Colorado Football: 5 breakout candidates for spring game

3 of 6

Nov 19, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Leo Jackson III (52) reacts to a strip sack fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes defeated the Cougars 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive end Leo Jackson returns with this season high expectations this spring. Jackson didn’t have a particularly strong 2016 season, production-wise, but this upcoming season will give him an opportunity to change all of that.

More from Colorado Buffaloes

Jackson appeared in 10 games for Colorado last season, finishing with 16 tackles (9 solo, 6 assisted) and 0.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sack. In 2015, he recorded 24 tackles (14 solo, 10 assisted) as a sophomore for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Jackson replaces senior defensive end Samson Kafovalu. Kafovalu finished last season with 53 total tackles (29 solo, 24 assisted), 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks on a defensive line that allowed just 149.7 rushing yards per game in 2016.

The Buffaloes lost all three defensive linemen and five other starters on defense. If Jackson can have a smooth transition in the spring, Colorado can see similar success to what they accomplished in 2016.

Home/Colorado Buffaloes