BOULDER - Spring football is half over at the University of Colorado, and despite limitations in the offensive line, the overall progress hasn't been half bad.

In fact, offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said, the Buffaloes will encounter "a much better picture" than might have been expected when they return from spring break for their final eight practices.

Even though drills opened two weeks ago with only six able offensive linemen, Helfrich said much has been accomplished in the areas of execution, competition at the skill positions and establishing a "culture" of mental toughness often lacking last season.

At quarterback, where incumbent starter Bernard Jackson is being used sparingly, Helfrich indicated redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins and junior college transfer Nick Nelson likely will battle for the starting job into fall camp.

Asked if it were safe to say a starter would come from that pair, Helfrich said, "I think it's safe to say that Bernard is going to play; we've always thought that.

"He's going to have a role, and how significant that is will depend on a lot of factors, some out of his control - what a defense does, or a week-to-week type thing."

Jackson took two snaps at quarterback in limited scrimmage work Thursday but didn't throw a pass. Nelson completed 5-of-9 passes for 45 yards, while Hawkins completed 4-of-8 for 59.

Nelson has "hit the wall a little mentally," Helfrich said. "He has to keep his confidence up, but that happens to every single quarterback."

Hawkins' year in the offense provides a mental edge, Helfrich noted.

The race for No. 1 probably will spill into August "really in fairness to Nick," Helfrich said. "And it's not like Cody is demonstrably that much further ahead. So we have to give (Nelson) that chance in the fall."

When the Buffs reconvene April 2 (the spring game is April 14), Helfrich wants to hit "the next level in terms of execution" and work against defensive schemes likely seen in the Big 12 Conference.

He also wants to further identify Jackson's role in the offense.

"He's been kind of plugged in here, there and everywhere and done a great job," Helfrich said.

brooksb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5466