Colorado Buffaloes Special Teams Coach Reveals Update on Returners
Colorado Buffaloes special teams coach Michael Pollock shared some significant news on Tuesday regarding the team’s return game for the upcoming season. Freshman wide receiver Quentin Gibson, Incarnate Word transfer DeKalon Taylor, along with Isaiah Hardge and Dre’lon Miller, are all competing for roles as punt and kickoff returners. 
New Faces in the Return Game
During Colorado’s fall camp practice on Tuesday, Pollock mentioned that Gibson and Taylor would both play key roles in the return game. Gibson, a true freshman from Texas, and Taylor, who transferred from Incarnate Word in April, will be featured as both punt and kickoff returners.
In addition, Pollock expressed confidence in the experience of Hardge and Miller to contribute to the return game again this season.
Pollock Shares Details on the Return Game
“From a return standpoint, we’ve got little Q (Gibson) coming after that, and also DT (Taylor) will feature prominently in both the punt and return game,” Pollock explained. “Both of those guys will be in the mix for punt and kick returns.”
Taylor had impressive stats last season at Incarnate Word, where he returned 18 punts for 286 yards and a touchdown. In 2022, he also had 21 punt returns for 207 yards and 19 kickoff returns for 375 yards.
As for Hardge and Miller, Pollock noted that Hardge impressed late last season with a 43-yard kickoff return against Kansas. Pollock added, “We’ve got Dre’lon Miller, who gained some experience last year, and we’re looking for him in the kickoff return area. Isaiah Hardge is another guy we feel confident in. We’ve got three or four players we trust to step up.”
Taking It Slow with Quentin Gibson
Despite Gibson’s potential, Pollock mentioned that the freshman might be eased into his role early in the season to build confidence at the college level.
“We’re going to have to pace him and not put him in a tough situation early on,” Pollock said.
Ultimately, coach Deion Sanders will make the final decision on when Gibson gets his shot, particularly for punt returns.
“He’s battling for the spot, but early on, it’ll be Coach Prime’s call on when he gets his first opportunity,” Pollock explained. “As a freshman, punts are a different animal. He might get a chance to return kickoffs a bit quicker, but he’s showing us he can do the job. Still, it’s a lot different practicing versus playing in front of 65,000 fans with a national TV audience. We don’t want to put him in a position that might hurt his confidence.”
Early Season Expectations
Based on Pollock’s update, it seems Taylor and possibly Hardge will likely take the bulk of the punt return duties early in the season, with Gibson continuing to develop. On kickoffs, Taylor, Hardge, Gibson, and Miller will all be candidates to handle the returns.
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