CU Buffs football notes: LaJohntay Wester scoring touchdowns in bunches

There is a lot that goes into preparing for game day and LaJohntay Wester doesnt cut corners.

The Colorado star even practices his touchdown celebrations.

Yeah, Ill definitely be at home practicing, because I already know, man, he said.

Listen when I get it, Im trying to score and football is entertainment.

Its hard to score a touchdown in college, so every time I score, Im trying to entertain the fans and entertain my family and have fun.

Wester has been having a lot of fun this season for the Buffs (4-2, 2-1 Big 12), who visit Arizona (3-3, 1-2) in Tucson, Ariz., on Saturday (2 p.m.

MDT, Fox).

A 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior who transferred to CU from Florida Atlantic in the offseason, Wester isnt catching the ball as often as he did at FAU, but hes making impactful plays for the Buffs.

Through six games, hes caught 26 passes for 318 yards, on pace for 52 catches and 636 yards for the season.

Thats a steep drop from the 108 catches (second nationally) and 1,168 yards he had a year ago.

When he first came in, yeah, he wasnt happy with that, but we had to put a leadership role on him, and hes accepted the leadership role, receivers coach Jason Phillips said.

Thats part of being a leader: when your opportunities come, take advantage of it.

Hes getting targeted, so make sure you make the best of your targets.

While the overall numbers are down, Wester has scored a team-high seven touchdowns, including at least one in five straight games matching the longest streak of his career.

It also matches the second-longest streak in CU history.

Coming here, I knew I wasnt going to be able to get as much touches that I got FAU, so I know going into every game, I got to capitalize on every touch that I get, he said.

And it just so happened, every touch that I get be close to the red zone.

And every time we close to the red zone, its mandatory I put it in the box.

In the past three games, eight of Westers 12 catches have come in opponents territory, including four touchdowns.

Seizing opportunity Cornerback Colton Hood transferred to CU from Auburn this summer looking for a better opportunity to play and learn.

The redshirt freshman has no complaints halfway through his first season as a Buff.

I am getting the opportunity, he said.

Just learning from all the older guys and just learning from Coach Prime (Deion Sanders) and coach (Kevin) Mathis.

Theyre just making me better every day.

Im loving it right now, just learning the game and getting better.

Playing behind starters Travis Hunter, DJ McKinney and Preston Hodge, Hood has still managed to contribute, averaging 20.8 defensive snaps per game.

Hes posted 10 tackles and two pass breakups and got his first collegiate interception last Saturday against Kansas State, returning it 59 yards.

It felt great, he said of the interception, just knowing Ive been working my butt off all camp, all season, just trying to get on the field and making the most out of the opportunities I get.

Being able to get out there make a play like that for my team, it was surreal.

My first college interception, so I plan to keep it rolling and keep getting better.

Versatile Miller True freshman Drelon Miller is a bit of a hidden weapon for the Buffs offense.

Although not one of the top weapons, hes been making his way onto the field all season, with 78 snaps and two starts.

Despite being a receiver, both starts have come at tailback.

Hes caught 13 passes for 60 yards and carried the ball three times for 11 yards.

Honestly, coming here to meetings, getting recruited, I wanted to be used like a Deebo Samuel type of player, he said, referring to the versatile star of the San Francisco 49ers.

So wherever I can get the ball at I dont care.

Just throw me the ball, give me some space to work with.

Im loving it.

Im most definitely loving it.

Just getting the ball, knowing who is out there with me, trusting the guys around me, Im loving it.

Notable Arizona announced two weeks ago that the game against CU was sold out believed to be one of the quickest sellouts in program history.

...

This will be the 17th time in CUs 19 games under Coach Prime that it will play in front of a sold-out stadium.

...

Westers seven TD receptions are already tied for 12th-most in CU single-season history.

The record is 12 (Nelson Spruce in 2014)..

This article has been shared from the original article on dailycamera, here is the link to the original article:

https://www.dailycamera.com/2024/10/17/cu-buffs-football-notes-lajohntay-wester-scoring-touchdowns-in-bunches/