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Colorado linebackers coach Andre Hart has never made it easy to win – or keep – a starting job with the Buffaloes.With both starting jobs up for grabs this year, that remains the case, as Hart is a long way from figuring out who emerges as leaders.“I’m not sure just yet who that is, but we’re going to keep evaluating,” he said after the Buffs’ completed their seventh practice of spring on Tuesday.
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They combined for 1,332 snaps played last year.No other inside linebacker played more than 95 snaps in 2024, with Jaylen Wester (85 snaps) and Jeremiah Brown (72) having the most among returners.“You want to see them take the steps they’ve been taking, being a second year or third year in the system,” Hart said of the returners.
“Getting better, and being in that leadership role where they’re making calls on the field. That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen now that my two linebackers are out, but they’re actually stepping up and they’re making calls on the field. So that’s exciting.
”Wester and Brown are going to have to beat out some transfers, though. Seniors Martavius French (from UTSA) and Reginald Hughes (Jacksonville State) were both all-conference players last year, but are now moving up to the Power Four level.“I’m seeing them be pros right now,” Hart said of the veteran duo.
“What they’re doing is they’re making sure they learn the defense and then they’re doing the right things and saying the right things, so they can be the leaders. They’re not trying to jump or do anything like that – they are not leading by example, per se, but they’re asking the right questions, and they’re pros in the meeting rooms. Not late to anything, and they’re just trying to get the job done.
”Another transfer, sophomore Kylan Salter from TCU, and true freshman Mantrez Walker are in the mix, also, along with a trio of walk-ons.Colorado linebacker Jeremiah Brown during football practice on Aug. 1, 2024, in Boulder, Colo.
(CU Athletics)During his two seasons at CU, Hart has shuffled the deck a bit and even benched Bentley a couple of times. So, plenty of work is ahead for his group to settle who will start on opening day, Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.
“Well, they’re competitive,” he said of his group. “Of course, we went to the portal because we always do, right? And you get guys that come here who have a chip on their shoulder, want to prove something, or they just want to get to the next level, and we can provide them the exposure. So right now, they’re working hard, but of course there’s a lot of football left, a lot of practice left.
“We’re not sure how it’s going to shape out, but I do like the intensity of how they’re playing.”Hart also didn’t close the door on CU trying to add more linebackers through the transfer portal after spring practices.“Every room is open because we’re always trying to create competition,” he said.
New additionCU recently hired Morgen Cote as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, making her the third new hire to that staff this offseason.Cote spent the previous three years as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Rice. A 2020 graduate of Texas A&M, Cote has also worked at Tarleton State (where she obtained a Master’s degree) and Fresno State.
Earlier this offseason, CU hired Andreu Swasey as its new director of football sports performance and hired Cory Nelms as an assistant. Assistant Brandon Reyes, who was hired two years ago, is the only member of last year’s strength staff who remains with the Buffs.CU is working on hiring one more person to the strength and conditioning staff.
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