Colorado tight ends coach Josh Niblett likes what he’s seeing from his freshman group, and he made it clear Tuesday that the room is being built on competition first.
Niblett spent a good portion of his press conference walking through the state of the tight end room, with particular focus on the young players. The freshmen may not be ready to claim a starting job this season, but Niblett said their development is moving in the right direction.
For him, it starts with creating real pressure in the room. Colorado added Ben Gula through the recruiting trail and Fisher Clements from the transfer portal, giving the position more depth and forcing everyone to keep pushing. That approach, Niblett said, is meant to keep the younger players locked in while they learn.
“I think any position you coach, the key is just trying to create competition,” Niblett said. “Everybody's got to show up every day and understand that.
You're still trying to win a job, or if there are points at which you don't perform, you can lose a job. But what I try to tell our young guys is this: they're still trying to develop, so they have to find teachable, learnable moments within practice, even if they're not getting a rep, being a student of the game.”
That message has been reinforced constantly in Boulder. Niblett said the Buffaloes have emphasized making each opportunity matter, not just piling up snaps.
“Then when you get your opportunity, you got to make the most of it,” Niblett said. “Whether you get 10 reps in a practice or you get four or you get 20.
It's not counting your reps; it’s about making your reps count. And so for our young guys, just trying to make sure those guys are showing up every day with great energy.”
Niblett also gave a quick read on how each freshman has handled fall camp. Corbin Laisure, he said, has taken advantage of his chances.
Zayne DeSouza is still developing. And Gula, who arrived as an offensive lineman, has already shown the versatility to play tight end and fullback.
“I think Corbin [Laisure] has [made his reps count] and continues to do that,” Niblett said. “I think Zayne [DeSouza]'s continuously developing, and then I think Gula, who's a guy that was an offensive lineman when he got here, is now playing tight end and fullback for us.
I mean, if you watch him, he's a physical player. I think he's going to help us also.”
Even if the group doesn’t produce a starter in 2026, Niblett’s comments point to a position room that is moving in the right direction. The freshmen are competing early, buying into the coaching, and giving Colorado a foundation to build on at tight end.
If Niblett can help Deion Sanders keep that group together in the years ahead, the future at the position could look strong in Boulder.
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