Colorado Football: Can Buffaloes find 2016 magic?

Offense

Quarterback Steven Montez returns in 2018 but he’s the only proven offensive weapon that does. Montez threw for 2,975 yards and 18 touchdowns, nine interceptions for an average per passing attempt of 7.9 yards.

On the ground, Montez was the Buffaloes second-leading rusher with 338 yards and three touchdowns. In spot starter duty in 2016, the six-foot-five, 225 pound Montez threw nine touchdowns on 7.7 yards per attempt. The backups are Sam Noyer and incoming freshman Blake Stenstrom, a three-star prospect from nearby Valor Christian.

Supporting Cast

Phillip Lindsay exits Boulder after a career 3,775 career rushing yards and 1,084 receiving yards. Lindsay scored 39 touchdowns from scrimmage in his four seasons at Colorado. That type of production will be missed and the Buffaloes hope to rekindle the magic of Travon McMillian, a graduate transfer from Virginia Tech.

McMillian’s workload decreased when Justin Fuente took over for Frank Beamer. After rushing for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman, his carries slipped away and he ran for just over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons combined. He’s joined in the backfield by Donovan Lee, Beau Bisharat and three-star freshman Deion Smith out of Houston, TX.

The receiving corp lost their top three pass catchers from 2017 as well. Bryce Bobo, Devin Ross, and Shay Fields all depart taking with them over 1,800 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns from a year ago. Montez will have to find his rhythm with coach’s son Jay MacIntyre, Juwann Winfrey, K.D. Nixon and Kabio Ento. This foursome doesn’t have a lot of production to carry into the 2018 season but there is talent in the position room.

Incoming freshmen Dylan Thomas and Daniel Arias are both three-star kids at 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4, respectively.