The Colorado Buffaloes are entering their second spring under Dan Hawkins with an improved attitude and a better understanding of expectations. Clearly becoming more familiar with the coaching staff and its system can go a long ways toward developing team chemistry, but what about memories of a dreadful 2006?
"I don't care who you are, 2-10 will wake you up," [defensive tackle George] Hypolite said. "Failure will wake any man up - and if you react to it correctly, it will bring you closer together."
So, CU fans can take solace in knowing that if nothing else, the players are at least bonding over the last season's double-digit losses. The team has also reportedly rededicated themselves to off-season workouts and some are actually staying after practice for extra work. Additionally this spring finds the Buffaloes working hard to develop trust with teammates in the name of chemistry. Coach Hawkins already sees a difference:
"You're starting to see these guys get steely-eyed. It's that merger, that marriage of souls."
With the off-season workouts now behind them, the Buffs will be looking to bounce back in 2007. Tight end Tyson DeVree thinks the key ingredient to making that happen might be shared humility:
"What we realized is actually pretty simple: No matter how much all the running and stuff hurt, it hurts more to lose. We're not going to go through that again."
Unless, that is, you fail to find a quarterback or guys on defense to replace Thaddaeus Washington and Abraham Wright.
