College Football

Colorado Football: 5 breakout candidates for spring game

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:44 p.m. ET

Fansided, Jerran Anderson/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez (12) scrambles against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Buffaloes saw a lot of success in 2016. They won the Pac-12 South Division and lost in the Pac-12 Championship game.

The Colorado Buffaloes finished the season 17th in the AP Poll. Returning to the 10-4 team they were a season ago may be challenge in 2017 for the Buffaloes. It was Colorado's first 10-win season since 2001 and first bowl appearance since 2007 back when they were members of the Big 12 Conference. But with some experience returning and a strong recruiting class, there's a lot for head coach Mike MacIntyre to look forward to.

The Buffaloes finished 8-1 in the Pac-12 Conference last season. But they'll lose eight starters on defense and lose their four-year starting quarterback Sefo Liufau. They will have to rebuild the defensive that allowed just 149.7 rushing yards (44th in the FBS) and 193.6 passing yards (20th in the FBS) per game last year.

The Colorado Buffaloes defense allowed just 21.7 points per game last season, 20th in the FBS. Replacing some key players will be a tough task, but with a lot of depth at those positions the Buffaloes could be back in the Pac-12 Championship Game in 2017.

The offense will have to replace quarterback Sefo Liufau as well but have a lot of experience in the receiving core returning. They'll need to improve in the scoring department, however.

In 2016, they averaged 31.1 points per game, ranked 51st in the FBS. They lost their last two games by an average of 30.5 points, scoring just an average of 9.0 points on offense. Getting the offense up-to-par with the defense is key this spring. Here are five breakout players to watch as the Buffaloes' annual Spring Game approaches.

Nov 3, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Isaiah Oliver (26) carries the ball during a punt return in the third quarter at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Bruins 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Oliver

CB, Junior

Cornerback Isaiah Oliver enters his junior season after strong contributions in 2016. He appeared in all 14 games for Colorado last season and this season should be a key contributor on the Colorado Buffaloes' defense.

Oliver finished last season with 34 total tackles (23 solo, 11 assisted), seven pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. He was also the Buffaloes punt returner, returning 15 punts for 158 yards and one touchdown. He returned five punts for 124 yards and a touchdown against UCLA in 20-10 victory last season. It was the first punt return for a touchdown by a Colorado player since 2005.

The rising junior will be looked to step up in the secondary this spring with the departure of safeties Tedric Thompson and Ahkello Witherspoon. Thompson had seven interceptions last season to lead the team and was first in the Pac-12. Witherspoon had 19 pass breakups (first in the FBS), an interception and a forced fumble as well.

Look for Oliver's name this weekend in the Colorado Buffaloes' Spring Game. He'll look to be more than just a punt returner in 2017.

Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Leo Jackson III (52) reacts to a strip sack fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Leo Jackson

DE, Senior

Defensive end Leo Jackson returns with this season high expectations this spring. Jackson didn't have a particularly strong 2016 season, production-wise, but this upcoming season will give him an opportunity to change all of that.

Jackson appeared in 10 games for Colorado last season, finishing with 16 tackles (9 solo, 6 assisted) and 0.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sack. In 2015, he recorded 24 tackles (14 solo, 10 assisted) as a sophomore for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Jackson replaces senior defensive end Samson Kafovalu. Kafovalu finished last season with 53 total tackles (29 solo, 24 assisted), 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks on a defensive line that allowed just 149.7 rushing yards per game in 2016.

The Buffaloes lost all three defensive linemen and five other starters on defense. If Jackson can have a smooth transition in the spring, Colorado can see similar success to what they accomplished in 2016.

Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Kabion Ento (17) before the game against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Kabion Ento

WR, Senior

Wide receiver Kabion Ento is a guy looking to breakout in 2017. Ento caught eight passes for 178 receiving yards and two touchdowns last season. But with some departures in the receiving core, it opens the door for Ento to make some plays.

Ento caught two passes for 88 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Idaho State. As a JUCO transfer from East Central Mississippi Community College, Ento entered Colorado with two years of eligibility. The 2017 campaign should be a bigger season for him.

The Colorado Buffaloes will need to replace their signal-caller this season but one big strength they do have is wide receiver depth to make the transition. Ento had a decent outing in his first season with Colorado as a junior, appearing in all 13 games with one start. As an upcoming senior, he should have an expanded role in the offensive gameplan.

Nov 12, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Bryce Bobo (4) celebrates after a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats during the third quarter at Arizona Stadium. Colorado won 49-24. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Bobo

WR, Senior

Wide receiver Bryce Bobo is ready for a big senior season in 2017 after a strong junior season last year. He caught a career-high 44 passes for 548 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2016. This spring, he'll look to be a leader on a very good group of receivers.

Bobo was third on the team in receiving yards, fourth in receptions and third in receiving touchdowns last season. In 2017, he'll look to be a stronger contributor. With both Shay Fields and Devin Ross returning as well, Bobo has an opportunity to be a strong third receiving option for the Colorado Buffaloes.

It would definitely make for a smoother transition for quarterback Steven Montez as well. The Colorado offense returns a lot of production in the receiving department this spring.

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez (12) during the second quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Washington Huskies at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Montez

QB, Junior

Quarterback Steven Montez is prime for a big spring, replacing four-year starter quarterback Sefo Liufau. Montez is prime to become the starter after a reasonable sophomore season.

Montez was 2-1 as a starter in 2016. He fared well when quarterback Sefo Liufau missed time with injury. He threw for 1,078 passing yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Montez completed 59.3 percent of his passes despite limited playing time, appearing in nine games.

Montez will have big shoes to fill, particularly on the ground. Liufau ran for 494 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He was second on the team in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

However, Montez will have a lot of experience on the field with him to make the transition. Running back Phillip Lindsay returns as do receivers Shay Fields and Devin Ross.

Lindsay ran for 1,252 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. While Fields and Ross combined for 1,670 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. Montez should help them be a better offensive team in 2017.