RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Colorado's special teams are a mix of returners and newcomers, but perhaps the most noticeable change for CU fans is the change at placekicker.
Alejandro Mata exhausted his eligibility last year after being Colorado's field goal kicker since Deion Sanders took over in 2023. That position is sophomore Elliot Arnold's to lose, and so far through training camp, he looks like the real deal.
"I'm getting comfortable," Arnold said on Tuesday. "I've developed a lot over the past year. I redshirted last year, obviously. I feel like I'm hitting the ball really nice right now. I'm getting consistent with the long snapper and holder and keep getting reps with them, building the trust with each other. It's going really well so far."
Arnold added that he feels comfortable from 55 yards and in for field goals. Colorado has not received that type of distance for a kicker, with Mata being a short-kick specialist. Having a kicker like Arnold should only help Colorado end even shorter drives with points.
Colorado's tight ends coach Josh Niblett, who is one of the several coaches helping with special teams, says the group is making it known that special teams needs to be a focus.
"Our staff, we have to set the tone. It has to be expected in unit rooms, and our staff does an excellent job of doing that," Niblett said following Tuesday's practice. "Our staff is involved… It takes understanding in a game that you need your best 11 players on the field… Every day, there has never been a lack of effort, energy, or attention [on special teams]."
With special teams receiving a renewed focus from Colorado's coaching staff, expect them to exhaust all possibilities when it comes to finding the best fit at both kick and punt returner. There are plenty of candidates to choose from, including Quentin Gibson, who was a bright spot in the return game last year, and Tennessee transfer defensive back Boo Carter.
A formidable special teams unit could dramatically raise the ceiling of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes .
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado kicker Elliot Arnold could be a special teams weapon
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