Colorado Buffaloes Football 2012: Connor Wood Has Clearer Path To QB After Nick Hirschman's Surgery

The Colorado Buffaloes are going to have a quarterback battle during spring practice to determine Tyler Hansen's successor following the senior's graduation. While the Buffaloes do have highly-touted quarterback Shane Dillon as an incoming recruit, pending his National Letter of Intent in February, the battle was really going to come down to a contest between Nick Hirschman and Connor Wood. It now appears that Wood has a clearer path to the position:

#Buffs QB Nick Hirschman is undergoing foot surgery. It is unknown right now how much he will participate during spring ball. #CUBuffs

— Adam Munsterteiger (@adamcm777) January 14, 2012

Wood arrived in Boulder at the start of the college season after transferring from the Texas Longhorns. He had to sit out the 2011 season due to NCAA eligibility rules, but he will be ready to go and have three years to play for the Buffaloes. Wood left Texas due to a quarterback crunch at the school, preventing him from playing.

Hirschman did play during the middle of the 2011 season when Hansen dealt with a concussion. He saw extensive action against the Oregon Ducks in a 45-2 loss.

For more on the Buffaloes, visit Colorado blog Ralphie Report. Head over to SB Nation NCAA Football for more on the coming 2012 college season.