Pieces in place for Buffs’ rush attack
Throughout the 2023 football season, the Colorado Buffaloes struggled to run the football.
The Buffaloes finished last among the 133 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in rushing yards per game (68.9) and yards per carry (2.31).
Going into 2024, however, there are some different variables in play for the Buffs, who will aim to be much better on the ground.
“I just hope that we have a consistent run game that people can respect and know that we put it on the ground with anyone,” junior running back Alton Mccaskill IV said in a recent Youtube video on his channel.
Mccaskill is confident in CU’S run game for various reasons, including his own health. But the Buffs are also different in the trenches and have a new coordinator leading the offense.
Pat Shurmur, who took over play-calling duties with four games to play last season, is now the full-time offensive coordinator. A longtime NFL head coach and coordinator, Shurmur is installing his style of offense this offseason, and Mccaskill likes what he sees.
“I can tell you our run game is a little bit more diverse than what it was last year, for sure,” Mccaskill said. “We have a variety of run plays now. Our passing concepts are a little bit different, as well, too.”
Mccaskill added that he’s enjoyed playing for Shurmur so far.
“I think he has a real pro mindset and that’s where he sees everyone,” he said. “I think he’s gonna be really big on like personnel and calling plays for people specifically, and knowing who’s in and working with those people for specific plays.”
CU was held back last year by a struggling offensive line, as well. The Buffs were pushed around in the trenches, and that contributed to the run game never really getting on track. CU had more than 91 rushing yards in only two games last season, while finishing with less than 60 seven times.
Head coach Deion Sanders has landed five transfer linemen — all with FBS starting experience — this offseason, in addition to signing tackle Jordan Seaton, the No.1 prep line recruit in the country. And, Tyler Brown, who had to sit out last season after transferring, is back.
Mccaskill said there is already a significant difference in that group.
“Work ethic, mindset — that’s literally the difference,” he said.
“You see it, you can feel It’s contagious.”
On top of all that, the running back room is filled with talent, and it starts with Mccaskill.
Nearly a 1,000-yard rusher at Houston in 2021, Mccaskill hasn’t played much in the past two years because of injuries. But he’s feeling good now and has 1,000-yard potential with the Buffs.
Dylan Edwards led the Buffs in rushing last season as a freshman, but had just 321 yards. He’s bigger and stronger already this offseason, while working on his speed as he runs with the track team.
Sy’veon Wilkerson didn’t get a lot of work last year (53 carries for 190 yards) but was a 1,000-yard rusher for Sanders’ Jackson State squad in 2022 and has the versatility to be a threat in a various running situations.
Gritty walk-on Charlie Offerdahl is also back after an injury cut short his 2023 season.
Then there’s true freshman Micah Welch, who wasn’t a blue chip recruit, but has impressed his teammates so far.
“Micah is a dog. He is a dog,” Mccaskill said. “You’re gonna see a lot of Micah and I’m so excited to watch him just progress as he gets older. He’s already super mature so he’s getting that mental part already. … He has extreme potential.”
The run game in general has good potential, with the pieces in place to be more impactful than it was a season ago.