Even through adversity, defensive tackle Santana Hopper and wide receiver Joseph “JoJo” Williams have consistently played their all for the Black and Gold.
At the bye week, the Colorado Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) are far from where they wanted to be. Yet two veterans have shown the team isn't ready to quit. Hopper and Williams have put together an impressive five-game stretch and elevated their leadership this season.
In a four-down lineman scheme, Hopper has played three-technique or the outside shade of the guard for the Buffs. This means he will often face double teams in run concepts and is responsible for freeing up linebackers.
It's a selfless position; however, Hopper has made it dominant. At just 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, his lean frame has accounted for 18 total tackles, nine and a half tackles for loss and a sack.
As a whole, the defense has played well enough to keep the Buffs in games. But without an offense consistently scoring points, the scoreboard reflects the outcome. After the 29-7 loss to Texas Tech, Hopper remained confident in his teammates on the other side of the ball.
“I'll never stop believing, that's ridiculous,” Hopper said. “ I don't care what quarterback in, what offensive linemen, what running back in, what tight end, don't matter who in. I believe in everybody, and everybody on that offense can make a play at any moment.”
The Buffs need to channel Hopper's energy and keep getting the ball to playmakers like Williams if they want to turn things around. Earlier this week, he was placed on the Biletnikoff Award Watchlist for the best receiver in college football.
Williams is currently top 25 in the country in both receiving yards and touchdowns, hauling in 32 catches for 454 yards and five touchdowns. Week in and week out, regardless of the quarterback, he has been the Buffaloes' top target.
With three potential options to start, Isaac Wilson, Kaneal Swetwyne and Julian Lewis, whoever gets the nod next will have to keep relying on their 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver.
Beyond his play, he brings value to the locker room.
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and fellow receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. have praised his leadership and development in the program. As one of the few returning Buffs from last year's 3-9 season, he plays a key role in bringing the team together.
During the bye, it's important for leaders like Williams and Hopper to keep the team united and focused on the next opponent. The team will have to avoid a spiral if they wish to find the six wins needed to make a bowl game.
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