--Within four hours of the arrest of LB Jake Duren, Colorado coach Dan Hawkins elected to dismiss the first-stringer from the team. Duren, who was arrested in a CU residence hall and charged with first-degree criminal trespass, was one of five Colorado players who encountered brushes with the law since January. "There are high standards to be met in order to be part of our program," Hawkins said. Duren was dismissed because he previously violated team rules.

--Hawkins agreed to a contract extension through the 2012 season, as well as an undisclosed bump in pay. His original five-year deal was worth $900,000 annually. Hawkins stands 8-17 over two seasons but landed a recruiting class in February ranked in the top 20 nationally.

SPRING MOVERS

QB Cody Hawkins - Spent the spring learning the new no-huddle system Colorado wants to implement. Time will allow Hawkins to establish himself as a dependable quarterback after he underwent rough patches as a redshirt freshman.

OT Ryan Miller - Earned a starting nod, along with OT Nate Solder, during spring camp. The Colorado staff expressed confidence in its line, which is anchored by C Daniel Sanders. This is key for the Buffs to develop offensively.

DE Drew Hudgins - Expected to become the dominant pass rusher the Buffs need, yet was unable to practice during the spring after rupturing his Achilles tendon last summer. His absence was a blow during spring camp.

CB Cha'pelle Brown - Potentially solid, though he lacks size. Colorado must continue to develop solid cover men after losing Terrence Wheatley and Ben Burney. The problem could grow acute if Brown and CB Gardner McKay struggle considering the productivity of Big 12 offenses.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"On defense, we're going to be special. If we can bear down and do what we're supposed to do and stay in our gaps, we can be a special defense." - Colorado DT George Hypolite.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.