BOULDER — With a freshman season that almost felt jinxed behind him, Colorado defensive end Nick Kasa looked to the future and began fall camp Thursday with a bounce in his step. It’s a wonder he didn’t turn cartwheels.
The former Legacy High School star arrived under the spotlight last fall as the plum of Colorado’s 2009 recruiting class — a national top-100 prospect and U.S. Army All-American Game selection who originally committed to the Florida Gators before deciding to stay close to home.
Big things were expected from the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder. But his plan to make an immediate impact was derailed by a preseason MCL tear in his left knee 11 days into fall practices and later by a bout with mononucleosis.
Wearing a knee brace, Kasa saw action in just four games, for a total of 47 plays. He recorded two tackles, with one stop for a loss. Not easing the pain was the fact he had played too much to recover the year of eligibility with an injury redshirt.
“Last year was bad luck, terrible luck, and I kind of use what happened to drive me to have a great season this year,” Kasa said. “I was out just enough that I couldn’t get a redshirt, which is too bad. But I played a lot less than I wanted to.”
In 2009, Colorado often used two freshmen and a sophomore on the defensive line and ranked ninth among Big 12 Conference teams in sacks with 27. That total fell well below leaders Nebraska (44), Texas (43) and Texas Tech (41). The return of Kasa should help. Getting to the quarterback and penetrating the line of scrimmage were his specialties and a major reason his impressive list of offers included California, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Oregon.
“That guy, he’s got the stuff,” senior linebacker B.J. Beatty said after Thursday’s practice. “I’m just waiting to see it unleashed. I think Nick is ready to show what everybody has anticipated from him. He’s busted his butt this summer to get ready.”
Kasa completed his high school career as Legacy’s all-time leader in career sacks (31 1/2) and tackles for a loss (46).
“I want to do everything I can to help improve that (sack total),” Kasa said. “It’s definitely a point of emphasis for the whole defensive line this year. We’re going to be all getting after it. We’re going to all be helping each other to get more sacks.”
Still trying to round into form, Kasa finished spring drills second on the depth chart at right defensive end behind senior Marquez Herrod. Sophomore Forrest West was listed with the first team at left defensive end out of spring drills, but is out for at least a few days with a knee injury. Junior Curtis Cunningham and sophomore Will Pericak man the tackle positions.
“It was really tough last year only being able to watch the guys instead of being out there helping out,” Kasa said. “I was trying to pay attention to what everybody was doing. I put it away in my mind so when I came back everybody wouldn’t be ahead of me.”
Defensive line coach Romeo Bandison said Kasa has the physical tools, but the loss of repetitions last year put him behind.
“Nick is big and he can run,” Bandison said after practice. “But playing in just four games last year, he lost a lot of experience. He needs to catch up. I think he will be fine. I feel good about these guys, but they’re still young.”
Kasa said he added at least 20 pounds during the offseason to all his weight-training numbers. His top bench press is up to 360 pounds.
“I feel really good about everything,” Kasa said.
Not the least of which is considering 2009 to be ancient history.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
