Buffs Ready For First Scrimmage Saturday

BOULDER - The University of Colorado football team is steadily approaching the mid-point of spring football, wrapping up the sixth practice session and getting ready for the first scrimmage, set to take place Saturday at 10 a.m.

Coach Dan Hawkins said he would like the scrimmage to take place in Folsom Field, but isn't sure if that will be the reality. 

"We're planning on going in Folsom," Hawkins said. "I don't know what will happen with the weather but I'd like to go up there."

The Buffs should go for about 90 to 100 plays, and Hawkins said the focus will be on seeing guys work in certain situations.

"We want everybody to compete and execute and work on things we need to work on," Hawkins said. "The pressing urgency isn't to see who is first-team and who is second-team.  We want to see guys work and see what their skill set is according to where they're playing and what they're seeing."

The focus of the media post-practice was on Hawkins' decision to close practices to the public.

"Opponents shouldn't be able to scout us by reading a blog or paper," Hawkins said. "The reality is we've tried to be as fan and media friendly as we possibly can, and if you check around the Big 12, we're probably better than everybody else in terms of what we've done.  It's unfortunate, but it's something we have to do."

Some Buffs are also trying out some new practice pants that Nike is testing at certain schools.  The pants have a lighter fabric, including a lot of mesh, and the seams are different than other practice pants, so there is more padding around the waist.

Scotty McKnight was one Buff wearing the pants Thursday and gave them two thumbs up.

Saturday's scrimmage is open to the public; however the status of next Friday's scrimmage is still to be determined.  Last spring, some video taken from cell phones or other devices popped up on the Internet.  If something similar happens again, Hawkins will likely close the second scrimmage.

NOTE: TB Demetrius Sumler suffered a neck injury during practice and was taken by ambulance to Boulder Community Hospital for some precautionary tests; trainer Miguel Rueda reported three hours later than all tests were negative.  Sumler stood off to the side for several minutes after practice as the ambulance made its way to campus and had full use of all his extremities. He needs to be examined by CU medical personnel to determine when he will return to practice.