2003 Statistics

Quarterback
The scary thing is that last season was Joel Klatt's first year as a starter. He came out of nowhere to immediately become of the Big 12's most consistent, and feared, quarterbacks. A gunslinger of sorts, Klatt does not shy away from the idea of throwing it 40 or 50 times a game. He possesses a strong arm, but thrives off his accuracy in the intermediate passing game. Physically, Klatt has all of the needed tools to become an elite passer nationally. As he becomes more comfortable, and learns the subtle idiosyncrasies of the game, he will do just that as he helps CU's pass attack rank even higher than 18th (as they did in '03). Eric Greenberg stepped in due to injury in numerous games and averaged more yards per touch than Klatt. He is obviously capable and is, too, a pure passer who could start, if needed.

Running Back
With Bobby Purify being granted an extra year of eligibility, and Brian Calhoun returning, the 'Buffs feature an impressive one-two punch that can do well in the Big 12, but failed miserably in 2003. Purify is a pure power runner, who has dominated opposing defenses throughout his career. Calhoun, who is a more speed orientated back, has good field vision, and will provide a nice change of pace to Purify. Calhoun is also a talented receiver, and can be a valuable option in the flat on third downs. Short-yardage specialist Daniel Jolly, who led the team with six rushing touchdowns in 2003, will figure into the rotation, while fullback Lawrence Vickers returns to lead the way. The unit was 113th last campaign, averaging just over 90 yards per game and 2.6 per carry. Along with ethics, the team has much to prove in this area. (TB Brian Calhoun has transferred).

Wide Receiver
This unit is incredibly unproven. With the exception of Jeremy Bloom, who's situation is unpredictable anyway, there is virtually no returning production. If Bloom does return, the team will have one of the more explosive players in college football, despite his size. Ron Montleilh has good size and should adjust well to his starting role. He should provide the leadership needed in this unit. Another California-native, Blake Mackey, will emerge as a top option. He has NFL-size and is a long-distance sprinter - Monteilh runs a 10.6-100. Mackey's skill, along with the wide-open depth chart, invites him to become a star. The unit will improve, but how much will go a long way toward outlining CU's ability to improve as a team.

Tight End
Joe Klopfenstein will be a major contributor in the passing game. He caught 20 passes in 2003, despite being overshadowed by the talent at receiver. He has a rugged frame allows to him become a viable target around the goaline and also makes him a valuable blocker. Because of the abilities of backup tight end Jesse Wallace, who like Klopfenstein, caught a pass in each game, and Quinn Sypniewski, look for Colorado to use the "ace" formation quite often. Doing so will allow them to spread the field, and take advantage of mismatches due to their rare depth with size at the position.

Offensive Line
The front five has experienced some growing pains, but will be better for them. Power-forward sized tackles Clint O'Neal and Gary Moore return, although sophomore Brian Daniels played well at the position during his first year on campus. The center spot is an area of strength, with Derek Stimrich and Mark Fenton both returning. The interior looks strong, too. Because of roster changes, injuries and inconsistent play, this unit did not continue the proud tradition of their predecessors. With promising depth and four returning starters, things should be back to normal.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The backfield is absolutely loaded. Klatt, along with Purify and Calhoun, ensure than points will be scored, and sometimes in bunches. Just like last time, Klatt (and sometimes Greenberg) are again the primaries, but concern should be paid because, in '03, they led the 18th-ranked passing offense, yet only the 28th-ranked pass-efficiency offense. This means there is much room for improvement in streamlining. Klatt must improve, no matter how good he already is (great pocket presence). The offensive line must improve as expected, and wide receiver is an obvious concern as to its time needed for development. Thankfully, a bevy of a capable tight ends return to aid the passing game, but a few downfield options must develop for the offense to reach its potency. We say work those TEs so safeties and extra men in the box cannot become common. This way, the line can play helmet-to-helmet and keep opponents honest, they key to becoming multi-dimensional on offense.

Defensive Line
The strength is definitely the interior. Seniors Matt McChesney and Brandon Dabdoub are both gritty performers, who will provide leadership and poise, but both are sub-300 pounders. They understand the game, and understand how to work together. Will Sam Wilder play both sides of the ball, meaning he will be in on the inside-rotations? Even more depth here makes Colorado ready for Big XII play for fresh legs and plugged middles. The return of defensive end Marques Harris from injury will bolster the pass rush and add even more experience to the already veteran group. Alex Ligon and James Garee will step into the end spots for the first time to start, with one being displaced when Harris is healthy. We think Ligon is the better of the two, but barely. This should not be a marginal area this time, but a strength.

Linebacker
Numerous different players could fit in here, but losses make this area a concern. Thaddeus Washington, Brian Iwuh and Akarika Dawn have gotten the starting call as of spring, but all could change. Middle-man Washington is a star in the making. He has imposing size and is a ferocious tackler, but has yet to reach his potential. He makes backs and receivers think twice about running underneath. Because of the sheer number of capable players, the depth chart won't be firmly established until after spring practice. But the talent exists, so don't be surprised by a strong showing, yet, likewise, be ready for the unit to never gel and be a liability again. When the team gets rid of a LB corps that manned the 97th-ranked defense, they are happy with the turnover.

Defensive Back
This group has the potential to be extraordinary, and is starts at safety. J.J. Billingsly and Dominique Brooks are a special, and young, tandem who will only get better with experience. Both players are remarkable talents, who are the building blocks for the 'Buffs defensive turnaround. Highly touted Tyrone Henderson is expected to be the third man in the lineup. Corner is a bit uncertain, although much of the ambiguity is due to inexperience rather than talent. Freshly-appointed starters Sammy Joseph, Terrence Wheatley, as well as Lorenzo Sims, were all key performers in the rotation as freshmen, and though they had their moments of infamy, they will be stronger because of that year of progression. Vance Washington is a bit undersized, but is a feisty defender, and will play in nickel and dime sets. The entire unit of three-deep is pretty much all six-foot and up, so sizeable WRs will not intimidate this bunch. But they have to first learn to keep the play in front of them so they won't again allow 27 TDs while only getting 10 INTs. They will improve, but how much is another important barometer for the team's fate.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Though the squad was roughed up at times last season, 2004 provides promise. Experience is now abundant, rather than a rarity, and that alone should prompt improvement. Success will start up front, where Wilder, Dabdoub and Harris will form a daunting front line. The secondary is the key, however. At times last year, they were torched by opposing quarterbacks, but with numerous freshman gracing the lineup, that was almost expected. A year of experience should do wonders for their familiarity and confidence. For the 'Buffs to make the postseason, the defense must make a notable turnaround. Early on, all signs are pointing that way. This side of the ball will determine where this team lands by December.