Colorado University Athletics
Position Preview: Youth Part Of Buffs Equation At Linebacker
August 09, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — When it comes to the linebacker positions on the Colorado defense, one thing is becoming apparent as the Buffs make their way through fall camp:
Youth will be served.
Not that the Buffs don't have some quality returning experience at the position, both inside and out. Two-year starting ILB Rick Gamboa, the Buffs' leading tackler in 2015 and No. 3 last year, is back for his junior season. Outside linebacker Derek McCartney, who has 25 career starts under his belt, along with 9.5 sacks and a reputation as a playmaker, returns for his senior year.
Also returning are junior OLB Terran Hasselbach, who has 18 appearances on defense; junior ILB Drew Lewis, who played in four games on defense last year and had an outstanding spring session at the position; and junior OLB Michael Mathewes, who has played both defensive line and linebacker and will provide some muscle on the outside, particularly against the run.
Still, new Colorado defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot knows it is likely that he will be turning to some youngsters this fall to provide contributions — and the good news is, the Buffs have no shortage of standout freshmen to fill that role in Colorado's 3-4 alignment. A host of young players have been getting quality snaps in camp, and they have all had impressive moments.
"Every day they learn and they're not making the same mistake twice," Eliot said. "It's going to be critical for their progress."
Still, CU's success at linebacker will center on the play of the veterans. Gamboa — who received his baptism by fire as a redshirt freshman starter in 2015 — has earned a reputation as a coach on the field for his intimate knowledge of CU's defense and his ability to read opposing offenses. He's also proven to be a playmaker; forcing a fumble that resulted in a touchdown against Colorado State two years ago, then picking off an interception for a touchdown return last year against Oregon State.
"When you play linebacker and start getting a lot of experience, your vision just increases," said inside linebackers coach Ross Els about Gamboa. "As you get older and more experienced, you see start being able to see everything. You start seeing pullers, you start seeing guys motioning across. Certainly Rick is at a whole another level than anybody else in our linebacker group."
As for McCartney, the Buffs are hoping the senior can return to the level he displayed last season before a knee injury in Week 3 ended his season. If so, he could play a big part in replacing the 11.5 sacks recorded last year by Jimmie Gilbert.
"Derek is a talented veteran and we know what to expect," said Eliot, who also coaches outside linebackers. "He's been in the fire and he's a good leader for us."
CU coaches are also high on Lewis, who transferred in from Coffeyville JC last season. Lewis, a tremendous athlete, spent the spring gaining a better grasp of CU's defense and has had a good fall camp. In the Buffs' first scrimmage, he was the leading tackler and added a pass breakup.
The Buffs also hope to see production from Mathewes and Hasselbach outside. Hasselbach has shown some good pass rush skills while Mathewes, who has also played on the defensive line, will give the Buffs some strength outside against power run teams.
But after those vets, the Buffs will be turning to a host of youngsters. The group includes redshirt freshman Akil Jones and true freshmen Nate Landman, Jonathan Van Diest and Carson Wells inside; while true freshmen Dante Sparaco and Jacob Callier have been getting time outside (with Wells practicing there as well). All of the newcomers have "flashed" in scrimmages and team drills; the next step for each of them will be developing some consistency.
"Some of the young guys have done some good things," Eliot said. "We're going to need them to progress and possibly use them this season, too."
WHO'S BACK: Outside linebacker: senior Derek McCartney, junior Terran Hasselbach, junior Michael Mathewes, RS freshman Sam Bennion. Inside linebacker: junior Rick Gamboa, junior Drew Lewis, senior Trent Headley, RS freshman Akil Jones, RS freshman Jacob Stoltenberg.
WHO'S NEW: Outside linebacker: Junior (transfer) Shamar Hamilton, freshman Dante Sparaco, freshman Carson Wells, freshman Jacob Callier, freshman Nick Edridge. Inside linebacker: freshman Jonathan Van Diest, freshman Nate Landman, senior Bryan Meek (transfer).
WHAT'S IN STORE: On the inside, Gamboa is a rock when it comes to steady play, experience and knowledge. If Lewis can live up to expectations, it will give CU another nice one-two combination inside. Gamboa is solid all-around and plays the run extremely well; Lewis can play sideline-to-sideline and could be a big playmaker. But after those two, the Buffs will need Akil Smith to step up, as well as one or two of the true freshmen.
Outside, the question is whether McCartney can return to form. He's a proven pass rusher and has a nose for big plays — in his last game in 2016, he returned a fumble for a touchdown at Michigan. If he can regain that playmaking ability, he'll be a force.
Meanwhile, the Buffs will also need Hasselbach and Mathewes to contribute, and it won't be a surprise if we see true freshmen Sparaco and Callier stepping in and helping out right away as well. CU's defense plays a wide variety of schemes up front, and the OLBs are a versatile part of that equation.
STAT TO REMEMBER: The Buffs finished last season with 36 quarterback sacks and 21 of those came from the linebacker position. Sack leader Jimmie Gilbert (11.5) is gone; the Buffs must find a way to replace that production.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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