Colorado Spring Football Preview: MacIntyre Tries To Unravel Quarterback Cluster

Mike MacIntyre has no small task starting this spring in turning around a completely moribund Colorado. The Buffs have not only lost a lot in the last few seasons, but lost spectacularly, regularly getting pummeled by opponents. The Buffs have problems all over the field, but none of their problems stick out more like a sore thumb than the game of ineffective musical chairs that they have played at starting quarterback recently.

The Buffs return all three of their quarterbacks that started games in 2012, but that isn't exactly a great thing, as all three struggled mightily during their time under center. Because of this the competition should be wide open between every quarterback in MacIntyre's stable.

Senior Jordan Webb started the most games and put up the best numbers of the three, but struggled down the stretch and was pulled for the majority of the Buffs last three games. Webb is the smallest of the bunch at 6'1 205 and had his season ended in the second to last game against Washington when he injured his hand. Wood's biggest calling card might actually be that he was the only Colorado to actually have at least one good game in 2012 as he was solid in Colorado's only win of the season against Washington State as he threw for more than 300 yards with two touchdowns to only one interception while also running for two touchdowns, including the game-winning score with just seconds left. Though Webb is far from a slam dunk, one would have to think that he might have the slightest of inside tracks.

Next in line might be junior Nick Hirschman who started the season finale against Utah and played well in an early-November start against Arizona before having to leave with a concussion. Hirschman's overall numbers from 2012 are unimpressive as he threw 7 interceptions to only 2 touchdowns, but he did have the highest completion percentage of any Colorado quarterback and was actually doing well against Arizona before he went out as he was 12-13 for 123 yards. Hirschman probably could have really helped his cause had he put together a good game in the finale against Utah, but tossed four interceptions against the Utes in a loss.

Some thought that junior Connor Wood would win the starting job last fall after he transferred from Texas, and while Wood might have the best physical tools of any of the quarterbacks on Colorado's roster, he did the least in 2012 passing for just one touchdown to four interceptions. Wood was given a chance to start against Washington but was wholly ineffective against the Huskies, throwing for just 11 yards with two interceptions before being pulled. Even though 2012 was miserable for Wood, a fresh start with a new coach could be what he needs to put it all together and grab the starting job for good.

Lastly, the wild card might be redshirt freshman Shane Dillon who was signed by Jon Embree in 2012. The 6'6 Dillon was a decently-rated recruit commended for his pocket presence and footwork which could be too huge assets with how maligned the Buffs offensive lines have been at pass protection. With how poorly Webb, Wood and Hirschman performed in 2012, MacIntyre may want to start fresh with a quarterback and Dillon looks to be the best of his options.