Personnel issues are usually settled during preseason camp, but a true measure of progress can't be taken until the season begins.

For Colorado, that starts with a matchup against in-state rival Colorado State on a neutral field in Denver. Going in, third-year coach Dan Hawkins seems pleased with the results of the Buffaloes' early workouts.

"We've got way more in and we're further along than we have been before," he said.

While starters were identified, openings at offensive guard, cornerback and running back will continue to be monitored and could involve some shuffling through the early portion of another difficult nonconference schedule.

As much as Colorado doesn't want to apply a ton of pressure on sophomore quarterback Cody Hawkins, he must realize this is his team. The coach's son is easily the featured returnee in an offense that was inconsistent much of last season, largely because of Hawkins' shaky touchdown-to-interception (22-to-17) ratio.

Reducing turnovers was something the CU staff emphasized during camp, though Hawkins said he was never pressured to do more than what was necessary as a quarterback. The experience he gained last season as a redshirt freshman should be a huge boost.

"I think now I'm in a much better (situation) where I can call guys out," he told the Rocky Mountain News. "I can call guys up to watch some extra film, I can pump guys up. I think I have a much better gauge for that."

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