Boulder – The way Colorado defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz sees it, the Buffaloes’ defensive performance last season was not cut and dried. It was mostly shades of gray.
Yes, CU finished 94th in the nation in total defense and last in the Big 12.
But there were mitigating circumstances. And, Hankwitz said, scoring defense and turnovers are the most important barometers on defense, and CU showed marked improvement from the previous season. The Buffs forced 27 turnovers, five more than in 2003, and allowed 25.5 points per game, compared with 33.2 a season earlier.
“I wasn’t disappointed,” Hankwitz said, “but I had higher hopes that we could be a little bit better.”
In the current preseason dust storm of concern over the running game, the wide receivers and mounting injuries, talk of CU’s defense has flown under the radar. Its issues, however, can be considered significant.
Coach Gary Barnett earmarked the pass rush and pass coverage as areas that needed the most improvement if the Buffs’ defense is to make strides. Hankwitz said those areas will improve markedly simply because players have another year of experience.
“They are so much further ahead this fall in their confidence and comfort in what they’re doing,” Hankwitz said. “It’s like night and day.”
Having eight returning starters on defense doesn’t hurt, either.
Colorado’s front four appears solid, and will be even stronger when defensive end Alex Ligon returns from a neck injury suffered Tuesday.
Colorado’s linebackers are being touted as one of the premier groups in the Big 12, and everyone on the two-deep returns. Included are four of the top five tacklers a year ago – Brian Iwuh, Thaddaeus Washington, Jordon Dizon and Akarika Dawn.
The secondary took a hit with the loss of cornerback Terrence Wheatley (wrist) for the season, but junior cornerback Lorenzo Sims insists CU will improve there.
“I’m so impressed with our progress,” Sims said. “I’m seeing improvement everywhere, in every position, from the front line to the linebackers to the secondary. It just seems like everyone is hungry to achieve our goals. It’s wonderful to watch.”
A year ago, three of CU’s best players at their respective positions – cornerback Sammy Joseph, defensive end Marcus Harris and safety J.J. Billingsley – were unavailable for various reasons. Secondary coach Vance Joseph left the team before spring football began, so CU was forced to find a replacement who needed a crash course to learn personnel, and then had to teach concepts on the fly. Hankwitz had just arrived in Boulder a few months earlier, so he was installing a new system.
CU’s ability to play well in the red zone helped mask its trouble getting stops between the 20-yard lines, something players and coaches hope won’t be an issue this season as everyone appears more settled.
“Guys are holding each other more accountable,” defensive tackle James Garee said. “That’s something I haven’t seen for a couple of years. Even the younger guys are paying more attention to detail.”
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
