Free from distractions, free from phones and away from Boulder, the Colorado Buffaloes are taking on a different approach to fall camp this year.
Staying the first week at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) dorms and practicing at Fountain-Fort Carson High School, it’s all about football.
With just two days under their belt, Colorado’s defense is sticking to basics and laying the groundwork for a fresh season. On Tuesday’s first open media availability, defensive coordinator Chris Marve made sure it was clear the trip is about getting better.
“Fall camp for me and for us is about developing who we are, and how we play sound fundamental football at a high level, in a way that’s aggressive and dominant,” Marve said. “You certainly want to introduce some things that may be unique, that we may see... And you watch how they respond."
Without pads or threat of danger, moving fast without thinking is a key component of Marve’s defense. Getting back into the rhythm of play, competition is wide open on the defense as new players fight for spots. However, two guys who spoke already have high expectations for their play.
As a transfer from Bowling Green, linebacker Gideon “ESPN” Lampron is slated to be a primary contributor for the Buffs. In 2025, he totaled 119 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles and has an opportunity to build on that success at CU.
Lampron has felt a clear theme from the coaching staff to begin the month.
“Coming from Coach Marve is establishing our identity, just being fast and relentless, playing very physical,” Lampron said. “That’s the way he wants us to play, especially when the installs are kind of basic.”
Being loose and having fun have kept the vibes at practice high. While it's still early in the process, players have to take advantage of being physically and mentally rested before the dog days of camp. The mental focus has to be as sharp as the technique.
“Obviously [we’re ] honing in on the finer details but always playing fast and ferocious every snap you get a chance to,” Lampron said.
In the secondary, red-shirt freshman Cree Thomas has created a buzz around his name this offseason as well. Transferring from Notre Dame, his 6-foot-1 and 190-pound frame paired with long reach make him look the part.
Still, Thomas and the rest of the defense have been focusing on the small details.
“As an entire coaching staff, just being a disciplined football team [is the message],” Thomas said. “We’ve been nitpicked on so many little rules and stuff like that just to make sure we're a disciplined football team. Everything matters; we can’t leave anything.”
Taking one day at a time, the Buffs are building to a bounce-back season, embracing the underdog mentality and hitting the ground running.
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