The Colorado Buffaloes' position battles in the secondary seem to be winding down as Week 1 approaches. During his Friday press conference, Buffs cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis named a few players who have stuck out in the competition for the starting nickel.Additionally, he broke down how cornerbacks Cree Thomas and Boo Carter are looking as they take over the secondary. Here's a look at everything Mathis said during his fall camp presser.Who has stood out at nickelOklahoma defensive back Makari Vickers speaks to media during a press conference in Norman, Okla., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.
Ou Sooners Football | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect“Makari [Vickers] really, really stepped up. We've moved him around, as I talked about the versatility part of it, but he's really stepped up. He's been that leader in that room. Then you've got the young guys like Preston [Ashley] and some things like that. But all those guys are really, really making improvements, and I feel confident with any of those guys when it's time on game day,” Mathis said.“I mean, because different types of players can play in the slot, right? We're more like a safety type, a corner type, linebacker type. And that's where- when you look at that position and what it's going to be used for in this defense, you've got to have a guy that's gritty, a guy that's smart, a guy that also can play coverage, and I think Makari, he fits that bill. He's built like a safety, he runs like a corner and he's really, really tough,” Mathis said.“And one thing that you don't know about him is how smart he is. That's why we're able to move him around, but he's a nickel at the next level. You know what I'm saying? If you look at his body type and the way he approaches the game, that's kind of what we look for in there,” Mathis said. The versatility of the defensive backs“What I really like is the versatility of the group. Those guys are able to not only play the pass but also be effective in the run game. Being able to play multiple positions is key for us, and I think we're doing a good job with that,” Mathis said.Chris Marve putting his players in positions to succeedFSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020.
