Buffs Developing Talent, Depth In Secondary - University of Colorado Athletics - CUBuffs.com

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BOULDER — Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell and his staff knew that rebuilding a young secondary for the 2020 season would be a requirement.

What the Buffaloes coaches have discovered is that while experience is limited, there is a wealth of talent among their defensive backs, a situation that bodes well not only for this year, but for years to come.

The Buffs have only two defensive backs who started at least six games last year, senior safety Derrion Rakestraw (nine starts) and sophomore cornerback K.J. Trujillo, who stepped in after a rash of injuries at the position.

But while there's not a wealth of experience in the secondary, CU coaches believe they have plenty of talent to fill not only the cornerback and safety spots.

Thus far in training camp, the Buffs have taken a look at a wide variety of players in a number of positions. Friday, safeties coach Brett Maxie discussed a number of those players involved. Some takeaways from the interviews:

— Mark Perry (safety) and Chris Miller (star) are settling in as potential big-time playmakers. 

"(Perry) has a lot of responsibilities because the communication goes through him," Maxie said. "It starts with him and ends with him. He's done a tremendous job of taking on that leadership role in the secondary."

Perry has consistently made plays throughout camp.

"He's one of the fastest guys and it's hard to see," Maxie said. "You can usually see speed, but his speed is more of a closer. Once he starts to go, he covers ground, especially on deep balls. He can handle all the communication because he did play last year."

Miller has been hampered by injuries over the last couple of years, but he is fully healthy this season. After two starts last year at corner, he appears to be back on track getting over his injuries.

"He's been a delight for us," Maxie said. "He comes to work every day. He's very energetic, which is what we need from that position."

— The Buffs are developing depth at safety. With free safety Rakestraw the only returning player with any real experience at the spot, it has been critical that the Buffs not only find starters, but also develop backups.

Perry is filling the bill at strong safety. But Maxie is also creating some solid depth with junior Isaiah Lewis, freshman Toren Pittman and several other younger players, including Trujillo, who is taking reps at corner and safety.

Maxie said Lewis has been one of the most pleasant surprises of camp.

"Isaiah has had an unbelievable camp," Maxie said. "He's one of the guys that we're going to count on in terms of if someone goes down, he's the next man up. He can play multiple positions in the secondary. He can play both safety positions. He has really, really impressed me. He's the one guy that when you're looking for backup or serviceable player to step up and be the next man up, he's that guy. Be on the lookout for him to do some extraordinary things for us this year."

As for Pittman, the true freshman brings size (6-4, 190), speed and versatility to the table. 

"He's a long guy, so he's a good player to match up on tight ends," Maxie said. "He has really good play strength and he has unbelievable speed. Everything he does is full speed. That's what we like about him the most. He's able to do multiple things and he does it fast, even on special teams. He does things extremely fast."

The Buffs are also developing good depth at corner. Mekhi Blackmon, who started two games last year before an injury, has had a consistent camp, as have youngsters Jaylen Striker, Tarik Luckett (two starts last season) and Nigel Bethel.

But the standout of the young corners, Maxie said, might be true freshman Christian Gonzalez, a 6-2, 200-pounder who has consistently made plays since camp began.

"He has no fear of challenging," Maxie said. "He's done a tremendous job at that. He's very prideful in terms of how he goes about his craft."

Gonzalez has excellent speed and his length helps him make plays on deep balls.

SCHEDULE: The Buffs were indoors on Friday because of the weather, and are scheduled to conduct their second scrimmage of camp Saturday.

Saturday will be the two-week mark before CU's Nov. 7 opener against UCLA at Folsom Field.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
 

 

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