Boulder – Even when it was packed full of people, the 24 Hour Fitness on Quincy and Buckley in Aurora was a lonely place for Colorado safety J.J. Billingsley last spring.
Away from the football program on academic suspension, it was akin to being banished. No teammates. No strength coaches pushing him to be his best.
It was motivating.
It moved Billingsley to tie up the loose ends in his life and get back to the team and the game he loved.
“I had to get on the grind fast,” he said. “I had no time to mess around. I became more mature. I used to blame a lot of people when really it was me. I got the chance, while I was out, to look at myself and just realize the game doesn’t need me. I need the game. Things aren’t just supposed to come to me; I’m supposed to go get it.”
The first thing Billingsley went out and worked for was a grade-point average necessary to make him eligible this season. He attended summer school with a purpose, even putting aside an opportunity to work part time in order to concentrate on his studies.
Once that was taken care of, he went out and started working over opposing offenses.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior safety has been a one-man wrecking crew on a CU defense that, despite its dismal performance against Texas last week, has been one of the most improved units in the nation. A year ago, the Buffs finished last in the Big 12 and 94th in the nation in total defense. Going into Saturday’s home game against Kansas, CU is ranked 30th. Before the 42-17 loss to Texas, the Buffs’ defense was ranked 19th.
The return of Billingsley, who missed the majority of last season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, is a huge reason.
“We are a little more mature defensively, we are better in our scheme and J.J. Billingsley has made quite a difference in the secondary,” CU coach Gary Barnett said. “He was playing like that last year before he was hurt.”
Billingsley is third on the team in tackles with 44 and leads the team in tackles for loss with four for minus-21 yards. He also has had an interception and a fumble recovery and has been crucial to CU’s success against the run.
“With him back there, I feel comfortable,” senior defensive lineman Vaka Manupuna said. “I don’t have to worry about anyone in the secondary. J.J. coming back is putting more energy in our defense. It’s a big difference.”
Billingsley acknowledges he’s playing the best football of his career. He said besides going through rehabilitation, he didn’t do much last season except watch games. But this season he has brought a greater awareness and understanding to the details that help turn average players into good ones and good players into great ones.
“I’m smarter,” he said. “I know the defense a lot more than I did last year – scheme-wise, footwork, technique, all that.
“Watching film on different teams, I’m better. I know how to break down a film. When I know what to do, I just play football. Get in the right spot and just play football.”
Kansas at Colorado
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas (3-3, 0-3): Junior cornerback Charles Gordon is the Big 12’s best-kept secret. He is much more than just an outstanding defensive player. He is also used as a punt returner and wide receiver. Last week against Oklahoma he intercepted two passes, caught four passes for 18 yards and returned two punts for 44 yards. Meanwhile, senior linebacker Nick Reid is as good as they come in the Big 12. He leads the conference with 69 tackles, 16 for losses.
Colorado (4-2, 2-1): Cornerback Terry Washington gets his first start at CU in place of injured starter Lorenzo Sims. The junior has learned the finer points of the position in spot duty this season and has contributed four tackles and a forced fumble. A solid pass rush would do wonders to help Washington out. Defensive end Alex Ligon is a key there. Ligon recently lost his starting job but got it back when Alonzo Barrett suffered a knee injury against Texas A&M. Ligon has 10 tackles this season.
KEY STAT
4-2: The Buffaloes’ record in games after a loss over the past two seasons. CU is 1-0 in that category this season.
KEY FOR KANSAS
The Jayhawks must find a way to move the ball if they are to keep the game competitive. Kansas’ defense is good but is not getting any help from the offense. Kansas is averaging just 7.6 points per game in Big 12 play and has not scored a touchdown in its past nine quarters.
KEY FOR COLORADO
Refocusing after the disappointment at Texas. Coaches say a lack of focus cost the Buffs dearly in Austin. Defenders blew assignments. Penalties again were a problem. To get back into the win column, CU needs to smooth over the rough edges.
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at cdempsey@denverpost.com or 303-820-5455.
