CU safety dismissed for breaking rule
BOULDER» One of Colorado’s top young players is no longer with the Buffaloes.
A CU spokesperson confirmed to BuffZone.com on Wednesday that sophomore safety Hasaan Hypolite has been dismissed from the football team for a violation of team rules.
A 5-foot-11, 210-pounder from Fresno, Texas, Hypolite was part of a wide-open competition at safety this spring and seemed to be on track for a starting role next season.
“I think he’s going to be one of our better players in the fall,” head coach Mel Tucker said last month following a practice.
Hypolite was dismissed from the team late last week, however, and was not in uniform for Saturday’s spring game. Hypolite’s dismissal stemmed from an internal violation of team rules and did not involve legal matters, according to CU.
Last season, as a true freshman, Hypolite played in 11 games, mostly on special teams. He played three snaps on defense.
After losing starting safeties Nick Fisher and Evan Worthington, as well as backup Kyle Trego, to graduation, the Buffs are loaded with questions at the position. Now, the Buffs are losing one of their top players and hardest hitters at safety.
Junior Trey Udoffia, a converted cornerback, and sophomore Isaiah Lewis played with the first-team defense at safety during the spring game. Junior Derrion Rakestraw has been in the mix for a starting job, as well, and redshirt freshman L.J. Wallace has competed at safety this spring.
CU played this spring without junior Aaron Maddox, a potential starter who is recovering from a shoulder injury. He should be ready to go in the fall.
Mark Perry, an incoming freshman, from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., is considered one of the Buffs’ top players in the 2019 class and he could compete for playing time or a starting role in the fall.