Losing Tyson Summers, seniors could hinder Rams defense in near future

With success comes recognition and the possibility of losing coaches. For Colorado State Rams football, that has become a reality.

The Rams, who went 7-5 in head coach Mike Bobo’s first season and are awaiting kickoff of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl, lost defensive coordinator Tyson Summers on Sunday as he became the new head coach of Georgia Southern.

We congratulate our defensive coordinator @TysonSummersCSU on becoming head coach at Georgia Southern. pic.twitter.com/HWSHPpsAZQ

— Colorado State Football (@CSUFootball) December 21, 2015

Summers came in as a key member of Bobo’s staff and turned the struggling Rams defense around in a hurry. Colorado State finished the regular season No. 13 in the nation in tackles for a loss (91) and No. 20 in pass yards allowed (2,235).

This graphic Bobo tweeted out on Saturday gives a look into how much the defense improved under Summers.

Proud of the work our boys have put into this season!! #finishstrong #neversatisfied pic.twitter.com/7qKgzQFdwp

— Coach Mike Bobo (@CoachMikeBobo) December 19, 2015

Of course, the culture change for the football team was important, as was play calling. But, what can’t be missed is the Rams loss of many play-makers from this season’s defense, which was stacked with senior leadership.

Trent Matthews’ career at Colorado State is already over due to a torn MCL, and his hard-hitting safety mate Kevin Pierre-Louis will have one more crack at punishing opponents in the Arizona Bowl one week from today.

DeAndre Elliott, who has been one of the Rams most athletic cornerbacks in recent history, will see his final action in green and gold next week, too. Elliott was tied for the team lead this season with two interceptions, totaled 31 tackles and blocked a field goal against Fresno State. Bobo has already “replenished” the defensive backfield with junior college transfers which were announced last week, but they could take time to adjust.

Cory James, Joe Kawulok, Terry Jackson; those three seniors were key in the Rams pass rush in 2014 and 2015, they’ll need to be replaced. SteveO Michel, Nick Januska; the list of seniors leaving the program goes on and on.

Of course, not every playmaker on the defensive side of the ball this year was a senior, which leaves some silver lining to the dark clouds of graduation and Summers’ promotion.

Kevin Davis, a junior, led the team with 95 total tackles and 14 TFLs, he also added three sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. It was a true breakout season for the linebacker, who could see improvement in 2016.

Deonte Clyburn is a junior linebacker who played lights out, with 69 total tackles, 7 TFLs and a fumble recovery. Tyree Simmons will also still be at CSU next year as one of their top cover corners from 2015.

And don’t forget about redshirt sophomore Kiel Robinson, who racked up 40 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 4.0 sacks.

Losing Tyson Summers — a fiery defensive coordinator — is a big blow to the Rams defense, especially as they lose so many senior leaders. But, the future is still bright for Colorado State football, not just with the youngsters coming up through the ranks on D, but due to the large number of talented commitments on both sides of the ball as of late.

And with Mike Bobo leading the way, the Rams will look to seize the day.

He’s “Never Satisfied” as Bobo’s Colorado State Rams have their eyes on the prize; a Mountain West Championship.