The 2011 Colorado football team lost nine of their first 10 games under first year Head Coach Jon Embree.  But they ended the season on a positive note, winning two of their final three contests.  Outside of a few diamonds in the rough, the 2012 team is still sorely lacking in FBS talent, and should be in for another rough season.  Here’s a look at the Buffalos’ top draft eligible players.  Underclassmen are designated with an asterisk…

Ray Polk FS 6’1 205 – Polk was a high school running back who continued at that position into the spring of 2008.  In the course of redshirting that season, he moved to safety.  The following season he saw action in 11 games on special teams and defense.  By his sophomore year he was the full time starter at free safety.  Last season, Polk recorded 80 tackles, including 17 in one game against Stanford.  He got the first interception of his career against Washington State, and had six pass breakups on the season.  Polk is a sure tackler with good size and excellent speed.  However he isn’t great in coverage and sometimes takes poor angles.  Polk is an improving player, and is saddled on a poor team.  But his athleticism and ability to play special teams make him an intriguing late round or priority free agent prospect.

Paul Richardson* WR 6’1 170 – Richardson was a four star recruit out of high school in 2010, and became an immediate contributor on offense.  He was third on the team with 34 receptions; and gained 514 yards with six receiving touchdowns.  As a sophomore, Richardson had a game for the ages in Colorado’s loss to Cal.  That day, he hauled in 11 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns.  Through five games Richardson had 29 catches for 474 yards and five touchdowns, but an injury forced him to miss the next four games.  When he returned he caught just ten passes the rest of the season.  This past spring, Richardson suffered a torn ACL.  He was cleared to run after three months and may be able to return to action as soon as the third game of the season.  Richardson’s status is still up in the air, but if he can return to the field at any point this season it will be a huge boost to the Buffalos’ offense.

Also keep an eye on: Will Pericak DE 6’4 285, Jon Major OLB 6’2 235, Eric Richter G 6’3 310, Ryan Dannewitz OT 6’6 310