Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Defense Makes Strides This Spring
April 06, 2016 | Football
BOULDER — A year ago, Colorado opened spring drills one day after new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt had been hired.
It was, to say the least, a hectic spring. Leavitt not only had to teach his players an entirely new defense, he also had to introduce the new scheme to the defensive coaches. At times, it meant a coaching staff that was barely ahead of the players.
“We were having to teach the defensive coaches everything and get on the same page while also teaching our players,” Leavitt said. “We definitely didn't profit from it as much as I would have liked.”
This year, however, it's a different story. Players know the defense and know what's expected of them. For the most part, CU coaches had the defense installed this spring after just a few practices, and as Mike MacIntyre said Wednesday morning, “we've just been reppin' it and reppin' it” since.
Saturday, CU fans can see just how far the defense has progressed when the Buffs host their spring game scrimmage at Folsom Field. Here's a position-by-position look at the defense heading into the weekend:
Defensive line: After a year of transition and playing what coaches termed a “hybrid,” the Buffs have settled into a base 3-4 defense. They went into the spring aiming for a big step forward up front, and the results have been positive thus far.
At least one position up front looks to be firmly settled. Returning starter Jordan Carrell has had a solid spring at defensive end, and it's hard to see anyone unseating him from the spot. Also playing well at end have been senior Samson Kafovalu and junior Tim Coleman Jr., who has made the move from outside linebacker. Senior Leo Jackson III, a starter last year, will no doubt figure into the equation in the fall, but he's been nursing an arm injury, and sophomore Michael Mathewes has also been seeing some time.
At the nose, Jase Franke appears to have emerged from the pack, with Eddy Lopez and Lyle Tuiloma also in the mix. This, though, is a position that could be filled by Josh Tupou, who sat the year out and is expected to return in time for summer workouts.
Outside linebacker: Another place Leasvitt designated a priority, particularly in the pass rush area.
The Buffs have a pair of veteran starters here in Derek McCartney and Jimmie Gilbert, but the coaches have been taking a look at a host of other players in a search for depth. Sophomore N.J. Falo has had an excellent spring, and junior Christian Shaver — who has been playing inside for much of the spring — could figure into the mix by next fall. Also seeing some time here in the spring with the top units has been senior Deaysean Rippy.
Overall, the pass rush did see some improvement. With some defensive tweaks, it's given the OLBs a chance to come off the edge with regularity, and the results have been good.
Inside linebacker: If everyone here gets healthy, the Buffs could have some good depth inside. Sophomore Rick Gamboa, a starter for most of the year last season after an injury to Addison Gillam, has had an excellent spring. Gamboa is one of those players who is always in the mix and just makes plays.
Senior Kenneth Olugbode, another starter, has been hampered by injury, but returned this week and should be full go on Saturday.
Shaver and Trent Headley have also been getting time this spring inside, but CU coaches are no doubt looking forward to the fall, when they'll be adding Gillam and junior college transfer Drew Lewis to the mix.
Cornerback: Once again, there's some depth here if everyone is healthy. Senior Chidobe Awuzie, a second-team all-Pac-12 selection last season, has had an outstanding spring. Sophomore Isaiah Oliver, meanwhile, has been impressive at the other corner, with sophomore Nick Fisher also getting plenty of reps. Ahkello Witherspoon, a starter last year, has been battling injury, but will also no doubt figure into the equation in the fall.
Overall, a good spring, although after a fast start by the defense, the offense did begin to catch up after the players returned from spring break and the receivers became more comfortable in their roles.
Safety: The Buffs have a pair of starters back from last year in Ryan Moeller and Tedric Thompson, and both have shown no reason to believe they'll be unseated. Also getting plenty of work at free safety has been junior Afolabi Laguda, with Fisher also getting time at both spots.
The Buffs mix and match players throughout the secondary, with a number of players able to play corner and both safety spots. Awuzie can play nickel, safety and corner; Fisher can play corner and safety; and Laguda can play both safety spots.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Instead of one coach in charge of all special teams this season, the Buffs have broken down responsibilities among various assistant coaches. Head coach Mike MacIntyre said Wednesday that the process is going well.
“Everybody's really involved and taking a lot of responsibility in different areas,” MacIntyre said.
Both Diego Gonzalez, last year's starting kicker, and Chris Graham have had good springs while punter Alex Kinney, last year's starter, is clearly ahead of the pack there.
NEW FIELDS: Workers are beginning to install the new practice field adjacent to the Indoor Practice Facility (formerly Franklin Field). When completed, MacIntyre said the fields will give them the option of one full, 120-yard field and a 30-yard auxiliary field; or two side-by-side 75-yard fields.
MacIntyre also said they'll utilize the IPF on a regular basis next fall by splitting up the teams inside and outside when the occasion warrants. “We can put the offense inside and defense outside and vice versa the next day,” MacIntyre said. “It will always be like we have two fields.”
IRWIN UPDATE: MacIntyre said offensive lineman Jeromy Irwin, expected to be the starting left tackle next fall, could be ready to go full speed by early June. Irwin is recovering from ACL surgery.
“He's doing really well,” MacIntyre said. “I'm excited what he's done. I think he weighs 309 now, he never could get over 285 or 288. He doesn't look any different, he's just bigger and stronger. That's a huge key for him.”
SPRING GAME: Saturday's spring session at Folsom Field is scheduled to begin at noon and will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks. The first hour will be dedicated to position drills ad workouts, with Ralphie scheduled to run at 1 p.m., followed by a full scrimmage.
“The first thing you want is to come out of it healthy,” MacIntyre said. “The second thing you want is to be productive. I'd like to see execution, physicalness and be able to accomplish some situational stuff in our scrimmage.”
After the scrimmage, a “selfie session” will be held for fans on the field, and attendees will also have the opportunity for self-guided tours of the Champions Center and IPF.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
