Colorado University Athletics

Linebackers Deeper Than They?ve Been In Three Years

Linebackers Deeper Than They?ve Been In Three Years
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BOULDER -- Spring football at the University of Colorado has generated excitement among fans, who are counting the days until they can see their Buffs hit the gridiron in the fall.  With a healthy buzz surrounding the state of the offense, particularly along the line and at quarterback, some have overlooked perhaps the deepest linebacking unit CU has fielded in recent memory. 
 
Four players who saw significant action last season return to anchor a linebacking core that features a nice mixture of youth and experience.  Rising seniors Jeff Smart and Shaun Mohler lead the young guns from the heralded 2008 recruiting class, each of whom look to fill prominent roles during the 2009 campaign. Other linebackers hope to challenge for playing time next season, as well. 

Smart and Mohler return to the field, looking to build off exceptional performances in 2008.  They were the Buffs top two tacklers on the season, Smart leading the team with 118 (80 solo) and Mohler second with 97 (65 solo).  Smart has emerged as a true leader on defense, commanding praise from players and coaches alike. He is the most experienced player in the linebacking core, and it is reflected in the way he approaches every down.  Associate head coach Brian Cabral, who coaches the linebackers, was quick to sing his praises when asked about SmartGÇÖs play during Spring ball.       

GÇ£Jeff [Smart] has just been so consistent,GÇ¥ Cabral said.  GÇ£He continues to almost be flawless.GÇ¥

Mohler was a solid performer in his first season as a Buff, despite having to adjust to ColoradoGÇÖs defensive scheme, and Cabral is optimistic that Mohler will improve upon last yearGÇÖs success.

GÇ£Everything he did last fall was a first time experience,GÇ¥ Cabral said. GÇ£He laid a foundation last fall.  Now, he has some understanding of what we are doing. HeGÇÖs actually improving.GÇ¥

Jon Major was a marquee signee in CUGÇÖs 2008 recruiting class.  He played in the Under Armor All American Game as a high school senior, and many expected him to contribute as a true freshman last year.  However, a knee injury he sustained during fall camp ended MajorGÇÖs season prematurely, forcing him to redshirt. 

Major is now healthy and taking part in some contact drills during Spring practice, although his participation has been limited during the first two weeks and change. He exhibits deceptive speed and great instincts, and he will likely contribute at inside linebacker next year.
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Redshirt freshman Doug Rippy, who is also a member of the 2008 recruiting class, is attracting attention in spring practice, strengthening his bid as a potential contributor in the fall. He combines a 6-1, 230 pound frame, great speed and solid coverage skills.  His physical tools make him an ideal candidate to earn time at outside linebacker. His skills are still raw, however, and Cabral stresses that he is scholarship and that there is still room to develop his immense potential.

GÇ£Rippy is getting an awful lot of work,GÇ¥ Cabral said. GÇ£He lacks the experience, but he is getting a lot of it right now.GÇ¥

Rising senior Marcus Burton is solidly in the mix, making a strong case to earn a starting position next season, as well.  After seeing limited time last season, Burton has shined in spring camp, and as the BuffsGÇÖ most physically imposing linebacker, he may well be a fixture on the inside next season.
   
GÇ£I really like what Marcus Burton is doing,GÇ¥ Cabral said. GÇ£He is showing some very good things.GÇ¥

B.J. Beatty and Michael Sipili each saw significant playing time at linebacker last year, and each improved as the season progressed.  Beatty is fighting for a spot atop the depth chart at outside linebacker, and a solid spring certainly has not hurt his cause.  Cabral said that Sipili has improved a lot since last year and has seen a lot of work so far this spring, so his play has also warranted consideration from the coaching staff.

Cabral and defensive coordinator Ron Collins are licking their chops at the prospect of fielding such a deep and competitive linebacking unit that returns two starters from last seasonGÇÖs squad and three others who saw action in at least 100 plays last year.  With the veterans stepping up and young players taking their licks, there is no room for complacency among those competing for playing time.       

GÇ£The biggest thing about the unit is competition,GÇ¥ Cabral said.  GÇ£Right now we are two deep at the three linebacker positions but there is competition at those spots.  IGÇÖm expecting more in the fall.  There is more competition this spring than we have had in the last three years.GÇ¥

It is possible that the linebackers will rotate more liberally next year than they have in recent seasons, due to the improved depth at a position that has been consistent for so long at Colorado. It is likely that all of the aforementioned players may contribute to the linebacking core in some capacity.