Dallan Hayden came to Colorado a year ago with high hopes of rediscovering the success he had as a freshman.
The 2024 campaign didn’t turn out like he had hoped, but the Buffaloes’ junior running back is choosing to look forward as he prepares for a new season.
“I try not to really think about last year; last year was last year,” he said after practice on Monday. “I watched the film and just try to be better than what I was personally last year. That’s kind of how I think about it.”
Hayden rushed for 553 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman backup at Ohio State in 2022, but was limited to four games – and 110 yards – in 2023 with the Buckeyes. He came to CU in 2024, but was part of a backfield that was underwhelming and underutilized in a pass-first attack.
An ankle sprain suffered in Week 2 made the season even more difficult for Hayden and he wound up with 196 yards and a touchdown on 64 carries – a career-low 3.1-yards per carry average.
“I would say (the injury) affected me a lot last year, because I never really felt like I got back to 100%, like, being able to play as fast as I can,” the 5-foot-10, 205-pound Hayden said. “So this off season, I just spent extra time in the weight room working on strength and conditioning. Then in the training room, I’ve been strengthening my ankles like every single day.”
Hayden is off to a good start through the first week of preseason camp, getting a lot of reps with the first-team offense and flashing some explosiveness on runs. Hayden is one of four scholarship running backs and any one of them could lead the way, but Hayden just wants to do his part to the best of his ability.
“Just be the best player I could be,” he said. “Help the team win, and just do my job every single play and make plays when my number’s called.”
Barnes lean and mean
During the spring, CU’s defensive line coaches had a very clear message for senior defensive tackle Anquin Barnes Jr.
“I told his fat butt, when I get back here (for preseason camp), if he’s over 315 (pounds) he won’t play for me,” assistant coach Warren Sapp said. “He’s 305; we ready to roll. We ready to roll. He got the message.”
A transfer from Alabama in 2024, Barnes played 12 of 13 games last year, with three starts, but saw just 220 snaps (fifth among linemen). He finished with 13 tackles and an interception.
When new defensive line coach Domata Peko was hired last winter, he met a Barnes who weighed in at 340-345 pounds.
“I feel like he was a little bit sluggish last year and couldn’t really run sideline to sideline like we like our D-line to do,” Peko said.
This month, Barnes has looked like a new man and is regularly practicing with the first team defense and making plays.
“He’s come in here, he’s opened up a lot of eyes, man,” Peko said. “He’s been running to the ball. He’s been doing everything we ask. Watch out for Barnes this year, man. He’s gonna put on a show for you guys.”
Notable
Defensive lineman Taurean Carter II, who suffered a season-ending injury two games into the 2024 campaign, returned to live action on Monday for the first time since the injury. “He did some good stuff out there, but when you haven’t played in several months, you’ve got to shake off the rust,” Peko said. “So he’s still shaking off the rust, but excited to have him back, man.” … Running backs coach Marshall Faulk said transfers Simeon Price (Coastal Carolina) and DeKalon Taylor have both brought “a level of professionalism” to the room. Both are experienced seniors.
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