University of Colorado Athletics
Colorado Building Depth Through “Wefense”
August 11, 2026 | Football
BOULDER – The Colorado football team has shown emphasis on special teams, with tight ends coach Josh Niblett viewing special teams as more than the third phase of the game.
The Buffs have a different name for their special teams: "wefense."
The term reflects CU's approach to the phase, bringing players from both sides of the ball together with one shared responsibility.
"One thing that I've always felt like: you have offense, and then you have defense," Niblett explained. "Well, a lot of your offensive players and your defensive players, they've got to come together to form special teams. So it just makes for wefense."
Above the name is the standard behind it.
Niblett said Colorado is searching for the "best 11, not the 11 best," emphasizing a group that can work together with "synergy," "clarity" and "alignment."
"Our guys have taken a lot of ownership and a lot of pride in the wefense," Niblett said. "I've been excited about that, because all of our guys have been locked in on it."
That focus has created competition throughout the special teams depth chart as the Buffs move deeper into fall camp.
Evaluations remain ongoing as Colorado prepares to establish its depth chart and eventually turn toward game planning for Georgia Tech. After stressing winning individual reps during the opening week of camp, the focus has shifted toward winning jobs.
"The next couple of weeks, we're gonna talk about win the game," Niblett said.
Punter Damon Greaves has witnessed that competition firsthand among the Buffs' long snappers, where he said all four players are capable of taking game reps.
"Competition's really strong," Greaves said. "All four of those guys are capable of stepping in and taking reps in a game. Where we're at now is those guys are competing hard, and it's a friendly competition — they're pushing each other."
"The more they keep pushing each other, the better quality of snappers we're going to have out there with us," Greaves added.
The Buffs also have options elsewhere among their specialists.
Greaves pointed to newcomer Cadel Ayala's versatility, highlighting his ability to punt, handle kickoffs and kick field goals. Placekicker Elliott Arnold said he, Daniel Gerlach and Ayala have each shown the ability to drive kickoffs through the end zone.
"Honestly, all three of us — me, Daniel Gerlach and Cadel — we're all able to hit it out the back of the end zone," Arnold said. "So I don't think we're really worried about that right now, because I know one of us three can do the job really well."
Arnold has taken a collaborative approach to the placekicking competition as well. After redshirting last season, he has focused on developing consistency and building trust with Colorado's long snappers and holders while working alongside the other kickers.
"I don't really see it as competition," Arnold said. "I see it as: let's try and win some games and help each other be the best."
Gibson Ready to Show More
The Buffs are also looking to make an impact in the return game.
Wide receiver Quentin Gibson, who handled return duties last season, said special teams have become a constant part of Colorado's preparation.
"We go over wefense every day, three times a day," Gibson said.
After showing flashes in the return game a year ago, Gibson believes there is more to come.
"Oh yeah, I'm gonna show y'all a lot more than last year," Gibson said. "That was just a glimpse. But besides that, yeah, we got a lot of different stuff going on. We got a whole different special teams going on."
The importance placed on special teams starts with Coach Prime.
Arnold said Coach Prime has made a point of developing a relationship with Colorado's specialists and providing confidence that extends beyond the result of any individual kick.
"It means a lot, because usually a lot of head coaches don't really have relationships with their specialists as much," Arnold said. "But Coach Prime really loves us, and he really cares about us, and he understands it. He always tells me he's got my back no matter what, whether I miss or make. It's bigger than football, so I really do appreciate him."
The Buffs have a different name for their special teams: "wefense."
The term reflects CU's approach to the phase, bringing players from both sides of the ball together with one shared responsibility.
"One thing that I've always felt like: you have offense, and then you have defense," Niblett explained. "Well, a lot of your offensive players and your defensive players, they've got to come together to form special teams. So it just makes for wefense."
Above the name is the standard behind it.
Niblett said Colorado is searching for the "best 11, not the 11 best," emphasizing a group that can work together with "synergy," "clarity" and "alignment."
"Our guys have taken a lot of ownership and a lot of pride in the wefense," Niblett said. "I've been excited about that, because all of our guys have been locked in on it."
That focus has created competition throughout the special teams depth chart as the Buffs move deeper into fall camp.
Evaluations remain ongoing as Colorado prepares to establish its depth chart and eventually turn toward game planning for Georgia Tech. After stressing winning individual reps during the opening week of camp, the focus has shifted toward winning jobs.
"The next couple of weeks, we're gonna talk about win the game," Niblett said.
Punter Damon Greaves has witnessed that competition firsthand among the Buffs' long snappers, where he said all four players are capable of taking game reps.
"Competition's really strong," Greaves said. "All four of those guys are capable of stepping in and taking reps in a game. Where we're at now is those guys are competing hard, and it's a friendly competition — they're pushing each other."
"The more they keep pushing each other, the better quality of snappers we're going to have out there with us," Greaves added.
The Buffs also have options elsewhere among their specialists.
Greaves pointed to newcomer Cadel Ayala's versatility, highlighting his ability to punt, handle kickoffs and kick field goals. Placekicker Elliott Arnold said he, Daniel Gerlach and Ayala have each shown the ability to drive kickoffs through the end zone.
"Honestly, all three of us — me, Daniel Gerlach and Cadel — we're all able to hit it out the back of the end zone," Arnold said. "So I don't think we're really worried about that right now, because I know one of us three can do the job really well."
Arnold has taken a collaborative approach to the placekicking competition as well. After redshirting last season, he has focused on developing consistency and building trust with Colorado's long snappers and holders while working alongside the other kickers.
"I don't really see it as competition," Arnold said. "I see it as: let's try and win some games and help each other be the best."
Gibson Ready to Show More
The Buffs are also looking to make an impact in the return game.
Wide receiver Quentin Gibson, who handled return duties last season, said special teams have become a constant part of Colorado's preparation.
"We go over wefense every day, three times a day," Gibson said.
After showing flashes in the return game a year ago, Gibson believes there is more to come.
"Oh yeah, I'm gonna show y'all a lot more than last year," Gibson said. "That was just a glimpse. But besides that, yeah, we got a lot of different stuff going on. We got a whole different special teams going on."
The importance placed on special teams starts with Coach Prime.
Arnold said Coach Prime has made a point of developing a relationship with Colorado's specialists and providing confidence that extends beyond the result of any individual kick.
"It means a lot, because usually a lot of head coaches don't really have relationships with their specialists as much," Arnold said. "But Coach Prime really loves us, and he really cares about us, and he understands it. He always tells me he's got my back no matter what, whether I miss or make. It's bigger than football, so I really do appreciate him."
Players Mentioned
PK/P
/ Football
P/PK
/ Football
WR
/ Football
P
/ FootballTuesday, August 11
Thursday, August 06
Thursday, August 06
Thursday, August 06