BOULDER — It has become a trend for college football coaches to rotate defensive linemen to keep them fresh. Colorado, seemingly always short on roster numbers, hasn’t been able to keep up.
“If you’re out there all the time, you can get gassed,” CU defensive end Samson Kafovalu said. “We just haven’t had the depth.”
That might be about to change. Colorado returns three of last year’s four starters along the defensive line and needs to replace only departing tackle Juda Parker.
Colorado coaches expect that a slew of additions will help bring the Buffaloes up to speed. The overhaul begins with the return of two redshirt juniors: defensive ends Kafovalu (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) and Tyler Henington (6-2, 250). Kafovalu spent last fall at his home in the greater Los Angeles area to, by his own admission, become emotionally invested in attending college and playing football again. He suffered a season-ending knee injury (ACL tear) during August camp and won’t be cleared for contact work until this summer.
Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said Kafovalu and Henington would have started last fall if they had been available.
In 2013, as a sophomore, Kafovalu was regarded as one of CU’s most promising pass rushers. He made two starts and finished the season with three sacks.
“Personal reasons” was the explanation given for his hiatus.
“I eventually just woke myself up and realized that I was missing out on a great opportunity,” Kafovalu said. “I decided I couldn’t go down that path no more. It comes down to whether you’re willing to do this or not. It takes a commitment. You have to fight against temptations and going out. You just have to be smart and do the right things.”
Improved depth along the defensive line is being provided from several sources. Two junior college transfers, defensive end Blake Robbins (6-5, 265) and defensive tackle Jordan Carrell (6-3, 275), enrolled in January and are participating in spring drills. So is 2014 “grayshirt” Leo Jackson (6-3, 285), who was a member of last year’s recruiting class but delayed his enrollment until January.
Among the returning starters, defensive ends Derek McCartney (sophomore) and Jimmie Gilbert (junior) showed good potential and senior defensive tackle Josh Tupou could contend for all-conference recognition this fall.
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
