2008 OUTLOOK: One of the interesting responses from Colorado coach Dan Hawkins during the course of the spring was when he acknowledged the Buffaloes could be better in 2008, yet it may not be reflected in their record. The conference figures to be tough, with almost all the teams returning veteran quarterbacks, and Colorado needs to jump that curve with QB Cody Hawkins, who was plagued by inconsistency as a redshirt freshman. Holes on defense and questions regarding unproven skill players make it unreasonable to assume Colorado will contend in the Big 12 North. Expect another bowl bid, however.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
The celebrated arrival of RB Darrell Scott, the Buffs' prize recruit, could create some unrealistic expectations. Scott figures to jump into the rotation, and possibly replace Demetrius Sumler as Colorado's lead back, but the development of the offensive line is still essential for the Buffs to develop more consistency. They ranked 10th in the Big 12 with a 377-yard average last season, and could have trouble keeping up this year. The offense must also master the spread system Hawkins installed during spring camp.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Losing LB Jordon Dizon, the Big 12's top tackler, as well as a lockdown cover man, CB Terrence Wheatley, are two big voids for the Buffs to address. Colorado is considering the use of a 3-4 scheme at least part of the time to capitalize on the wealth of linebackers (13) it expects to carry. However, the linebackers did not shine during spring practice, and a first-stringer, Jake Duren, was dismissed following a campus arrest. A lack of depth up front is another issue, though DT George Hypolite, DT Brandon Nicolas and DE Maurice Lucas are all solid. The Buffs want to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but still lack a dominant rusher.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
One of the trademarks for Hawkins' teams has been to block kicks. While that has not yet materialized at Colorado, spring practice was an indication the Buffs are learning. They blocked two punts and a field goal in the spring game, and Hawkins cited a goal for "putting six, seven, eight punts and kicks on the ground every year." Colorado will probably use two kickers -- Aric Goodman to handle placements and Jameson Davis to handle kickoffs.

ROSTER REPORT

--OG Kai Maiava, a starter over the final nine games last season, left the squad to be, according to his family, closer to his Hawaii home. Maiava agreed to switch to fullback, and on the final depth chart released in the spring was listed on the third string.

--One of Colorado's top prospects to fill a spot along the offensive front, OG Erick Faatagi, missed about half of the spring practices and did not play in the spring game. Faatagi addressed academic issues.

--TB Brian Lockridge missed the spring game and underwent surgery for a hernia he had since late last season. Lockridge did not report the injury right away, and also declined to report a concussion late last season.

--Colorado reported no major injuries during spring camp. CU coach Dan Hawkins was pleased, noting "if you can practice fast and not hurt each other, that's a plus."

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