Over the next three weeks, BSN Buffs will be breaking down our top 20 Colorado Buffaloes entering the fall of 2017. These rankings were voted on by BSN Buffs editor Jake Shapiro and staff Chase Howell and Sam Weaver.
One of the most underrated contributors to the stacked 2016 Colorado Buffaloes defense was lineman Leo Jackson. Despite playing 13 games, he only started one but he did play in 254 snaps from scrimmage. He’s expected to see a lot more time in game with eight graduated starters gone from last year’s team including lineman Jordan Carrell, Samson Kafovalu and Josh Tupou.
In 2016, his junior year Jackson nabbed 16 tackles, one third down stop, one quarterback hurry, a touchdown save and one quarterback chase down. These numbers and playing time were all down from his sophomore season where he was in for 586 snaps from scrimmage, the second-most by any down lineman, and recorded 33 tackles.
A transfer from junior college Jackson seemed to start to come into his own in his role last year. His role, which is increasing big time, will be key for the Buffs on the defensive line. He is the clear-cut choice to receive a lot of the vacated time and we at BSN Buffs believe he’ll take this opportunity and be a solid contributor.
“I expect him to be the leader of the group,” defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat told the Daily Camera in March. “If he’s playing at a high level, he’s going to pull some other guys along.”
He’s only 6-3, 275-pounds, but he offers athleticism, speed and strength on the line. CU will have one versatile defense, the only question is: will it be good? Jackson is one of the keys to answering that question.
