CU coach says son Cody leads QB derby



Boulder - Colorado coach Dan Hawkins will wait one more scrimmage to make an official announcement, but all indications are his son Cody will be his starting quarterback Sept. 1 when the Buffs open against Colorado State. Cody, a 5-foot-11 redshirt freshman, is running number one in fall camp.

"Cody's in a little bit of a lead," Dan Hawkins said Wednesday. "We'll probably decide officially after the scrimmage (on Saturday) for the ease of everybody."

Cody Hawkins took more repetitions with the No. 1 offense Wednesday and has separated himself from junior college transfer Nick Nelson (6-1, 230).

For those who question Cody's ability to make plays at his relatively short stature, the quarterback said,

"You've just got to get it done however you can. It's all about the release point (in the throwing motion), knowing the offense and finding the lanes. I think if you're a leader it makes up for that stuff, too."

Cody mentioned smaller stature quarterbacks who had big seasons a year ago, such as Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, former Florida Gators quarterback Chris Leak, and Troy Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State. Brees and Troy Smith are listed at 6 feet; Chris Leak at 5-11. CU lists Cody at 5-11 - he said he's actually 5-11 1/2.

Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said Hawkins' overall consistency has him in the lead.

"He's been practicing really well," Helfrich said. "He's made a few more plays here and there - and has taken care of the ball. Nick has been doing fine. He had a good practice today, after pressing a little bit (on Monday) when he made some very uncharacteristic mistakes, trying to do a little too much.

"We just have to work those things out of him and keep this thing competitive."

Dan Hawkins said the race isn't over. "It's still a healthy, viable, good situation," he said.

Saturday's scrimmage, open only to season-ticket holders, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Folsom Field.

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