Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: Buff D-Line Focuses On Run Defense
August 26, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — In the pass-happy, everyone-throws Pac-12, it's easy to forget that the running game is still important — as is defending the running game.
But it's a point that hasn't been overlooked in the Colorado Buffaloes' camp.
A year ago, the Buffs gave up more than 200 rushing yards per game (5.62 yards per carry), the worst in the Pac-12. Those are numbers the Buffs are determined to improve this year, and they know the effort begins up front.
“It's been a big emphasis,” said defensive tackle Justin Solis. “We've been working on it since day one. Stay in your gaps, protect your gaps and stop the run. I think as a group, we've definitely gotten better, and we'll keep working on it.”
Solis is one of a handful of returning veterans on the defensive line — but none of the returnees have any substantial starting experience, a matter of concern for defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat.
“We've got a lot of young guys,” Jeffcoat said. “They're learning and getting better, but they've got a ways to go. We're just trying to make sure they understand their responsibility.”
The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Solis played in all 12 games last year, recording 33 tackles and a sack. Other returnees with some significant experience are sophomore 6-foot-3, 300-pound sophomore Eddie Lopez, who played in 11 games last year; and 6-foot-4 270-pound junior Samson Kafovalu, who sat out last year but did appear in seven games in 2013.
“Other than that, it's a bunch of young guys who haven't played at the D-1 level,” Jeffcoat said. “We've got to get them up and running.”
Two newcomers expected to see plenty of playing time this year are Leo Jackson and Jordan Carrell, a pair of junior college transfers. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Jackson has had a solid camp, as as the 6-foot-3, 275-pound Carrell. Jeffcoat likes what he's seen so far.
“Leo (Jackson) has really made a big jump in camp,” Jeffcoat said. “Jordan (Carrell) is doing a good job of understanding what we want and getting better at it. If they keep coming along, we'll be able to slow some people down.”
A year ago, the Buff depth chart included true defensive ends in a 4-3 alignment. But this year, those defensive ends — players such as Derek McCartney and Jimmie Gilbert — are now lining up occasionally as outside linebackers who can rush the passer when necessary and play the run, and also drop back into pass coverage when the situation dictates.
For the big guys up front, however, nothing has changed. Their job is to stop the run, clog up the middle and set up their inside linebackers to make plays.
“We know our role,” Solis said. “It's a tough job, and it's not for everyone.
“But we feel appreciated by our teammates. We might not get the media attention or the accolades, but we know how important the line is. (Defensive coordinator) Coach (Jim) Leavitt always tells us, it starts up front. We know as a group how important it is what we do.”
Solis is the only senior up front, and the owner — by far — of the most playing experience.
“No question he's a key guy,” Jeffcoat said. “He's had more game experience, so he understands the speed of the game. He has to show some leadership qualities, and he's been working hard at that.”
Solis is doing his best to embrace that role.
“It's something I'm definitely working on,” he said. “I have to be the guy who steps up. There are a lot of young guys who haven't played in college, and a lot of guys who haven't played in the Pac-12. They have no idea yet what it's like to play in the best conference in college football. It's going to be up to me to help them be ready.”
Maybe the best news about the defensive line this year is that they have numbers. It's been a position thin on depth in years past, but that shouldn't be the case this year.
“We've stayed healthy, which is key in that area,” head coach Mike MacIntyre said. “If we stay healthy there, we've got enough numbers that we'll be able to stay fresh and we'll be better there than we were last year. We'll have enough numbers, size, speed and experience.”
DOUBLE DUTY: At 6-4, 270 pounds, Kafovalu is actually built more like a defensive end/outside linebacker than an interior linemen. He's spent time in camp at both positions, and MacIntyre said he could see duty at both spots this season.
CONDITIONING: In a league in which the number of offensive plays seems to grow every year, conditioning is at a premium.
“We need guys who can play 100 miles per hour for 60 or 70 plays a game,” Jeffcoat said. “They're understanding the importance of being in condition.”
THE INSIDE LOOK AT . . .
Defensive line
Coach: Jim Jeffcoat, third season on CU staff
Returning starters: None.
Returnees: Justin Solis, Sr.; Eddy Lopez, Soph.; Clay Norgard, Jr.; Bryan Wyman, Soph.; Samson Kafovalu, Jr.; Jase Franke, Fr-RS; Garrett Gregory, Soph.
Newcomers: Leo Jackson (JC), Soph.; Jordan Carrell (JC), Jr.; Brett Tonz, Fr.; Lyle Tuiloma, Fr.; Frank Umu, Fr.
Key losses: Josh Tupou, Juda Parker.
Stat line: The Buffs had the lowest-ranked rush defense in the league a year ago, giving up more than 200 yards per game and more than 5.6 yards per carry.
Bottom line: There's not a ton of experience up front, but there are some players who have some Pac-12 experience. The development of JC transfers Jackson and Carrell will be key, as will the play of Solis. If he can be productive for 60 or 70 plays per game, the line will be improved.
Next: Special teams
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
