Huntley is receptive to helping in any role
BOULDER» Johnny Huntley III realizes that he may not get a lot of passes thrown his way.
The Colorado sophomore also realizes that his time will come.
Huntley is part of a receiving corps at CU that is considered one of the best in the country, led by three seniors and a junior who are returning starters.
“I’m OK with that, playing my role, because when I become a senior, I want to shine, too,” he said. “They’re all older than me and I’m embracing my spot right now on special teams and backing up the older guys.”
Huntley, from Plantation, Fla., played as a true freshman last year, mainly on special teams. He caught one pass for 14 yards.
Given the depth and talent at receiver, Huntley could be a candidate to redshirt this year, giving him three more years to play. He said he’s not thinking about redshirting, however, and isn’t worried about racking up statistics as a young player.
“I have a lot of time left,” he said. “Being on special teams for the first two years, most of the guys that go to the NFL and are first-round draft picks, they have one great year. Usually it’s their senior year. I’m not really stressed about time and getting more playing time over the years.”
After this year, the Buffs will lose starters Bryce Bobo, Shay Fields and Devin Ross to graduation, opening more opportunities in the offense for players such as Huntley next year.
Until then, Huntley figures to have the same role he had last year, giving receivers a break now and then, and doing his best on special teams.
He also believes that playing on special teams is helping him to become a better blocker, which is a vital part of playing receiver for the Buffs.
“(Playing special teams) helps us know the game of football even more,” he said.