Football technology improves gameplay

In its in augural Pac-12 season there's no doubt Colorado has struggled on the gridiron. However, one area where the 2011 squad is making progressive strides, far ahead of other FBS Schools, is in the classroom. Better yet, player and coaches play books.

In an effort to make life easier for coaches and players alike, the Colorado Football program has gone from standard paper play books to an online version accessible from anywhere.  

Combining high definition technology with the introduction of the HudlePro software program play books, game/practice footage and other innovative technology allows players 24/7 access to resources to improve player production. Whether it's footage from an NFL team, a future PAC -12 opponent or content of former Buff greats now more then ever the resources are endless for players and coaches alike.

Jamie Guy, Director of Sports Video at the University of Colorado says the HudlPro software has a variety of features that allow players to do things no one could have imagined years ago.  

According to Jamie, all you need is an internet connection and basic computer skills.  From that point forward, for many players the traditional paper play book can go out the window. 

So how fast can players and coaches access the footage for play book use? Guy says that game footage can be viewed within an astounding hour of practice or games. Such technology allows for scouting an opponent to be much more comprehensive and accessible compared to years past without question. 

Over the past 3 years the HudlePro system has grown from 400 teams/schools using the program in 2009 to over 2,000 in 2010. The numbers have yet to be released, but,  in 2011 Colorado was among three Pac - 12 schools ( Oregon and USC) to use the HudlPro system. Interestingly enough, the software that CU now uses to stay ahead of the competition was created by three former students...from the University of Nebraska.