Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: Linebackers Ready For New Duties
August 18, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Ask Colorado junior Jimmie Gilbert about his new duties this year, and Gilbert can't help but grin.
A year ago, Gilbert was listed as a defensive end, whose task consisted of rushing the quarterback and stopping the run. He proved adept at the job, finishing with 38 tackles, 2.5 sacks and four other tackles for losses.
But now? Gilbert has visions of an interception or two dancing in his head. In new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt's new defensive scheme, Gilbert will line up as an outside linebacker/rush end, meaning he'll still be rushing the passer and playing the run — but will also be asked to drop into pass coverage when the situation dictates.
“That's just a great chance for me to make a play on the ball,” Gilbert said. “Everyone loves getting picks, everyone loves getting a touchdown. When you get the chance to drop into coverage, that just opens up the door for a pick six or getting the ball in the hands of the offense.”
As a true defensive end, the 6-foot-5, 235-pound Gilbert is slightly undersized. But his long, lanky frame is perfect for someone who will also be expected to drop back into pass coverage as an outside linebacker.
“It fits my body shape a lot more,” Gilbert said. “With us being able to both rush the passer and drop into coverage, it opens up a lot of options for us.”
Gilbert and fellow former defensive end Derek McCartney will still be lining up on the line of scrimmage much of the time. But when one or both of them are on the field, it will be up to the offense to figure out whether they'll actually be rushing the passer or dropping into coverage.
“No matter what, we will always look like we're coming (after the quarterback),” Gilbert said. “They'll never know if we're coming or dropping.”
Leavitt likes what McCartney and Gilbert bring to the table.
“Good size, good feet, good instincts,” Leavitt said. “Those guys, I feel good about.”
One thing that hasn't changed for the Buffs in Leavitt's defense is their inside linebackers or their duties. Ready to wreak havoc over the middle will be veteran starters Addison Gillam and Kenneth Olugbode.
“Addison is doing really, really well,” Leavitt said. “He's a guy that cares a great deal. He's got very good instincts, he's got good range and he's a leader.
“Kenneth is very very smart, he has very good feet and he's a leader. He really understands the defense.”
Olugbode was CU's leading tackler a year ago, finishing with 83. Gillam was second in tackles with 79, even though he missed most of two games because of injuries.
This year, Olugbode has added about 15 pounds to his frame, and is now a solid 220 to 225.
“It's making a difference,” Olugbode said. “I can fight off offensive linemen a lot better. I don't get pushed around.”
Also expected to see time at the inside spot is redshirt freshman Rick Gamboa, who has had an outstanding camp.
“Rick is just really, really sharp,” Leavitt said. “He's a smart, good football player. When we go into a 4-3 and have Addison, Kenneth and Gamboa in there, we're in good shape.”
Others who could see playing time early include freshmen N.J. Falo and Grant Watanabe inside; and junior Jaleel Awini, redshirt freshman Terran Hasselbach and junior Aaron Howard on the outside.
“It's a good group,” Leavitt said. “They're working hard and putting in the effort. If we keep it up, we'll be able to slow some people down.”
WALK-ON SPOTLIGHT: Howard, a junior transfer from Willamette who earned some playing time last year on special teams, has had a solid camp. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound walk-on had some big plays in the most recent scrimmage, including a couple of quarterback sacks.
“Aaron's done a good job,” Leavitt said. “He plays hard.”
MOVING UP: Awini, the former Air Force quarterback, has also had a good camp. Awini emerged from spring ball listed as No. 2 behind Gilbert on the outside, and he's done nothing to lose that spot. An excellent athlete, Awini has proven to be adept in coverage, and has also show the footwork and speed necessary to get past offensive tackles. He's been mentioned more than once by coaches as having good scrimmages, and will likely see some playing time early.
THE INSIDE LOOK AT . . .
Linebackers
Coach: Jim Leavitt, first season on CU staff
Returning OLB starters: Derek McCartney, Soph.; Jimmie Gilbert, Jr.
Returning ILB starters: Addison Gillam, Jr.; Kenneth Olugbode, Jr.
Returnees OLB: Timothy Coleman, Soph.; Terran Hasselbach, RS-Fr.; Blake Robbins, Jr.; Michael Mathewes, RS-Fr.; Jaleel Awini, Jr.; De'Jon Wilson, Jr.; Aaron Howard, Jr.; Deaysean Rippy, Jr.; Hunter Shaw, Sr.
Returnees ILB: Rick Gamboa, RS-Fr.; Christian Shaver, Soph.; Ryan Severson, Jr.; Trent Headley, Soph.
Newcomers: N.J. Falo, Grant Watanabe.
Key losses: Brady Daigh.
Stat line: Olugbode and Gillam were No. 1 and No. 2 in tackles for the Buffs last year; if they stay healthy all season, there's no reason to think they won't repeat. One number the Buffs would like to improve is the pass rush. McCartney led the team with 4.5 sacks last year; the Buffs would like to see a couple players in at least the 6 or 7 range.
Bottom line: It's a new defense and the Buffs need new results. They had solid play from the inside last year, but they'll need their outside 'backers to adjust to their new duties and make plays. Leavitt comes from a defense that made its name with great linebackers — the 49ers — and he'll be expecting the same from this bunch.
Next: quarterbacks
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
