Lytle, Noyer looking good in battle for backup at QB

BOULDER» There’s no question Steven Montez is the man atop the depth chart at quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes.

During a scrimmage at Folsom Field on Saturday, Montez played with poise and confidence as he led the offense, proving why he’s going into his second year as the starter.

The tight battle for No. 2 continues, however, between sophomore Sam Noyer and redshirt freshman Tyler Lytle.

“Sam is probably a little ahead of Tyler right now in what we’re doing, but both of them are talented and make good plays and have the ability to throw the ball,” quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper said last week. “I’m pleased with them, but I think right now Sam is probably playing at a little bit higher level than Tyler. But Tyler has improved from spring.”

Noyer threw a pair of 50yard touchdowns — to Maurice Bell and Kabion Ento — during the scrimmage but also got picked off by linebacker Chase Newman. Noyer’s performance put his overall improvement on display, however.

Lytle didn’t throw a touchdown pass in the scrimmage, but he did connect with Bell and Jaylon Jackson on big plays and moved the offense at times. Lytle, too, showed his overall improvement.

Senior receiver Jay MacIntyre said both have simply grown up as they gain experience in the CU system.

“I think they both have bright futures ahead of them, so it’s exciting for them and exciting for me to watch,” MacIntyre said. “It’s just getting in the playbook and knowing what they’re doing. It’s just crucial to being a good player at this level. Every day, they continue to get better. Sam throws such a good ball; one of the nicest balls I’ve seen. Tyler is real good at it, too. They’re both confident guys.”

True freshman Blake Stenstrom, from Valor Christian, has been impressive, as well. While he’s still new in the offense, Stenstrom is fundamentally sound.

“He really plays the game fundamentally well at an early age, so it allows us as coaches to focus on the system, rather than maybe, ‘OK, this is how we’re going to stand and this is what you need to do with your feet,’ ” Roper said. “He’s pretty developed for a freshman quarterback. Fundamentally and even knowledge of football, he really comes in further along than most, I would say.”

“Competition is always going to get you better,” Lytle said.