BOULDER — As football players are apt to do, Colorado’s young defensive linemen huddled last Saturday before the Buffaloes’ game at Texas. This time was different, however. It happened in the visitor’s locker room before the team got out on the field for warm-ups.
“We talked about how we were kind of sick of reading (on Internet fan sites) that we were the ‘weak link’ on the team,” recalled Forrest West, a freshman from Connecticut who is now listed as a starter at left defensive end.
“We decided we’d better do something about it, rather than just complaining. We were ready to play. We held our ground.”
That they did. Texas, then ranked No. 2 in both major polls, netted just 46 yards rushing on 25 attempts. The Longhorns entered the game averaging 208 grounds yards per game.
“Our defensive line definitely took a step forward last week. They realized they can compete despite their age,” CU senior linebacker Marcus Burton said Wednesday.
CU’s usual rotation includes junior defensive end Marquez Herrod, sophomore tackle Curtis Cunningham, sophomore end-tackle Conrad Obi, redshirt freshman tackle Will Pericak and true freshmen Nate Bonsu (tackle), Nick Kasa (end) and West.
Cunningham, a former Columbine High standout, said the young line is gaining confidence.
“It’s a week-to-week change, but we’re developing pretty well,” Cunningham said. “There are still the mental errors. But as a group, I think we’re exceeding expectations.”
CU coach Dan Hawkins agreed. Despite their youth up front, the Buffaloes’ defense yielded just 17 of the Longhorns’ 38 points. Three Texas touchdowns came on returns: off a punt, a blocked punt and an interception.
“I was looking out there (at the D-line) a couple of times, and it was freshman, freshman, sophomore . . . ” Hawkins recalled. “And the whole game, they’re battling.”
Walk-on makes good.
Keenan Stevens entered this season having been in for a total of just 10 college snaps, but will make his third straight start Saturday, against Kansas.
Although sophomore Mike Iltis has been banged up, coaches say Stevens, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound junior, has earned the start with his performance on the field.
“Hearing that makes me feel good,” said Stevens, who still lacks a scholarship. “This is what I’ve been working for.”
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
