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It's Smith's time to step forward for Buffs' defense
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Jimmy Smith has the confidence of an experienced and proven starting cornerback.
“I’m looking to be All-Big 12 this year,” the sophomore said after Colorado’s morning practice on Tuesday when asked about his personal expectations for the 2008 season. “That’s my goal.”
The CU coaching staff isn’t discouraging Smith from dreaming big, even though he hasn’t ever started a college game. Coaches believe the 6-foot-2, 195-pound talent has the potential to be one of the better players in the Big 12.
“It’s Jimmy’s time. It’s time for him to step up to the plate,” CU secondary coach Greg Brown said. “He has been blessed with a tremendous set of tools. He has a height and an arm span that any corner would envy. Now it’s just about getting used to playing and getting on the field and making plays. We feel he’s well on his way.”
For the time being, Smith is still second on the depth chart at left cornerback behind senior Gardner McKay. Promising redshirt freshman Anthony Wright is also in the mix. And Junior Cha’pelle Brown and sophomore Jalil Brown are competing for the starting job at right cornerback.
Smith saw action on special teams in all 13 games last season and appeared in six on defense (99 snaps). Buffs fans certainly remember No. 3’s one shining moment as a freshman when he intercepted a Joe Ganz pass early in the second half and returned it for a touchdown.
CU was trailing Nebraska 35-24 when Ganz released the ball and ended up winning 65-51 after the momentum-shifting turnover.
“You always see highlights of different guys taking one to the house. Then I did it and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s not as hard as it really looks,’” Smith said. “It gives you confidence knowing you can play in the Big 12.”
With the departure of Terrence Wheatley — a first-team All-Big 12 cornerback in 2007 — to the NFL, a lot of media and fans are curious to know which of the young CU cornerbacks will emerge as the starter.
But in the reality of today’s Big 12, defenses are going to need more than two cornerbacks on the field to defend the spread offenses they will face.
Chase Daniel (Missouri), Todd Reesing (Kansas) and Josh Freeman (Kansas State) all return this fall.
And those are just the big names under center in the North Division.
“The last time I was in this league it was called the Big Eight and there was much more running than what you’re seeing now. And the quarterbacks didn’t seem to be as talented,” Greg Brown said. “It’s been a big departure from what the old days of the Big Eight were until now. It’s a tough thing to contend with.
“And that’s one of the reasons you have to recruit a lot of DBs and get a fair number of them in there, because you play against so many three- and four-receiver sets.”
Smith obviously wants to start. During halftime of what looked like was going to be a fateful Nebraska game, however, he learned that what’s more important is how you finish (making the second-half pick).
“The competition is fierce this year,” Smith said. “Cha’pelle has been playing since his true freshman year and he knows the defense very well. Anthony Wright is just amazing, really athletic and fighting for a spot. Then there’s also Jalil and me. It’s really good competition and everybody is making plays every day, so everybody’s in the mix right now.”
In conference games last season, the Buffs allowed 224.1 yards passing per game. That ranked them seventh out of the 12 defenses with Wheatley, who has been performing well in the New England Patriots’ training camp so far this summer.
Despite all of the talent, depth and confidence among the Buffs’ young cornerbacks, the group will have a lot to prove this season.
“We lost some great players. We lost Jordan Dizon, too. But I think our defense as a whole is going to be better,” Smith said. “It’s our third year in the system, everybody knows the system very well, you have people who have played in the games and everybody is reacting a lot faster.
“So I think our defense is going to be better than it was last year or the year before that.”
Posted by montanabuff on August 12, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oooh, this one has got to hurt, tall - a story about the Husker killer!
You remember, don't you, tall? An 11-point lead at halftime, and then a complete melt down by the Corn. With a bowl game and a potential winning season on the line, Jimmy Smith changed the momentum of the game and gave Nebraska a second losing record in four seasons. (And for future reference, when you are spouting off about the 51 points given up by the CU defense to NU - it was 58-35 with two minutes to play. Two consolation touchdowns, long after the red-clad faithful had left Folsom, don't tell the whole story).
Keep up the good work, Mr. Smith. We're going to need you this fall! Go Buffs!
http://www.cuatthegame.com
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
time for the big 12 too see da real "BLACKSHIRTS" dominated on O and D!!!! GO BUFFS!!!!! welcome to boulder--HOME OF THE 2008 BIG 12 CHAMPION COLORADO BUFFALOES!!!! RTD episode II coming real soon!!!!
