WR Juwann Winfree, S Evan Worthington set to return to practice for healthy Buffaloes
BOULDER» Two of the best players on the Colorado football team are close to returning to the field at full speed.
Receiver Juwann Winfree and safety Evan Worthington have been limited or held out of practice for much of preseason camp, but should both be back this week. Winfree has been limited in camp for an undisclosed injury, while Worthington has missed time with a concussion.
CU coach Mike MacIntyre said Winfree, a senior captain who could be the Buffs’ top receiver, returned to practice Monday.
“(He didn’t do) everything, but he did a lot of stuff full speed,” MacIntyre said. “He should be back going full speed before the week is over.”
Worthington, a senior returning starter at safety, cleared all concussion protocol Monday and will be back on the field Tuesday.
Worthington also missed a large chunk of spring football with a concussion, but MacIntyre said there are no long-term concerns. In both cases, Worthington fell and hit the back of his head. It’s typically the front and sides of the head that are most vulnerable.
“He had a little bit of a whiplash in it too,” MacIntyre said. “As long as we’ve got him back and he can get about 10 practices under his belt, he’ll be ready to roll.” Improved line play. Last year, the Buffaloes got pushed around quite a bit on the offensive and defensive lines. They know that, and they’re working to improve it.
“I think the battles are good in there (in the trenches),” MacIntyre said. “Both of them have heard through the grapevine or through the media or whatever that they weren’t physical enough, they weren’t good enough, so I think I’ve seen that little chip on their shoulder.”
On the defensive line, the Buffs have emphasized getting more horizontal push, and MacIntyre believes they’re getting it.
“We are more athletic and stronger than we were last year, across all the front guys,” he said. “They’re in better shape, their numbers are higher in the weight room, they’re powerful, they understand our defense a little bit better. I have noticed a difference there.”
Junior college transfer Mustafa Johnson and true freshman Israel Antwine have consistently displayed their strength and power on the defensive line.
Offensively, MacIntyre said guard/center Brett Tonz and center Colby Pursell have been physical and aggressive “on a consistent basis.”