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Buffs Scrimmage at Onset of Spring Break

Mar 23, 2006

BOULDER ? The sounds of crashing helmets and crunching tackles were a welcome sign Thursday evening, as the University of Colorado football team scrimmaged for the first time in 2006, marking the near-halfway point of spring football heading into break.

 

                The scrimmage was held in an informal offense vs. defense format, as a lack of bodies on the offensive line prevented any prolonged live action. Several individual and seven-on-seven drills were mixed into the Buffs' seventh practice of the spring, and Head Coach Dan Hawkins came away pleased with several aspects of his team's performance.     

 

                "I think it was the typical first scrimmage where you have some sloppy things, but you saw both groups answer the call," Hawkins said. "I like their mentality and the way they hung in there. When bad things happened one way or the other guys rallied and those are great signs. Now it is just a question of polishing up."

 

                Junior quarterbacks Bernard Jackson and Brian White saw the most action with mixed squads inserted on offense and defense. Jackson led the offense to its first scoring drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run by junior tailback Hugh Charles. Jackson finished the evening completing 2-of-3 passes for 47 yards and one interception; he also netted 39 yards on five rushes with a long of 33.

 

                "If [Jackson] is the best guy at what he does, we got a lot of funk in the trunk to get going with him," Hawkins said. "I just want him to be himself and play with some soul and a smile on his face."

 

                White also had a good outing, completing 4-of-10 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. The score came on a 71-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Patrick Williams. White was able to roll out of the pocket and shake free of two defenders in pursuit before finding a wide open Williams down the field.

 

                  "I felt really good out there," White said. "There are a couple plays I wish I could have back, but overall think we made some good strides in the right direction."

 

                Redshirt freshman Kevin Moyd led all rushers with 41 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown near the end of the scrimmage.

 

                Defensively there were a few stars, led by junior cornerback Terrence Wheatley, who victimized two separate quarterbacks with a couple of interceptions. His second pick, off of redshirt freshman Mack Brown, was returned 47 yards for a touchdown. He also chipped in two tackles, a third down stop and a pass broken up.

 

                Junior linebacker Jordon Dizon was all over the field, finishing with six tackles (four solo), one-and-a-half sacks, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery. Junior defensive end Alonzo Barrett added three tackles and two sacks, and safety Tyrone Henderson pitched in four tackles.

 

                The Buffs are off for spring break and will resume practice on Monday, April 3. There will be seven more practices until the annual spring game which is scheduled for April 15 at 1:00 p.m.

 

Practice Notes: Senior quarterback James Cox did not participate in the scrimmage as he continues to suffer from a thumb injury he sustained in practice. "He should be ready to go after break," Hawkins said. "Otherwise he'll have to find some holy water to dip his hand in." Senior place-kicker Mason Crosby connected on 2-of-4 field goals during the scrimmage. His makes were from 53 and 48 yards out, and of his two misses, one was blocked and the other?a 67-yarder?was wide left. What does Hawkins have planned for his spring break? He will go skydiving with his family in Southern California, thanks to the constant pleading of his daughter. "They keep telling me I shouldn't be afraid to go out and try new things and live life, and I said ?quit telling me everything I've told you.'"