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Jimmie Gilbert and Kenneth Olugbode
Photo by: CUBuffs.com

Look Ahead: Buffs Could Have Difference Makers At LB

May 23, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk

BOULDERWith the onset of organized summer workouts just around the corner and the opening of football fall camp less than 11 weeks away, we continue the process of breaking down where the Colorado Buffaloes stand on a position-by-position basis.

Next up: Linebackers.

On a defense that improved significantly a year ago and is expected to take another step forward this season, this position is a big reason for the optimism. A position that was hit hard by injuries a year ago could be blessed with some significant depth — particularly on the inside — just a year later. The Buffs have returning starters at all four spots, and all four players are potential difference-makers.

A year ago, the loss of inside 'backer Addison Gillam in Week 2 last year haunted the Buffs all season. Those problems were then compounded by an injury to Kenneth Olugbode, who missed two full games midway through the season.

But if there was a silver lining to Gillam's injury, it was that his absence forced Rick Gamboa into a starting role, and the redshirt freshman responded with an outstanding season, leading the team in overall tackles with 96.

Now, Gillam is back and expected to be ready to go when summer conditioning drills begin at the end of May. Olugbode, meanwhile, is also healthy; Gamboa has a year of experience under his belt; and the Buffs improved their depth in the offseason with the signing of junior college transfer Drew Lewis, who spent a redshirt season at Washington before transferring to Coffeyville CC.

The biggest concern at this position might be depth on the outside, where the Buffs have a pair of standout returning starters in Jimmie Gilbert and Derek McCartney, but not much experienced depth after that. Gilbert led the Buffs with six sacks last year and McCartney was right behind with five.

What we learned in spring: The Buffs went into the spring with improving their pass rush as a top priority in their 3-4 defense. CU tied for 10th in the Pac-12 with 27 sacks last year, a number defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt knows the Buffs must improve significantly if they're going to take another big step forward defensively.

On the inside, Gillam didn't participate in spring drills and Olugbode saw limited action early. Gamboa, however, had an outstanding spring before missing the spring game because of injury; and Christian Shaver also had a good spring before an injury at the end of March. Also getting plenty of spring reps was senior Ryan Severson, which will add to the depth at the position.

On the outside, McCartney was limited for much of the spring after he donated blood platelets just before spring drills began. Gilbert, though, had a solid spring and capped it off with a four-tackle, one-sack effort in the spring game, and both will be full go when summer conditioning opens.

Senior Deaysean Rippy also had some good moments in the spring on the outside (three tackles in the spring game). A question mark, though, is the status of sophomore N.J. Falo, who had a good spring but was involved in an off-the-field incident and his status is yet to be determined.

Overall, progress was made, but probably not as much as CU coaches would have liked. It will put an even bigger emphasis on summer conditioning workouts and classroom work.

What's next: Juco transfer Lewis should be ready to go for summer workouts at the inside spot, as will Gillam, Olugbode, Gamboa, Severson and Travis Talianko, a senior who missed all of last season with an injury.

On the outside, also ready to go will be McCartney, Gilbert and Terran Hasselbach. Hasselbach, a sophomore, missed the spring with an injury, but the Buffs will be counting on him to figure in the mix next fall. Another name that could add some depth outside? Try Tyler Henington, a former defensive lineman who missed all of last season after a freak injury. Henington could give the Buffs some depth and pass rush help on the outside, and should be ready to go for summer conditioning drills.

Another player to watch will be freshman Sam Bennion, who enrolled after serving his LDS mission. Bennion, a member of the 2014 recruiting class, had some moments in the spring and his summer will be important to his progress.

Overall, linebacker — both inside and outside — could be a position of strength for a defense that is expected to take another step forward next fall. A year ago, Leavitt said his defense made the most progress in summer workouts. If they can match that improvement this summer, it will bode well for the fall.

Fall camp storylines: There are no surprises on the post-spring “pencil” depth chart. Gillam and Olugbode are listed atop their positions on the inside; McCartney and Gilbert are No. 1 outside.

One storyline will be Lewis, a highly recruited player out of high school, and how he fits into the mix. Folks will also be watching Gillam closely to see if he can shake the injury bug that has plagued him the last couple of season; and Gamboa's progress will also be interesting to watch.

On the outside, the story will be who can step in and provide some meaningful snaps behind Gilbert and McCartney. Henington and Hasselbach will get their chances; if they can fill the bill, it will be a big boost for the defense. The storyline here will be depth and whether the Buffs can get a more consistent pass rush from this spot.

Note: CU's “pencil” depth chart is the one that has been released to various magazines around the nation for their summer preview specials. It includes players who were injured and did not participate in spring but are expected to be ready for summer drills. It does not include players who have yet to practice with the team, such as incoming freshmen and transfers.

Pencil depth chart:

Outside LB: Derek McCartney, Terran Hasselbach, Deaysean Rippy, Aaron Howard.

Inside (Jack) LB: Kenneth Olugbode, Ryan Severson, Travis Talianko.

Inside (Mike) LB: Addison Gillam, Rick Gamboa, Christian Shaver

Outside LB: Jimmie Gilbert, Tyler Henington, Sam Bennion.

Incoming players who could figure into the mix: There's no doubt CU coaches want to see something right away from JC transfer Lewis. They'd also love to see true freshman Pookie Maka, an outside 'backer, come in and have some kind of immediate impact.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu