BOULDER — Greg Brown remembers a time in University of Colorado football when the secondary was second to none.

He should — he was coaching it, and among the defensive backs he tutored during his first stint in Boulder were Thorpe Award winners Deon Figures (1992) and Chris Hudson (1994).

In recent seasons, though, the Buffaloes' "back end" hasn't resembled what Brown remembers. During the past four seasons, CU's highest NCAA Division I-A ranking in pass defense was 87th in 2005, up from 114th two years earlier. Last season, the Buffs were 94th.

But Brown believes improvement is ahead, mainly because of an all-conference cornerback (senior Terrence Wheatley) and a handful of other returnees seasoned for a year in CU's defense.

Still, Brown is cautious.

"We've come a long way, but we're far from arriving," he said.

Opposite Wheatley, CU's initial training camp depth chart listed Benjamin Burney, with Ryan Walters at free safety and D.J. Dykes and Lionel Harris battling at the strong safety position. Brown's nickel backs are Cha'pelle Brown and Gardner McKay.

Walters is backed up by freshmen Anthony Wright and Anthony Perkins, with redshirt freshmen Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith behind Wheatley.

Dykes, a transfer from Idaho who sat out last season, said CU "had talent last year, but it was a matter of us getting comfortable in the defense and being able to adjust to different sets. It wasn't a case of the talent, it was the learning curve we were on."

Wheatley's five interceptions in 2006 were CU's best and second in the Big 12 Conference, numbers Burney knows will send more passes in his direction this season.

"They're going to be coming after me," he said. " 'T-Wheat' is well-known with all those interceptions last year. I know I'm going to be attacked — I've just got to be well-prepared and make the plays when they come at me."

Brown's top concern through two scrimmages has been pass-interference calls and missed tackles. He estimated his group should have made 10 more tackles in last weekend's scrimmage.

"We have to be more consistent in individual techniques, in understanding leverages and where we fit in certain schemes," he said. "That's typical 'coachspeak,' but it's what we have to stress for us to get better."

TEE IT UP: Golfers are needed to participate in the 13th CU vs. CSU Golf Challenge, set for Wednesday at Riverdale Dunes Golf Course in Brighton.

Same-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start one hour later. A reception and barbecue follow the competition. More information: 303-492-4653 (CU).

Also, Desert Edge Mentoring Services, a nonprofit organization in Phoenix co-directed by former CU tailback J.J. Flannigan, is sponsoring its first golf tournament Sept. 8 at Bougainvillea Golf Club.

Flannigan is hoping to attract Buffs fans who will be in the area to attend that night's CU-Arizona State game in Tempe, Ariz. More information: 602-237-2485 or www.DesertEdge

Mentoring.com.

ETC.: Freshman receiver Josh Smith (bruised kidney, out indefinitely) was released Wednesday after a four-night stay at Boulder Community Hospital. Coach Dan Hawkins said Smith might be able to return for the Florida State game (Sept. 15). . . . The Buffs were bused to Invesco Field at Mile High for a short walk-through. Hawkins said he wanted the team to visualize a victory in the Sept. 1 opener against Colorado State. . . . Senior offensive captain Bernard Jackson did not practice during the afternoon. He has missed work throughout camp while concentrating on academics.

brooksb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5466