The Colorado football team is giving fans more access than they’ve had at any other point during the Deion Sanders era.
Thursday was the second time in a week that the Buffs’ fall camp practice was open to the public (and the media). Prior to this offseason, fans were invited to watch just one practice across three years. It’s a sign of an evolving head coach and program, even if phones are collected at entry and note-taking is disallowed.
Year 4 of the Coach Prime era at Colorado is a crucial one and everyone — players, coaches, fans — knows it. The Buffs just wrapped up their 10th practice of fall camp and here’s a glimpse of who stood out to me while watching it.
RB Micah Welch
In Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion’s book about the Go-Go offense, he described what he looks for in running backs: “They just want to get the ball and punish people, whether it’s running or blocking, they love it just the same.” That perfectly describes Welch, who delivered more punishment than he took while toting the rock during the Colorado football team’s Thursday practice. Tacklers bounce off of him and his low center of gravity gives him elite contact balance. Welch appears to be in the top-four rotation at RB alongside DeKalon Taylor, Damian Henderson II and Jaquail Smith.
RB DeKalon Taylor
Speaking of Taylor, he was all over the field during the Colorado football team’s Thursday practice. Whether it’s running tough between the tackles or catching passes (out of the backfield or lined up receiver), his versatility makes him a dynamic weapon for Brennan Marion to utilize. I’m not sure if Taylor will finish the season with more rushing or receiving yards and oh yeah, he’s still one of the fastest players on the field whenever he’s on it.
WR Ernest Campbell
Campbell has begun stacking good days as of late and that continued into Thursday. The fastest player on the Colorado football team thrived in Marion’s Go-Go offense at Sac State last season (755 yards, eight TDs) as an elite deep threat. He appears to be running more of the route tree and making the most of extra reps with Danny Scudero and Kam Perry sidelined. Campbell’s track speed will dictate coverages and open up opportunities for other playmakers.
DL Samu Taumanupepe
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 375 pounds, Taumanupepe has a very specific role for the Colorado football team and he starred in it on Thursday. The Baylor transfer got the entire defensive line fired up after quickly defeating a double team during a drill. He’s come along nicely since the spring and is beginning to carve out a significant role on the interior of the defensive line, a role that will only increase if Ezra Christensen is deemed ineligible.
LB Tyler Martinez
Colorado football linebackers Gideon ESPN Lampron and Liona Lefau were just named to the Butkus Award watchlist, but Martinez will play just as much as (if not more than) the aforementioned this season. Coach Prime has called all three of his top LBs “pros” and the New Mexico State transfer has earned the trust of defensive coordinator Chris Marve. Known as a stout run defender, Martinez impressed in pass coverage and also delivered a few big hits on Thursday, proving he’s capable of being a three-down player.
