Colorado Football Recruiting: Why Play in Boulder?

The University of Colorado was once a prominent program in America. Recently, they have been so far below the middle of the pack, it’s a wonder how they managed to get recruits to come play for them.

The 2011 college football season will be bringing a number of changes for the Buffaloes. Before we look at the changes, let’s see where we’re coming from.

Look Back

Colorado hasn’t been ranked since 2005. Ironically, it was the last season before Dan Hawkins took over as head coach. Last season, the Buffs finished 5-7, which was their fifth straight losing season.

Starting quarterback Tyler Hansen suffered a ruptured spleen in week seven and was forced to sit out the rest of the season.

On a bright note, one of their five wins came against a tough opponent in Georgia, winning 29-27.

New Head Coach

After five season as head coach, Dan Hawkins was fired after going 19-39. Colorado then hired Jon Embree. Embree had been the tight ends coach for the Washington Redskins.

Embree comes in with a new attitude and a new approach, which may be just what the program needs to start the turnaround.

Established Quarterback

Cody Hawkins has graduated. That means it’s Tyler Hansen’s show. Last year Hansen threw for 1,102 yards and six touchdowns in six-plus games. Hansen will be a senior this season. With the new system in place, he may be able to step up his game.

If Hansen can prove to be a leader at the quarterback position, can help lead his offense to their first winning record in half a decade.

New Conference

With a new year comes a new conference. Beginning 2011, Colorado (along with Utah) will be playing in the Pac-12. The Buffs will be placed in the South division of the conference along with Arizona, Arizona State, USC, UCLA and Utah. Each of these programs are beatable (at least for now with the USC sanctions), which gives Colorado a chance to excel in their new alignment.

Final Thought

Colorado is in for a slew of changes this coming season. Change isn’t always a bad thing, especially when success has been so few and far between. Embree, Hansen and the Buffaloes will look to begin anew on September 3rd when they open the season in Hawaii.