BOULDER — Big-hitting safety Mikial Onu had to grow into his role.
Colorado’s graduate transfer from Southern Methodist University used to be a cornerback and receiver, and finesse football was his thing. But to get onto the field at SMU, Onu realized he had to be much more physical.
“My old coaches at SMU needed a safety, and it was either you hit somebody or you don’t play,” Onu said Wednesday. “Now, every day I try to hit the tackling sled, and sometimes twice if that’s not in the practice. I like the hard work of being a better tackler.