Colorado Free Safety Returns to Prepare for Freedom Bowl

Sophomore free safety John Nairn, sidelined at midseason by a dislocated right shoulder, is ready to rejoin workouts as the University of Colorado continues practicing for a Dec. 30 Freedom Bowl meeting with Washington in Anaheim.

Nairn, a starter for five games, was replaced by Rodney Rogers, who has performed capably, particularly against the run in the Oklahoma game.

Coach Bill McCartney has been recruiting and was unavailable for comment on who the starter might be at that position.

Quarterback Mark Hatcher, troubled by an ankle injury since midseason, appears close to 100 percent, according to a CU spokesman.

Washington will arrive in Los Angeles on Saturday, four days ahead of Colorado. CU will charter a team flight on Christmas night.

“We always go early for our bowls,” said Washington Coach Don James. “We don’t have an indoor facility, so we’ll spend the extra money and go early.”

James noted that bowl expenses pass through the league, adding, “If this wasn’t finals week, we’d probably be in the sun right now.”

James said he planned to alternate quarterbacks on every first-half possession against Colorado. James is convinced he has two capable quarterbacks in senior Hugh Millen and sophomore Chris Chandler. Millen injured his shoulder in the ninth game of the season, giving Chandler some playing time.

Chandler will start, James said, because Millen isn’t fully recuperated from his injury.

Colorado has sold around 4,500 tickets for the game, with another 4,500 expected to be bought by alumni in California. Athletic director Bill Marolt has promised the Freedom Bowl committee sales of 12,000.