How Good Can Geer Get?

Inside, a look at the Colorado tight ends as the Buffs prepare to open August camp in less than two weeks.

The Buffs head into the season looking solid at tight end. Riar Geer’s quick development at the position was a bright spot in the receiving game in 2006. The former high school quarterback became the most reliable player in the receiving corps, hauling in 24 catches.

Geer, only a sophomore, has the opportunity to develop into one of the best tight ends in the conference over the next few years.

CU’s group of tight ends received an upgrade in the spring when Joe Sanders moved to the position from linebacker, where he’d played the previous three years. Sanders starred at both linebacker and tight end in high school, but said in April he feels more comfortable on offense. He impressed coaches on offense with his speed and physical play — he’s going to be faster than most linebackers he goes up against, and as physical as any.

“It’s too bad Joe Sanders isn’t a junior or a sophomore,” offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said. “He’s walked in and done some really good things.”

Senior Tyson DeVree didn’t emerge as expected last year, but still has the tangibles — at 6-foot-5, he can get down the field in a hurry — that make him a threat.

Patrick Devenny, Devin Shanahan and Nate Solder round out the position.

The Roster
Patrick Devenny, So., TE, 6-3, 240
Tyson DeVree, Sr., TE, 6-5, 245
Riar Geer, So., TE, 6-3, 245
Joe Sanders, Sr., TE, 6-3, 235
Devin Shanahan, So., TE, 6-5, 230
Nate Solder, R-Fr., TE, 6-8, 270