Posted by reallifeshocker on August 12, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
still, it's great to hear the enthusiasm from the troops, but the reality is.....the qb's and the wideouts in this league are arguably as strong as any, top to bottom, anywhere, in d-1 football. if the buffs can't rush the middle, well, the three qb's noted above will make it very difficult for the buffs to score enough points to be competitive with the elites in the north. that includes the banty-legged ragamuffin from bugland, and his crew of underachievers.
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
whatever-real life shocker and real talk--doubters and haters that dont get out enough. listen closely my "trying to be buff fans but really not" friends.......this is the UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO not kansas state or texas am....here at COLORADO we have a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, A HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER AND BIG 12 TITLE, okay, take dat "we aint good enough stuff" elsewhere, make me sick with that stuff. move to lincoln and root on an overhyped, boring, wrestling porn, gold plated weight room having,62-36 decimated program--nebraska cornhuskers. even csu lam fans show more "spirit" and i dont like them either.....go away
Posted by StopTheInsanity on August 12, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
buff4life:
Time to move on, dude. 2001 was seven years ago and no matter how you slice it, spin it, spew it, both programs (CU and NU) have been more or less in the dumps since 2000.
Your ongoing schtick about NU is pretty much the same old same old on every post and to be honest, it isn't much better than what I get out of out my 14 year old son. Come to think of it, his b.s. is much better and tends to entertain me more.
At least Tallisal offers up some variety in his posts.
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...."in a 'BUFF COUNTRY' dreams stay with you....like ralphie's herd across the mountain side......stay alive........in a 'BUFF COUNTRY' dreams stay with you....like ralphie's herd across the mountain side......stay alive.....taken from the song 'big country"....."but i can look and breathe and see the sun in the winter time....in this 'BUFF COUNTRY'.........."
Posted by CoNFiNaLGuRu on August 12, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jimmy Smith reminds me of Charles Woodson. Finally we have a cornerback with some height that can defend bigger receivers. Not sure about Smith's speed though.
Posted by mifrfi on August 12, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with you buff4life. A return to glory is in progress! Soon, real soon! A big twelve title is a real possibility THIS year. If I had to say...my guess is 2009 but it doesn't matter. The Buffs are set become a serious FORCE in college football for the years to come. I'm talkin' POWER people. Many good fans are going to enjoy the ride. I'm already on the wagon and the ride is nice!
Go Buffs!!
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
riteon "stop the insanity", your 14 yr old must be a one kool kid, im used to your "types" and im not goin anywhere so keep it comin....by the way, other than I-25 that 'sunshine wheat' is best thing to come outta ft collins....and buddy that 14 yr old you talking about might be my boy--CU on the maurie povich show-you better have a sit down with mom...did i insult your girlfriend taligal??? il leave her alone
Posted by rodrigo on August 12, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, stop,
those who should move on live in Lincoln. That 2001 butt stompin' was more recent than the last corn contention for the NC. And last year was just a prelude. Get used to it, son, cuz Scott, Polk, Sumler, Stewart and Lockridge are gonna make us all forget Purify and Brown for the next four years.
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
and what a beautiful colorado sunset tonight....BUFFALOES love this time of the year......"buckle up" mifri cuz this season gonna be one heck of a ride as we take back what "rightfully" belongs to US! that big 12 title.....and never under-estimate the heart and determination of a "hungry" and "resiliant" buffalo, ask the cowboys and indians....we were born to survive....."the buffalo must be on guard...but this quiet herbivore has a mean temper and travels in a large herd....A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH" glory, glory colorado
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 10:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
how long ago was 65-51? and 27-24? and i was at folsom in 2001 and let my 8 yr old son run on the field after the game--he got daniel grahams wristband and i will keep reminding corn boys every season of how fun that day was....ORDER RESTORED!!!! and these buffaloes and coach gonna bring another NATIONAL TITLE to our wonderful state....BELIEVE!!!!! thank you dan hawkings---shoulder2shoulder we will ALWAYS fight!!--we love you john hessler!!!! THIS ONE IS FOR THAT OTHER JOHN!!!!
Posted by mgmtgrad on August 12, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Banter... banter... banter.
The fact is CU is a young team that plays a very competitive schedule and they will get a lot of television exposure.
