-Drew Suppes
The 2009 season will be the 20th year that linebacker coach Brian Cabral has been a coach for the Buffs, and 19th as a full-time assistant, which is the most in CU sports history. In his time at CU, he has coached seven All-Americans:
- Alfred Williams (‘89-1st team, ‘90-1st team), Kanavis McGhee (‘89-1st team), Matt Russell (‘96, 1st team), Jordan Dizon (‘07-1st team), Chad Brown (‘92-2nd team), Jashon Sykes (‘99-2nd team), Ted Johnson (‘94-3rd team).
Heading into the 2009 season, the linebacker position is arguably the most talented on the team. As Spring practices approach, the Buffs will return 2 starters from last years team, and will look to replace 3 year starter, and 2008 sack leader Brad Jones. Ten scholarship athletes, and six walk-ons will compete for three available positions.
Ranking fourth in the Big-12, and leading the Buffs with 118 tackles, Jeff Smart returns for his senior season in 2009. The former walk-on from Boulder High School took over starting duties as a sophomore in 2007 at the “mike” linebacker position. He has yet to reliquish the position, making 22 straight starts, and it will be his job to lose in 2009. Smart doesn’t possess great size (6′0″, 215lbs.), or speed, but he has a good knack for the ball.
Shaun Mohler transfered to Colorado from Orange Coast Community College and was ranked as the no.1 juco outside linebacker (rivals.com) in the nation. He received his first start as “will” linebacker just four games into the season, against Florida State, and started every game since (nine games total). Mohler finished the team as the second leading tackler (97) in 2008. His size (6′3″, 220lbs.) and speed give him the ability to effectively drop back into coverage, while being an effective run stopper. He should be the front runner to retain the “mike” linebacker position.
With his relentlessness, and constant motor on the football field, junior B.J. Beatty looks to be the frontrunner to fill in the void left by Brad Jones. After an impressive Spring in 2008, Beatty was in a virtual tie with Jones, but broke his fibula forcing him to miss four games early in the season. His pass-rushing skills, and ability to get into the backfield will give him the edge over the rest of the pack competing for the “sam” linebacker position.
Two players that saw significant playing time early in their careers, but have since seen their time reduced are senior Marcus Burton and Mike Sipili. As a true freshman in 2005 Burton played in all 13 games, and showed great potential. However, he suffered a broken led in 2006, was academically ineligible and redshirted in 2007, and saw just 59 snaps in 2008. Sipili went down a similar path, as he saw action in all 12 games in 2006 as a true freshman, but was suspended from the team in 2007 following an off-field incident. He rejoined the team in 2008, and was listed no.2, below Smart at the “mike” linebacker position.
The Buffs recruiting class of 2008 ranked third in the nation (rivals.com) at the linebacker position with four talented athletes: Mohler, Jon Major, and Lynn Katoa and Doug Rippy. Major (#9 ranked inside linebacker-rivals.com) redshirted in 2008 after tearing his ACL in August. It is unclear whether he’s 100% healthy for Spring practices, but he is too talented to keep off the field for too long. Katoa (#2 ranked inside linebacker-rivals.com) redshirted in 2008 after an off-field incident caused him to be suspended, despite graduating from high school early. Word out of Boulder is that Katoa has been struggling in the classroom, and will more than likely be academically ineligible for the 2009 season. Rippy (#11 ranked linebacker-SuperPrep) also redshirted in 2008. He has great size (6′3″, 225lbs.), and should challenge Beatty for playing time at the “sam” position.
Here is a quick breakdown of the Linebacker position:
Player(s) lost to graduation:
-Brad Jones: Finished his career with 242 tackles (35th best all-time at CU). In 2008 he led the team in sacks (7), and tackles for a loss (14). Jones hopes to get drafted in the NFL Draft on April 25, and put up great numbers during pro timing day in Boulder, including a 40-time of 4.54.
Scholarship Players Returning:
-Tyler Ahles (So.)–Finished the 2008 season no. 3 on the depth chart at “mike” linebacker
-Marcus Burton (Sr.)–Finished the 2008 season ranked no. 3 in special teams points.
-Lynn Katoa (Rfr.)–Off-field distractions and academic struggles have kept the talented athlete off the field.
-Jon Major (Rfr.)–Coming off a season ending ACL tear in August 2008.
-Mike Sipili (Jr.)–Played in seven games and had 19 tackles in 2008.
-Jeff Smart (Sr.)–Has made 22 straight starts at the “mike” linebacker position. Had the most tackles on the team (118).
-Shaun Mohler (Sr.)–Second on the team with 97 tackles.
-Doug Rippy (Rfr.)–Passes the “eye” test, at 6′3″, 225lbs.
-B.J. Beatty (Jr.)–Most likely candidate to replace Brad Jones in 2009.
-Josh Hartigan (So.)–Finished the 2008 season ranked no. 3 on the depth chart at the “sam” linebacker.
Walk-on’s Looking for a Roster Spot:
-David Goldberg (So.)
-Brandon Gouin (So.)–Transfer from Air Force.
-Bryan Stengel (Sr.)
-Joe Toppa (Fr.)
-Guy Sergent (Rfr.)
-Zackary Farley (So.)
(A glimpse into the future…)
2009 Signee(s) Joining Team in the Fall
-Liloa Nobriga
-Derrick Webb
More Buffs Spring Previews:
Offensive Line
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends/ Fullback
