Here are eight unsung Guys on the CU roster that I like and we need to watch out for in training camp and this fall. There are many other players who of course are very much worth watching, but I think these are the under the radar guys for the fans:
-I'm not sure how good a DB he will be, or if he will get to start this fall. But the way he got after the ball and hit on special teams makes me think he could be a special regular player too. He certainly is tall enough at 6-1 to stand out in our secondary.
-Plays fast and effectively. Should get a lot more responsibility with people like Cam Dillon graduating. If he steps up enough to really compliment leading LB Scott Valentas, that will be a big plus for the Lion defense.
-I'm surprised Corniello didn't get more buzz for his play last year as a first-timer on the D-line. Maybe I'm somewhat responsible for that by not hyping him more. I've often written that the hardest player to find in the Ivies is a big and effective Defensive Tackle and Corniello is definitely that. The question is: will he become an All Ivy or dominant DT in this league? Either way, I'm really glad he's back for at least two and maybe three more seasons.
-I was pleasantly surprised that the 385-pound Martin did get into some games in 2021 as a true freshman. Now, he's been moved from a very deep and veteran O-line to the D-line. My spies at spring practices say he is nicely mobile for a player his size in his new position. In other words, this could be a real game-changing move by the CU coaches. If Martin can get into even 50% of the D-line rotation and be effective, he's going to be a monster in the middle. This is definitely one to watch.
-Missed some games due to injury, but was still an impact player. QB Joe Green clearly likes him as a target in the pinch.
-The buzz about Parker began in training camp as he was designated to play the hybrid DB/LB position CU coaches have used well since Michael Murphy '20 excelled at it. Had some injuries last season. Could break out in 2022.
-Spachman put up some nice numbers in his first season with the Lions. A lot of his family members either played in the NFL or big time college programs. Another guy who could be with us for up to three more years.
-It was exciting to get Tomlin's commitment considering he is the son of Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. But it wasn't clear if he would actually contribute on the field. From what I saw in 2021 Mason was indeed a contributor in more than just a small way as he often sacrificed his body to make plays. After his dad came to the CU game at Dartmouth last year, I was excited to see if the Steelers 2022 schedule would allow him a chance to visit a Lion home game. But it appears the only two chances for the elder Tomlin to be in the stands for a CU game are at Georgetown on 9/24 and at Harvard on 11/5. My money is on Coach Tomlin being at the Harvard game.
