be able to announce the addition until later this summer when the paperwork and transfer waiver is completed with the NCAA, but Gray said he plans to be in Boulder for the start of summer workouts in June.
Lockridge hoping
for the best
Senior running back Brian Lockridge is hoping to return to practice at the start of fall camp in early August, but he knows that might be a little optimistic.
Lockridge suffered a significant ankle injury in the middle of last season and underwent surgery in October to repair the damage.
He said doctors told him the recovery time for the injury is generally a full year, which could mean he won’t be able to return to practices and games until a little deeper into the 2011 season than he would like.
He is targeting the start of training camp nonetheless and is hopeful he continues to progress in his recovery the way he has to this point. He said he recently began jogging in a straight line. He still can’t cut on the ankle.
QB announcement
coming today
CU coach Jon Embree is supposed to announce his 2011 starting quarterback today and it will likely come in the form of a press release after meeting with the players involved and assistant coaches. There is no press conference planned.
Senior-to-be Tyler Hansen is expected to be named the starter and have all summer to lead teammates and workouts and 7-on-7 drills with no question about that status hanging over his head.
