In a recent conversation with BuffZone.com, Colorado director of football strength and conditioning Drew Wilson talked about the offseason program in general, as the Buffaloes prepare for spring football next week.
Wilson also talked about some individual players that have stood out. As a whole, Wilson said, the team has had a great offseason and a lot of players are making strides in the weight room. But, here are a few specific individuals he talked about:
RB Joe Davis, T-Fr.:“Joe Davis has done a good job transforming his body. He was a little soft coming in, but he looks a lot better. Another quiet kid, but listens and does everything you ask him to do.”
OL Frank Fillip, So.: “He’s back and he’s in the saddle and working again. He’s been positive. He had to take care of some personal stuff. He’s part of the family and he’s been working hard. You have to give him credit.” (Fillip missed the first few weeks of offseason training while undecided on whether or not to play, but Wilson said he’s got both feet in at this point).
OL Austin Johnson, T-Fr.: “He’s a tough kid that wants to play as a freshman. He just works. He keeps his mouth shut and works. You can tell he wants to be strong; he wants to be a dude; he wants to be a guy here, not just a guy that’s from Colorado and ‘I play for CU.’ As a freshman, he was coming in at 283 and he’s 289 after eight weeks training. He’s putting on good weight, so it’s a better chance of being 300 pounds a lot earlier in his career, versus when he’s a junior.”
LB Nate Landman, Jr.: “He is always going to be a guy (who stands out). He likes the weight room. Same thing with (offensive lineman) Colby Pursell and (defensive lineman) Mustafa Johnson.”
DL Terrance Lang, So.: “Terrance Lang has had the best offseason he’s had thus far and Terrance, I think, appreciates (head coach Mel) Tucker from the guidelines and discipline standpoint. Terrance is a good kid, he works his tail off; but he’s been consistently pushing hard every single day. It’s been a pleasure (to see). Now he’s starting to see what that genetically gifted body can do from a physical standpoint.”
QB Steven Montez, Sr.: “He is still transforming that body and he’s still doing well. We’re also constantly trying to develop him as a leader. My hope for him is just to keep maturing as a leader and understanding that the leader has to repeat himself and it has to be like a broken record.”
OL Jake Moretti, So.: “He’s limited, but he is lifting. A lot of upper body stuff. He’s positive. Great spirits for all the (stuff) he’s been through with the surgeries, but he’s working his tail off.”
WR Dimitri Stanley, R-Fr.: “He has put on 9 pounds, has gotten a lot stronger and he has those it factors. He looks good and he’s strong.”
OLB Davion Taylor, Sr.: “Davion is football full time. He’s not running track anymore, so he’s had a good offseason.”
In addition to that group, Wilson said receiver KD Nixon has had another good offseason and that receiver Laviska Shenault is “working hard” despite being limited because of injuries. Wilson also added that transfer tight end Jalen Harris, freshman running back Jaren Mangham and transfer OL Va’atofu Sauvao are all doing well this offseason.
Contact staff writer Brian Howell at howellb@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/BrianHowell33
