CU Buffs: Apsay's dismissal headlines MacIntyre's Spring press conference

 

The first day of March means the first day of Spring Ball for Mike MacIntyre and his Colorado Buffaloes. On Tuesday morning, following the first Spring meeting, the Buffs head coach met with the media, sharing a plethora of news with those in attendance.

In case you weren’t tuned into social media for the abrupt spike in the news cycle, we’ve got you covered on the top headlines from the day.

Attrition

The biggest story of the news conference was arguably the dismissal of quarterback Cade Apsay. Apsay along with safety Evan White were dismissed from the Buffaloes for violation of team rules.

Apsay started multiple games in the absence of Sefo Liufau and figured to be part of the discussion at QB in the spring. Both Apsay and White served suspensions last season.

Other Buffaloes who won’t be returning in 2016 include Connor Center, Clay Norgard, Grant Watanabe, Yuri Wright, De’Jon Wilson, John Walker and Hayden Jones, who have all given up football.

Addition

You got the “bad news” first so how about some good news? MacIntyre announced that Josh Tupou, arguably the Buffaloes best defensive lineman in 2014, will return to school in May after he was dismissed from the University last summer due to his involvement in a brawl off of campus. Tupou could be a huge addition to the Buffaloes up front.

MacIntyre also officially announced the addition of JUCO defensive back Kyle Trego who signed on Sunday. The 6-foot, 195-pounder will have four years to play three. He was an All-Bay 6 conference honors as a freshman at Diablo Valley College.

Mac also specifically mentioned the potential of a few players who redshirted on the offensive line last year, noting that Tim Lynott, Dillon Middlemiss, Issac Miller and Aaron Haigler all have a legitimate chance at a starting role this year.

Of course, there is also the players that will be returning from injury in the fall.

Mac: Addison weighs 226 right now, he's coming along.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Mac: Jeremy Irwin weighs 307 pounds right now, he looks awesome, he's going to be a pro tackle.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Quarterback quandary 

The Buffaloes have quite the interesting situation at quarterback this spring. With three-year starter Sefo Liufau on the mend with a Lisfranc injury, expected top-challenger Davis Webb, a grad transfer from Texas Tech, also not able to join the team until fall and the departure of Apsay, that leaves the Buffaloes with a depleted roster at the position for the Spring.

Redshirt Freshman Steven Montez will have a great chance to strut his stuff, senior Jordan Gehrke will give it one last shot and another senior in Jaleel Awini makes the switch over from defense to offense, where he will play multiple positions.

Mac: The loss of Cade gives Steven Montez a chance to get a lot more reps this spring. He has a bright future.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Mac: I hope Steven makes a big jump in the spring and gets ready to play.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Mac: I see Jaleel Awini at quarterback and also wide receiver in this offense. Sometimes in the same series.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Mac: Sefo keeps progressing, he's doing okay.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Montez is the only likely candidate out of the three to potentially make a real run at the starting gig, the Texas product has all of the measurables you could ask for in a QB and arm talent that is unmatched on the roster.

Coaching shakeup

By now you know about the additions of Darrin Chiaverini (Co-OC, WR), Drew Wilson (S&C) and Darian Hagan (RBs) to the coaching staff. As well as the moves for Klayton Adams to offensive line and Gary Bernardi to tight ends coach. MacIntyre shed a bit of light on some of the changes, including the Co-Offensive Coordinator roles for Chiaverini and Brian Lindgren.

Mac: Coach Lindgren will still call all of the plays. Coach Chev brings a lot to the table but there won't be dual play calling.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

MacIntyre went on to rave about the way “Coach Chev” and Lingren have worked so far.

Mac: I though Klayton to OL coach was the best thing for this team at this time. He and Bernardi have both coached in their new roles.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Mac: We're going to split ST duties based on what type pf play it is. Kickoff is a defensive play, returns are an offensive play, etc.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Derek being Derek

Derek McCartney is one of the most admirable athletes on campus, he’s a great member of the community, he’s a great student and a great ambassador for the University as a whole. On Tuesday, to no surprise to anybody, MacIntyre toldanther anecdote detailing the class of the young man.

Mac: It's a testament to the type of person he is. The team gave him a standing ovation yesterday.

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016

Your daily reminder that there are things that are much more important than football.

The Buffaloes will officially get to practicing tomorrow morning in the 8 o’clock hour, the first of 15 practices spanning between March 2 and April 11.

#CUBuffs spring schedule. One open practice outside of the spring game. pic.twitter.com/bcXXaKgtq7

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) March 1, 2016