Linebacker play will be backbone of CSU defense in 2016

Revamping the defense is a priority for a Colorado State football program which gave up nearly 400 yards per game last season. Under newly re-appointed defensive coordinator Marty English, and a return to the 3-4 alignment, linebacker play will be crucial for an improved Ram defense this fall.

Last season the defense had ups and downs, generally performing well, but often susceptible to giving up the big play. The Rams got after their opponents early in halves last season, outscoring opponents 130-74 in the first quarter and 80-65 in the third quarter last season. In the second and fourth quarter however, CSU was outscored 114-88 and 95-77 respectively. What that shows is that the defense would get tired and break down as the game went on.

In 2016, CSU is looking to better finish games while limiting their opponents’ opportunities for the big play. The Rams gave up 128 yards yards per game on the ground last season, which is something they must cut down on this year. In the 3-4 scheme, communication amongst the linebackers plays a large role in the success of a defense, both against the run and pass.

Although the 2015 team had a ton of experience, they did not communicate particularly well, and often gave up points in bunches because of that lack of communication. An improvement in communication, as well as on-field leadership in 2016, will result an improved defense.

When we interviewed him, senior linebacker Kevin Davis spoke of how the Rams are working on becoming a mentally tougher football team in 2016, and how to better close out games. “Our workout program this spring is called the fourth quarter, so we want to be able to finish out games, and definitely as a defense eliminate big plays,” Davis told us.

This spring, defensive depth is fairly thin, due to injuries and the loss of seven starters graduating. Moving forward, players like Davis and sophomore Josh Watson are expected to step up this season as leaders of the defense. Head coach Mike Bobo has repeatedly praised the two for their efforts in team’s offseason workout program and efforts in the early stages of spring ball.

Davis talked about how he is trying to grow as a player this offseason. “I’m trying to be more of a vocal leader around the defense,” Davis said. “Be a guy that guys can look up to. Make sure that I’m right in the playbook, my body is right in the weight room, things like that.”

Davis has experience with his defensive coordinator Marty English and is comfortable with the schemes, but spoke of the process of converting from Tyson Summer’s 4-3, back to English’s 3-4 scheme.

“We know what’s going on, but at the same time we have to relearn it, from having coach Summer’s defense last year, so there’s a relearning process but it comes a lot easier than learning a brand new defense,” Davis said.

Davis saw significant playing time in 2015, leading the team with 101 total tackles, so it is no surprise he is hungry to continue to grow as a player. Watson is a redshirt sophomore, and will be playing a much larger role in 2016, after recording 34 tackles in a limited role for the team last year.

Together, these two will be the heart of the defense, responsible for relaying communication inside-out, and to make big plays when the defense needs it. “He’s a guy that loves to play football,” Mike Bobo said of Josh Watson.

“He’s not doing everything exactly right, or how coach English would want, but he is finding the football and making tackles. That’s what you want out of your linebacker. I think he’s gotta get more comfortable and understand the defense. He’s the quarterback of the defense, him and Kevin Davis, but I do see a guy who likes the ball and likes playing.”

The coaching staff would like to see more consistency out of Watson, but it is clear his physical ability is there. Being the “quarterback of the defense” is a heavy responsibility for the young linebacker, but he is not worried about the challenge.

“It just means that I need to know my responsibilities number one,” Watson told BSN. “Know my job and what my teammates around me are doing. If I know that, then everything else will fall into place.”

Even though Watson has not played a prominent role in the defense previously, this will be his third year in the program. Watson spent much of the last two seasons soaking in the information, and learning from players above him, as he waited for his opportunity to be “the guy”.

“Cory James, (Deonte) Clyburn, Kevin Davis. Watching those older guys compete, and watching them mature and make plays. Watching them has helped me bring my game up,” Watson said.

This season will be Watson’s opportunity to step up and be one of the players leading by example. Playing alongside Davis will give him an experienced linebacker to help shoulder the burden, and fall back on in tough times.

There are 11 starters on any defense, but there are always guys that stand out on the field. Players that are not only vocal leaders on and off the field, but guys that just seem to find the ball in big moments.

Players like Shaquil Barrett, Max Morgan and Aaron Davis have been that guy for CSU in the past. Will 2016 be the year of Kevin Davis and Josh Watson? Only time will tell, but Ram fans will have their first taste of the talented duo this Saturday, at the annual Green and Gold game.