Colorado sophomore quarterback Craig Ochs considers himself a student of the game.

He spends as much of his spare time as possible watching game and practice film and is constantly asking questions of offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson.

This offseason, Ochs added film of past NFL offenses to his collection.

Specifically, he focused on the Denver Broncos and Brian Griese, the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre and the San Francisco 49ers and Jeff Garcia.

"Those offenses closely resemble ours, and that's where I want to be as a player," Ochs said.

It would seem as if Ochs is ahead of schedule. As a true freshman and hometown product from Boulder, Ochs became Colorado's starting quarterback five games into the 2000 season.

Ochs set CU freshman records for passing yards (1,778) and total offense (1,884), and led the Buffs to their only three wins, including a 26-19 victory at Texas A&M in his starting debut.

The 6-2, 215-pounder displayed an ability to throw from the pocket and make plays with his running ability. Not counting sacks, he rushed 46 times for 256 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass against Oklahoma State, a game in which he also passed and ran for a touchdown.

What can he do for an encore?

"First and foremost, continue to learn the offense," Ochs said. "There's a lot to this offense, and Coach Watson's exposed us to a lot more this year."

Ochs admitted that after he earned the starting job last season, Watson reduced the offensive package.

"I've had so much time on my hands, I've been watching a lot of pro tape. That's where I want to be," he said. "I want to quicken my release and footwork. The quicker you are, the better you are in this offense."

Ochs was speaking at the end of spring football. The extra time was the result of an ankle sprain that forced him to miss the last half of practices.

Ochs said he didn't believe it would impede his progress.

"I've always been confident, and I was pleased with some things (last season)," he said.

"But there are a lot of areas I need to improve. It's a good foundation to build on, but I can be a much better player. Hopefully this year I can show that."

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