FRESNO, CALIF. — When Colorado linebacker Derrick Webb arrived on campus in 2009, he should have been nicknamed “pinball” for the way he randomly bounced around.
“Derrick always had the motor, but he didn’t know where to go,” said longtime CU linebackers coach Brian Cabral. “He was just a missile out there that was going to hit something.
“Now, he is going to hit something with a purpose.”
As a fourth-year junior, Webb has learned what to do and where to do it. Colorado (0-2) is counting on another big performance from the 6-foot, 230-pounder Saturday at Fresno State (1-1).
A former all-state player in Memphis, Tenn., Webb didn’t say much as a CU underclassman. Now he’s a team leader. In the wake of the Buffaloes’ 30-28 loss to FCS-level Sacramento State, Webb organized a players-only meeting Tuesday before practice and did most of the talking.
“The message was that it was up to the players to get the job done, because coaches can only take us so far,” Webb said. “The players showed me a lot of respect and told me they appreciated what I did.
“But what made me feel really good is we then came out and had one of our best practices.”
Teammates said Webb’s passion for the game showed during the meeting and has always been contagious on the field.
“Derrick always has something in the gas tank,” said senior linebacker Jon Major. “I remember when Derrick was a freshman. He’d go 100 miles an hour out there. The coaches would get mad, but not too mad. They said they’d rather restrain a race horse than kick a mule.”
Through two games, Webb ranks second on the team with 19 tackles (to Major’s 20) and leads the Buffs in third-down stops (four) and quarterback pressures (two).
Webb started one game as a redshirt freshman in 2010 and six games last fall. Strong and quick, he has always been an effective player. But his performance so far in 2012 has reached another level.
“As you get more mature, you understand the importance of preparation,” Webb said. “Coach Cabral drilled that into me for three years, and I’m finally catching on.
“I’m coming into my fourth year. I wanted to put the work into it so I could get as much out of it as I can. It’s paying off mentally and physically.”
The play of linebackers Major, Webb and sophomore Brady Daigh could be the key to CU’s defense. Fresno State features strong-armed quarterback Derek Carr, younger brother of former Bulldogs star and overall No. 1 NFL pick David Carr, and senior running back Robbie Rouse (5-7, 190), who needs 79 yards to become the school’s all-time leading rusher.
Fresno State’s offensive balance between the pass and the run puts CU linebackers in the middle of it all. Daigh, a former Mullen standout, takes the place of senior Doug Rippy, who is out this week because of a knee injury.
Under first-year coach Tim DeRuyter, a former Air Force player and defensive coordinator, Fresno State ditched the traditional pro-set offense of previous coach Pat Hill and turned up the tempo with a no-huddle look that features quick reads and bubble screens. But the Bulldogs never forget about the running ability of Rouse, who rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown last weekend in the 42-25 loss at Oregon. The Ducks’ defense is regarded as among the Pac-12’s best.
“Fresno State does a lot of things,” Major said. “It’s going to be tough. It’s always tough on the road. We’re going to have to bring our best game.”
Webb said that during his first couple of years he had to learn how to watch game film.
“You first try to learn and understand our defenses,” Webb said. “But then you take the next step when you learn the concepts, why if all fits together.
“The next step is learning how the defense works against the (opponents’) offense, the presnap reads, adjustments, all that. Now I have a pretty good understanding of where the ball is going to go, and I get a head start getting there. I’m just putting myself in better position to make plays.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280, tkensler@denverpost.com or
ON TAP: Colorado at Fresno State, 6 p.m., CBSSN • Colorado State at San Jose State, 6 p.m.