And CU will win their share of games or television wouldn’t pick up so many of their games, this is why the corn knobs are scared. Nobody wants to watch an expected blow out and this is why CU will have 3 of their first 4 games on television. Unlike NU who players a pasty non conference schedule every year.
CU will compete this year and just like last year they will surprise those that look past them, think OU. And with guys like Smith (the article is about him) we won’t roll over as easy as last year to some of the opponents that CU should have beaten.
When these young guys all come together they will kick butt over the next two to three years. And that is what is scaring the others. They are taking their last remaining shots at the program, before Hawkins and crew see the fruits of their labor.
Marcus J
Posted by buff4life on August 12, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...got no time for livn, yesss, im workn all the time...seems to me, i cud live my life, alot better than i think i am.....i guess thats why they call me...they call me a cu buffalo fan......they call me a colorado buffalo fan....i guess thats what i am.......adaptd from the rush song 'working man'
Posted by extrapoint on August 13, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
as long as we are on a musical theme, Smith will be handeling wide receivers like his namesake does the Hammond B-3.
Posted by rodrigo on August 13, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In two years kenny will be:
1) fully on the bandwagon, which will make him a fair-weather hypocrite;
2) no where to be seen, which will make him just a hypocrite.
Posted by extrapoint on August 13, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GASP!
does this mean tall is not Barney after all but Tharp?
Tune in for the next episode of
"As the troll turns"
Posted by OutToPasture on August 13, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bohn isn't going to get dismissed anytime soon. Despite what RS says, the athletic department has flourished under Bohn.
Cabral is a great coach, but he's not CU head coach material. He's too much of an old school tough guy. Coaching at CU is more than just x's and o's, you have to be able to navigate through all the political and media land mines.
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 13, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cabral needs to be DC. Period.
Posted by oz_in_cali on August 13, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smally, you are delusional (just thought I would restate the obvious). Neither Bohn nor Hawk are going anywhere for a while. They have a job to finish. In case you were out bowhunting with Barno and Watson, Bohn and Hawk have been laying the foundation for a true RTD. Not that half-hearted RTD that Barno brought us (to his credit he did win a Big 12 Title, something, which by the way, no Husker coach has ever done), but a true Return to Dominance that not only has our football teams competing for titles, but also has our basketball team playing in march.
Rodrigo has it right, smally, you might as well stop avoiding the inevitable and either jump on the bandwagon now or get the hell out.
As for the CB situation, I have to admit that I more concerned about this than anything else (except the kicking game, of course - I wish Crosby was still on the Buffs instead of my fantasy team), but given the youth and depth at this position I am starting to fell really good about the Buff D moving forward. What a difference 2 years makes!
GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by extrapoint on August 13, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
3 starters, mr. football knowledge
competition at the guard spots only emphasizes the depth we will have there....unlike the pusskers. didnt their golden boy Steincooler get injured?
your stock aint worth donkeysnot.
and if it has to be proved again the O line will do it.
You were singing Givens praises when he was a pussker commit. Now he is just "a 250 puonder"
why dont you change your name to "fatisall?"
You have no way to measure heart or talent because you have absolutely none yourself.
Posted by oz_in_cali on August 13, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My bad. I forgot that Nebraska was actually relevant a long time ago.
It's cool. As long as my stock doesn't drop down to yours or Shawn Watson's level, I think I will be fine. Thank you for your concern.
Posted by LBCBuff on August 13, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
buff4life - I'm loving your rants. The enthusiasm on this site is building. Feelin good about this year.
Posted by LGDAF on August 13, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's an interesting short blurb...
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-1-...
Posted by rodrigo on August 13, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously, how long has it been since Kenny made an insightful point? Forever?
I've been saving some of his more outrageous statements so a few months from now we can go back and analyze them.
My bet is once we start, kenny will go bow hunting again.
Posted by oz_in_cali on August 13, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What are you waiting for? As fun as it is to give him crap, I would just as soon see him gone (after giving him the business, of course).
Bring it, before the Huskers start getting poun'd and he leaves all on his own.
Posted by rodrigo on August 13, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, those statements require actual football games to have been played by actual football players, not some delusional, bitter retiree Texas trailer trash with a serious grudge who thinks he can see the future.
Posted by Black_Rob on August 13, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your name will always be kenny here, kenny.
