Spring is in the air for Colorado football
Posted: Fri March 12, 1999 at 6:37 p.m. EST
Colorado Daily (U. Colorado)
BOULDER, Colorado (U-WIRE) -- Spring is a time to clean out the
old and make room for the new -- a time for beginnings.
For the CU football team, there is an anticipation surrounding
this year's spring practices that is different from any in
recent years. With the new coaching staff in place, the
Buffaloes are poised to use their 15 spring sessions to plant
the seeds of new offensive and defensive systems, new attitudes
and new opportunities.
"(The players) are real excited for spring ball," offensive
lineman Ryan Johanningmeier said earlier this week. "Getting a
fresh start gives a lot of guys who might have felt underlooked
-- gives them a chance to show to a new coach (what they can
do)."
Johannningmeier has started more games for the Buffaloes than
any other player who will suit up this spring or next fall. But
the senior-to-be will use the spring practices to get used to
yet another position. After injuries decimated CU's offensive
line last season, Johanningmeier spent time at tackle and at
center. Now, Johanningmeier will play the weakside guard
position in new offensive coordinator Tom Cable's system.
Johanningmeier said he's excited about the offensive philosophy
that Cable and head coach Gary Barnett are bringing with them to
their new jobs.
"The run game will be a whole lot better adapted to the passing
game," Johanningmeier said. "I think (the new offensive system)
is going to be a lot better. I'm really looking forward to
playing in it. I think that's the general sentiment, at least,
among the other offensive linemen. We're just ready to go."
The former Centaurus High standout said he and his beef brothers
on the line were ashamed of the Buffaloes' lack of offensive
production last season.
"It's almost embarrassing where we finished up stat-wise last
year," Johanningmeier admitted. "Being 11th in the Big 12 in
rushing is just one of the bigger slaps in the face we've had to
deal with. And so, for us, (the spring) is just another chance
to improve."
What kind of impression has the new coaching staff made on one
of the Buffs' team leaders so far?
"I think it's the best staff I've been around," Johanningmeier
said. ""I think this whole staff brings a new sense of
discipline to this team -- a nice balance. That's the way they
are.
"I think (the coaches) feel a mutual respect among each other
and I know from my standpoint, and the people I've talked to,
they're developing the respect of the players which is going to
be key."
The Buffs will have their first spring practice today. Their
annual spring game is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April
17.
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