Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Look For Depth On Defensive Line
March 28, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — In terms of overall defense, the Colorado Buffaloes took a big step forward last fall.
In Jim Leavitt's first year as defensive coordinator, the Buffs improved significantly in scoring defense and total defense (from 11th to sixth in the Pac-12 in both categories). They also took big strides in interceptions, improving from 124th in the nation to 24th.
But to take another step forward this year, they'll need to improve up front. The Buffs were ninth in the Pac-12 a year ago in rush defense and tied for 10th in quarterback sacks — and both areas have been points of emphasis this spring.
What's become clear thus far in spring drill is that playing time is up for grabs in the interior, where the Buffs lost one starter, Justin Solis, to graduation. Starters Jordan Carrell and Leo Jackson III are back, but if anything has become clear in spring drills, it's that the competition is wide open.
“We're a lot farther along than we were a year ago, because they understand the defense and we've had a year to work with it,” defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat said. “But the one thing we have to make sure they understand right now is that conditioning is big. We need all of those guys to be in the best shape of their life if we're going to get where we want to go.”
Thus far, Leavitt and and Jeffcoat have been mixing and matching a variety of combinations up front in team drills. Carrell — seventh on the team in tackles last year with 52 — has been seeing plenty of time. Others getting into the mix with the No. 1 unit have been Jackson, Samson Kafovalu, Jase Franke and Tim Coleman Jr., while returnees Eddy Lopez and Michael Mathewes are also getting their share of looks.
Coleman has made the move inside from outside linebacker. Now weighing in the 260-pound range, he's big enough to wage battle on the interior.
“He's having a good spring for us,” Leavitt said. “He's doing some things in there.”
Kafovalu, who had a strong finish to the 2015 season — he averaged 4.5 tackles per game over the last six games and had a quarterback sack in each of CU's last two contests — is also having a solid spring.
“It's starting to click for him,” Jeffcoat said. “I told him today that he's having a much better spring than last year. I'm excited for him.”
But along with those with experience from a year ago, CU coaches would also like to get some production from one or two of their redshirt freshmen — Lyle Tuiloma, Frank Umu and Brett Tonz.
“We definitely need one or two of them to have an impact for us,” head coach Mike MacIntyre said. “You can't play every snap. You get worn out quick and so we'll need those guys step in and play roles, and then if we get anybody nicked up, they've got to be able to go.”
The Buffs did not sign any defensive linemen in the most recent class, but they may have a “newcomer” of sorts in fall camp, as veteran Josh Tupou, who sat out last year, is expected to return.
As for the pass rush from the outside, the Buffs do have a pair of solid returnees in Derek McCartney and Jimmie Gilbert, who combined last year for 11 sacks. Sophomore N.J. Falo has been getting plenty of work there in the spring, along with Sam Bennion and Christian Shaver.
“We've got to find some outside pass rushers,” Leavitt said before spring ball began. “We've got to get some more consistent pressure there.”
BACK TO WORK: The Buffs returned to the field Monday morning after a week off for spring break. It was their eighth practice of the spring, leaving them with just seven to go, including the April 9 spring game.
Monday's workout was a pads/no tackling practice. The Buffs will be back in pads twice more this week, with Wednesday's workout a “50-50” (tackling allowed 50 percent or less of the time) and Friday's workout a full tackling practice that will likely include some extensive scrimmage work.
O-LINE SHUFFLE: Offensive line coach Klayton Adams continues to work with a variety of combinations up front. Jeromy Irwin, expected to be the starting left tackle next fall, is not practicing as he recovers from a torn ACL, but Adams said that simply gives him a chance to take a look at more players this spring.
Two redshirt freshmen getting some significant time up front are Aaron Haigler at tackle and Tim Lynott Jr. at center. Senior Shane Callahan, meanwhile, has been getting some time at tackle after playing last year almost exclusively at guard.
Others seeing plenty of work are Gerrad Kough, Sam Kronshage, Jonathan Huckins, John Lisella, Josh Kaiser, Sully Wiefels and Isaac Miller.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
