Colorado specialists honing in on roles during fall camp

Colorado Buffaloes kicker Alejandro Mata is under unique pressure this season, set to compete with Louisiana Tech Bulldogs transfer Buck Buchanan. (Photo by Brody Rector/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes special teams coordinator Michael Pollock and his crew took the podium after yesterday's practice to address the added focus on their unit. 

Hitting key elements of his game plan, Pollock explained the prime components of punt coverage.  

“We run a pro-style punt, so our long snapper is involved in the protection,” Pollock said. “A lot of colleges run a shield punt, and the long snapper doesn’t really have to protect. Coach Prime wants us to do a pro-style punt, and it helps us recruit snappers.”

Returning long snapper Kameron Hawkins and kicker Alejandro Mata bring experience and leadership to a room with fresh faces. Transfer Damon Greaves fills the void at punter, while transfer Buck Buchanan brings a new specialty to the kicking game. 

“They brought him here for the distance, for the kick off and long field goals,” Mata said. “We’re still figuring out [who’s kicking] based on what hashes, so we will narrow it down for sure.” 

Colorado’s coaching staff has been charting every kick during camp to determine, with data, where each kicker will attempt from in-game. During April’s spring game, Buchanan successfully hit a 60-yard field goal, farther than any kick Mata has attempted at CU. 

The camaraderie and playful competition of the group have created a unique bond. 

“We have a lot of fun with the boys. I don’t know what it is to be honest with you, but we just spend a lot of time with each other,” Greaves said. “We’re always sitting around with each other at the breakfast table, dinner table, we’re just chatting and having fun.”

Greaves, a native of Australia, played professionally before attending college at Kansas and transferring. Learning from former Buffs punter Mark Vassett, his style involves a booming leg that can pin any team back. 

“It’s always been a unique thing to be a specialist, and we embrace it,” Greaves said. “At the same time as well Coach Prime and the coaching staff embrace us and make us really feel a part of the team.”

Adding lethal speed, Pollock is hoping to have a complete return game with four weapons. 

“From a return standpoint, we’ve got little Q[uentin Gibson], we've got DT [DeKalon Taylor] that's gonna be one of the guys featured in the return game,” Pollock said. “Both of those guys will be featured in the punt return and kick return. Of course, we got Dre’lon Miller, and we got Isaiah Hardge.”