Buffs Defense Learning, Growing As Spring Progresses

BOULDER — Technically, Colorado is still playing a 3-4 defense under new head coach Mel Tucker and defensive coordinator Tyson Summers.

But in reality there are more differences than similarities to the 3-4 scheme the Buffs played the last couple of years. CU's linemen and outside linebackers are running a variety of three- and four-man fronts, edge rushers are mixing up their approaches, and the defense is making calls at the line of scrimmage based on the offensive formation.

It has not been an easy transition, but five practices into spring ball, Summers said CU's defenders have done a good job in absorbing the new system.

"The thing I'm most proud of them is how well they've adapted," Summers said earlier this week. "Our defense does have some similarities from a base 3-4 standpoint, but other than that, there's a lot of changes. The best thing they've been able to do to this point is adapt to what we're asking them to do."

One major emphasis, particularly across the front seven, has been improving the pass rush. While Colorado finished with 29 sacks last season — tied for fourth in the Pac-12 — it's a number CU's new coaching staff would like to improve.

Thus, they are presenting a variety of looks and responsibilities, especially up front.

"It's a lot of adjustments," said defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson, who led Colorado last year with 8.5 sacks while also adding nine more tackles for loss. "It's adjusting and being ready to adjust to what the offense comes out in. We have a lot of new calls. We're not just going to play what we called. We're going to adjust to what the offense gives us."

For Johnson and his fellow defensive linemen, it means they can be lining up in a variety of formations, ranging from a traditional three-man front with a nose tackle, to two interior linemen flanked by a pair of rush ends or outside linebackers.

For the linebackers, it means learning to play from a two-point stance as well as putting their hand on the ground on occasion.

"Some of us have played with our hand down before so it's second nature for some of us," said senior Nu'umotu Falo, who has been getting some reps with the No. 1 defense. "It's fun because it mixes up the looks for the tackles that we play against. They don't know what kind of rushes they'll get. It's interesting to see the techniques we can work with our hand down and then from a two-point. It's fun to work with all the different things."

Falo, a fifth-year senior, has played inside and outside linebacker at Colorado. Now playing under his third defensive coordinator, he is trying to absorb as much as possible in study time, then put it to practical application in practice.

"Pretty much just being a sponge," he said. "I want to absorb everything I can, learn everything I can and take it to the next level for myself and the guys around me. Soak it all in and take everything I can learn and apply it to the field."

Falo, sophomore Carson Wells, senior Alex Tchangam and sophomore Jacob Callier (limited this spring as he rehabs an injury) have all been getting time with the No. 1 defense, and it's possible that all could see significant time next fall in certain situations.

"What's great about a new staff is that every day is a fight for your position," Falo said. "There's not a permanent list of who's No. 1 and No. 2. We still fight every day for that position, making each other better, always knowing that we're on top of each other."

On the interior, Johnson has been lining up at tackle alongside Jalen Sami at the nose and Terrance Lang at end, with junior college transfer Jeremiah Doss also getting some repetitions at end. Making a good impression at nose with the No. 2s has been sophomore Nico Magri, while Melekiola Finau has been getting some time on the outside.

Lang is making the transition from a pass-rush specialist to an every-down player, and is showing his versatility by lining up inside and out.

What is clear is the new staff is mixing and matching a wide variety of combinations on the front seven to find the best possible fit.

"The new defense definitely a challenge because we're doing a lot of new things," Johnson said. "It's good for me because it helps us all see what we can do with our game."

Defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh said his group is picking up the new system at a good pace — but the learning curve is no doubt steep, and every practice is valuable.

"For as much as they have to learn, they're doing a good job," Brumbaugh said. "There's a lot we're throwing at them, from four down to three down to pass rush, different things like that. They're doing a good job of digesting all that."

With 10 spring practices to go, coaches are aiming for the point that the learning curve makes the transition from thinking about the calls to simply instinctive reacting. It won't come overnight, but they are seeing progress.

"They've worked extremely hard, they're trying to do everything we've asked them to do and I think you're going to continue to see more production as we continue to go through the spring," Summers said. "They're going to get more and more comfortable and have the ability to play faster each and every day and each and every rep."

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu