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MacIntyre: Frosh Liufau Has ‘Phenomenal Maturity’

Aug 26, 2013
BOULDER – After spring drills, Connor Wood had the inside track to be named Colorado’s starting quarterback. But it was true freshman Sefo Liufau’s position on the fall depth chart, released Monday, that raised more than a few eyebrows.
 
Liufau is listed as Wood’s backup, ahead of sophomores Jordan Gehrke and Stevie Joe Dorman.
 
First-year CU coach Mike MacIntyre reasoned that in just a few short months since arriving on campus, Liufau has already proven he is a unique individual who is worthy of the opportunity.
 
“He has phenomenal maturity,” MacIntyre said of Liufau. “I know I used the word phenomenal but I mean it with him sincerely. I think the reason I use it with him is where he grew up, his family situation. He has two great parents and he really works well with his family. He’s really done a great job with his family and his family situation with his brother and sister. He’s really had to be a really mature kid.”
 
MacIntyre said he and his offensive staff “like the way Connor has played and we think he gives us the best chance right now. We’re excited about what Connor has done (thus far).”
 
In an ideal situation, MacIntyre would redshirt Liufau in order to get five good years to work with him and develop him into a top-flight quarterback. MacIntyre, though, knows things may not work out that way and emphasized the team is prepared to use Liufau and either of the two other quarterbacks because of injuries or poor play.
 
“If Connor plays every snap the whole year and never gets hurt and plays really well then I would redshirt (Sefo) but if we’ve got to have him and he’s doing really well (he’ll play),” MacIntyre said. “Since this new concussion thing has come in I have not gone a season without a quarterback getting a concussion and I don’t think many people do anymore. You’re always careful about concussions but everything has changed now (and you must be ready).”
 
NOTABLE: MacIntyre placed true freshman defensive back Chidobe Awuize atop his listings for the team’s starting nickel back spot. He said his athleticism, smarts and physicality make him a prime candidate to make a significant impact on the team immediately and he will be the first defensive back on the field in situations in which the opposing offense moves into three and four receiver sets . . . . Offensive lineman Daniel Munyer and tight end Kyle Slavin are overcoming injuries and both are continuing to make progress, according to MacIntyre. Both are expected to play in the opener on Sunday against Colorado State (4 p.m., Sports Authority Field at Mile High) . . . . Monday was the first day of fall semester classes, with many players scrambling after the morning workout to get to noon classes. The team will continue its preparation for CSU with a Tuesday morning practice from 8:30-11 a.m.