You're such a wuss, you can't even tell us what state you live in, or what team you actually root for. You seem to be a big fan of NU and OU, or is it "whoever's playing CU"??
Troll.
Posted by rodrigo on August 13, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Insightful? All we ever hear from you is repetitious drivel. You haven't said anything new in over a year. You regularly get the most basic facts wrong. You write fiction and call it even-handedness. You contradict yourself with regularity...
As I said, I've been saving a few of more choice posts just for those special moments to come.
At that time I and the rest of the Herd will be delighted to say we told you so.
Posted by pbbuff311 on August 13, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you bring it on yourself tallisadbag. I read these posts on a daily basis, but rarely write anything myself. I can never figure you out...why are you here! this a cu fan site. you always go out of your way to say something negative. every single article, there you are saying something ridiculous. if you dont want personal attacks stop stoking the fire. you always claim to be a buff fan but then you show support for nebraska....no buff fan shows any support for that joke of a state, let alone their now average team.
now on to more important matters...i am lifelong hardcore buff fan, while a student a cu I worked for coach barnett, i was at every practice for 2 years and traveled with the team. In my opinion barnett was a great man and a great coach, but due to circumstances outside his control (media, mary keenan, gov owens) it was time for a change. hawkins is the right man for the job. he has brought talent, but more importantly a sense of optimism and enthusiasm to the program that has not been seen in years. I see great things for us to come, this year will be tough due to being young and a brutal schedule, but i think 8 wins is definetly achievable. We will compete for a title by the time cody graduates and we will have several first round picks, something cu has not seen since the 90s. csu game is huge for us, a close game will be a disapointment...i predict a blow out.
sorry for the long post.....GO BUFFS!
Posted by 14ers4me on August 13, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nothing but personal attacks...
Kenny, did you really type this?? Shall we bring up your many (tired) posts about Dan and Cody Hawkins? Those are personal attacks. We know you probably don't believe half the crap you write-you're just trying to p*** people off and stoke the fire. I'm guessing it's just too much fun to rile people up with dribble even you don't think is true. Please go back to Lincoln or Norman, or whatever hell hole you're from and stay off a Buffs board.
Posted by extrapoint on August 13, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nice post pbbuff
tall posts nothing but negative and then whines about personal attacks. What a worm.
Posted by MinnesotaBuff on August 13, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God I hate you Kenny
Posted by 14ers4me on August 13, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How about all the nepotism blasts? That has nothing to do w/ football analysis.
Posted by Black_Rob on August 13, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are out of your mind.
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 13, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kenny- Last year after the texas tech game not only did you take a personal shot against hawkins wife, you also expressed joy when Cody took a hard shot against a Tech defender on a short yardage rush.
Troll.
Posted by Black_Rob on August 13, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Then there was the racial tone of the "dumb recruits" from Compton. Yes Kenneth. We remember...
Posted by extrapoint on August 13, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no mention of the Bo-bob nepotism?
sure hope for the pussker's sake L'ill "P" turns out better than L'ill Stoops.
Posted by 14ers4me on August 13, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How is (was)it ever a question when Cody is (was)clearly the best QB we have? Do you really think Nelson was (is) better? Or Ballenger? Have you been watching?? Never mind. No one cares what you think-including you. I do give you credit for one thing and one thing only. You're about the only fool on here who can take any thread and highjack it to the point no one even discusses what the article is about after 3-4 posts. It becomes about bashing you and your assinine comments. STFU and go away. I for one am done w/ you.
Posted by shopperey on August 13, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kenneth, i remember well your comments about players from compton. it wasn't funny then, and neither is your denial now.
Grow up and do something else with your time.
Posted by IowaBuffFan on August 13, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know if this was mentioned previously, but the word on the blogs is that Jon Major tore his ACL in practice and is done for the year.
Hope it isn't true - anyone have clarification???
Posted by bzainthemd on August 13, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IGNORE KENNY! HE'LL GO AWAY WHEN NOBODY REACTS TO HIS NONSENSE. There's no need to argue with a moron about our dominance over NU in this decade. He's not worth our time or message boards.
Posted by nrm1027 on August 14, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smith also had a nice fumble recovery and run in the scrimmage on Monday. I think we got a big time player. I think our deep secondary will answer the tough challenge of the pass happy Big 12 teams. Best of luck Buffs!
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