CU football notes: Buffs jelling in preseason camp

The Colorado football team that’s going through preseason camp certainly isn’t the same group that went through spring drills just four months ago.
A massive roster overhaul that includes 58 summer newcomers has received a lot of attention nationally, but it’s been a process that has helped head coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs get to where they aim to go this season.
Sanders said last week that the team is more talented now than it was in April. But the shift over the summer was about more than talent.
“We were able to get some guys and get some talent from different places,” said running backs coach/assistant head coach Gary Harrell. “Throughout the offseason you kind of see that it was not really meshing. Everybody was trying to come in and feel what we’re trying to get accomplished as far as the standard.”
Now, however, the Buffs feel that unity more than before.
“I think right now in practice five, we feel the jell, we feel the chemistry amongst the guys as far as coming together as a team – offense and defense and also special teams,” Harrell said after Monday’s practice. “Yes, I think we have the right guys. I think we have the right mix, we have the right mindset. So, now it’s just a continuation of just driving in our philosophy, our core values these last couple of weeks as we approach our first game. But, I think we have the right mix of guys that can play the Colorado brand of football.”
CU opens the season Sept. 2 at TCU (10 a.m. MT, Fox).
Scholarship coming?
Walk-on running back Charlie Offerdahl has made a big impression on Sanders, Harrell and the rest of the team all offseason. That hasn’t stopped in fall camp.
Asked if Offerdahl could earn a scholarship, Harrell said, “I hope so. … Coach Prime does a good job as far as judging and knowing when someone is worthy of that type of elevation. (Offerdahl) is definitely deserving.”
Pushing McClain
True freshman Cormani McClain was rated as the No. 1 cornerback recruit in the country in the 2023 class by 247Sports, and the Buffs are pushing him to get him ready.
In particular, sophomore Travis Hunter is doing his best to push McClain. Hunter was the No. 1 cornerback recruit in the 2022 class.
“It’s been real fun,” Hunter said. “He’s a young guy. I was a young guy last year; I’m still a young guy this year but he’s got to be thrown in the fire just like I was thrown in the fire, so it’s fun to go at him every day.”
Notes
Inside linebackers coach Andre’ Hart said true freshman Kofi Taylor-Barrocks, from England, is showing great potential, but has some work to do. “He has the body of an experienced player because he’s a little bit older, but he’s still in the oven cooking,” Hart said. “He’s the turkey on Thanksgiving that just ain’t done yet. So we’ve got to leave it in a little bit longer and make sure it’s tender so we can go and pull it off the bone.” … Former CU great tight end Daniel Graham attended practice. … Also visiting was former NFL quarterback Byron Leftwich, who was the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019-22.