Eleven 2016 Buffs starters are expected to graduate this spring, including stars Sefo Liufau (Econ’17, quarterback) and Tedric Thompson (Soc’17, defensive back). But nearly the entire starting offense and key defenders who made big contributions are expected to return. Here are four players to keep an eye on in 2017.
WR
Shay Fields (³§´Ç³¦â€™18)
He led the Buffs in total yards receiving (883) and touchdowns (nine), despite having 13 fewer catches than Devin Ross (³§´Ç³¦â€™18), who’s also returning. Fields, of Bellflower, Calif., will be part of a strong corps of receivers in 2017: Returning players made all but three of CU’s 267 receptions in 2016.Ìý
S
´¡´Ú´Ç±ô²¹²ú¾±Ìý³¢²¹²µ³Ü»å²¹Ìý(·¡³¦´Ç²Ô’18)
He finished the season third on the team with 83 total tackles and added an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery. Along with Gillam and LB Rick Gamboa (Psych’17), Laguda, of Snellville, Ga., will be expected to help lead the defense.
QB
Steven MontezÌý(StComm'20)
The rising sophomore from Texas played in 11 games and made three starts while starter Sefo Liufau (Econ’17) was hurt. Montez finished 79-for-131 for 1,017 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s expected to be the only QB on the roster with college experience
come fall.
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Phillip Lindsay (°ä´Ç³¾³¾â€™18)
He became CU’s top back early on and rushed for more than 100 yards four times. Lindsay, of Aurora, Colo., had the Buffs’ longest play from scrimmage last season — a 75-yard touchdown run vs. ASU.Ìý
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Photos courtesy CU AthleticsÌý