Position Preview: Buffs D-Line Has Big Shoes To Fill

BOULDER — When it comes to the Colorado defense, there's no question this year where the biggest project awaited.

Big as in the big men up front. Big as in figuring out how to replace three 300-pounders who were the rock of Colorado's defense a year ago, a wall that set the foundation for a defense that finished among the top 20 in the nation.

The answer? More big guys.

"We've got some size there," said Buffs defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat. "Javier (Edwards) is obviously over 300 pounds. Mulumba is very close to 300 and a very good athlete. Leo Jackson III is about 285 and has been in our system for three years, and that's a big advantage to him. We've got guys who can play."

Javier Edwards, a junior college transfer at nose tackle, was one of CU's biggest offseason additions, literally and figuratively. Now checking in at about 355 pounds, he is expected to fill the shoes of last year's standout nose tackle, Josh Tupou.

"They're similar," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "They can both hold the point because they're so big and strong. They also have the ability to move and do that type of thing. I think Javier has a lot of talent, we'll just see if he can put it on and do it during a game like Josh did."

Chris Mulumba, another junior college transfer, is an extremely athletic big man who has also made solid strides since enrolling in the spring. He's shown the ability to play the run and rush the passer, and as he continues to learn the game — he didn't start playing until he was a senior in high school in Finland — he will continue to improve.

But the anchor of the three D-linemen atop the depth chart may be Jackson, a starter two years ago and a key reserve last year. He has not only stepped back into his starting role, he has assumed the role as the position group leader and elder statesman. Jackson has had a solid camp, both against the run and in rushing the passer off the edge.

"We're coming together very well," Jackson said. "Us being brothers and working together, that's the biggest thing for us. We joke a lot, we give each other grief — especially if we miss assignments — but we're still really close. We've improved a lot, especially with the younger guys. I expect us to do big things."

Those "younger guys" will no doubt be a key for the Buffs. That group includes sophomores Frank Umu (6-foot-4, 305) and Lyle Tuiloma (6-foot-3, 310) and junior Jase Franke (6-foot-3, 280).

Umu has been working at defensive end while Tuiloma has been a fixture at nose tackle on CU's goal line defense. Franke, one of CU's most powerful players, has played nose tackle and defensive end and will likely see snaps at both spots this year.

"I love Jase Franke, he can play any position," Jeffcoat said. "Lyle Tuiloma has really made a big improvement for this fall camp and I'm really excited about him, and it's the same about Frank Umu."

Also in the group is senior George Frazier, who is once again lining up on defense and offense as well as a variety of special teams. Frazier has proven he can make plays on both sides of the ball and will almost certainly see time in games as a defensive lineman and a tight end.

The key this year for the Buffs may be a rotation. Last year, CU's three starters received the majority of snaps, with all three starters in for at least 520 plays. This year, such a scenario is unlikely.

"We have depth this year and I think it's pretty good depth," Jeffcoat said. "When we have depth and don't have to have a guy play 70 to 75 plays, that helps us. That keeps them fresh and it keeps them involved in the game. It's why I like to play more than three guys if I have the young guys who can do it and the depth. We have to keep them fresh."

That depth is especially important in the Pac-12, where "tempo" offenses have become the norm.

"It will be a little bit more mix and match — and honestly, the way we play, you'd like to be that way if you can because they could wear down," MacIntyre said. "I feel good about them being able to throw different guys in there."

WHO'S BACK: Senior Leo Jackson, senior George Frazier, junior Jase Franke, sophomore Lyle Tuiloma, sophomore Brett Tonz, RS freshman Terriek Roberts, sophomore Mo Bandi.

WHO'S NEW: Junior (transfer) Chris Mulumba, junior (transfer) Javier Edwards, freshman Terrance Lang, freshman Nico Magri, freshman Jalen Sami.

WHAT'S IN STORE: On a defense that must reload in a number of places, this might be the most important — and the biggest unknown. If the group can gel and provide the type of run defense the Buffs had a year ago, it will go a long way in helping CU's defense remain competitive in the Pac-12. It means the Buffs will have to have good years from newcomers Mulumba and Edwards, a solid year from Jackson — and plenty of support from the second wave.

STAT TO REMEMBER: Last year, the Buffs' top three linemen produced 148 tackles and 9.5 sacks. This year, two of CU's projected three starters have never played in a Division I game. It's not likely that CU's starters will match the production of the 2016 bunch, but as a group, they need to combine for those kinds of totals.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu