Buffs need the sandlot element of go long

Finally, it's being talked about in the open.

Throwing the ball downfield. The importance of it.

Yes, we know all about Bernard Jackson being recruited as a quarterback and subsequently turned into an athletic trainer, water boy, and gardener for former coach Gary Barnett but it isn't like the dude is trying to make the transition from defensive tackle to signal caller.

We also know about the new scheme, the offensive line's difficulties, and the lack of Michael Westbrook, Charles Johnson, and Rae Carruth outside.

But CU's wide receivers aren't Charlie Brown either. These cats were recruited by other schools, right?

So what's up?

Brian Howell of the Daily Times-Call talked about it today in newspaper.

"That vertical element to our passing game is huge," CU offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said.

This is news?

I have never witnessed such difficulty in incorporating wideouts into the game. Yes, there are a lot of factors involved and not everything is lining up. The Buffs are beginning to turn things around, thanks to playing time in the new offense, and Jackson's molasses-like development but this season of pea-shooter passing has doomed them to losses that would not have occurred with any semblance of downfield production.

The good news is the tide is changing.

"This offense is made to spread the ball out and not just run," wide receiver Jarrell Yates told Howell in his story. "Once we get this receiver thing going, we're going to be very dangerous. Very dangerous."

He's right. There is, it says here, a level of talent on the roster to be significantly more productive than the stat sheet shows. It's time for that transformation to take place. Seven games into the season is time enough to be more effective and efficient.

That said, amigos, this is a position that needs an infusion of higher-grade playmakers. Sherman Lang didn't cut it in the last recruiting class, being lost before he got here. Coach Dan Hawkins has to find at least one nationally-desired, NFL-caliber receiver who can spread the field, and he needs it for next season. He needs second-level talent, too, guys who may not end up professionals but are stellar collegians.

Blake Mackey appeared to be that type earlier in his career but injuries and other variables have prevented that from materializing. Stephone Robinson has not made it happen at this level like he did in the Colorado prep ranks. Maybe Dusty Sprague rebounds, Patrick Williams lives up to the hype so many have for him, maybe Yates lights it up or Drew Davis signs, as much of a long shot as that seems currently. Something has to happen.

Jackson has to accelerate his learning and start striking deeper into the secondary.

Right now, only tight end Riar Geer has met or exceeded expectations as a receiver.

The Buffs offense needs the joy and power of getting the ball downfield and running forever with it.