Senior Tyler Hansen rears back to throw a pass during the annual spring game last Saturday. Hansen was named the Buffs' starting quarterback on Tuesday. (CU Independent/Patrick Ghidossi)
Head coach Jon Embree said after Saturday’s spring game, which the black offense won 44-6 over the gold defense, that he wanted to name a starter before fall.
A decision that was never in question was not Embree’s only proclamation of the day. He also announced the release of five scholarship players, making good on his promise that those not completely dedicated to their work (both in school and in football) will be cut.
The staff relieved senior lineman Max Tuioti-Mariner and junior receiver Will Jefferson due to serious knee injuries. They also pulled scholarships from junior defensive end Forrest West, along with freshmen tight ends Harold Mobley and Henley Griffon.
Embree kept his explanation brief when asked about the cuts.
“They won’t be invited back to be part of the program in the fall,” he said. “We will work with them to see if we can place them elsewhere.”
Embree’s decisions show two assurances into his coaching future. His naming of Hansen as the team leader five months before kick-off, although obvious, is a move that gives his offense plenty of time to mesh comfortably.
Also, the dismissal of five players – including last season’s sack leader (West) and an explosive receiver (Jefferson) – proves he will not tolerate complacency.
“I’m not one of these guys who want to sit around and wait,” Embree said. “We have to have a sense of urgency in how we approach this and how we go out and perform.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Michael Krumholtz at Michael.krumholtz@colorado.edu.
