Colorado State Football: Serious changes in 2020 just what Rams need
Rams switching defensive fronts benefits the defense overall
Colorado State is looking to establish a more aggressive defensive system in 2020 than the past couple of the seasons.
The Rams hired Chuck Heater as their fourth defensive coordinator in six seasons. In the long coaching career of Heater, he was previously the defensive coordinator of the Rams for two seasons in 1991 and 1992. He will switch the defensive front of the Rams from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front. This will help the Rams become more efficient in defending the rush. The Rams return seven starters on the defense last season that was ranked 91st in points allowed per game (31.2).
The Rams return three long-time defensive linemen that have made a significant impact on the defense last season. Their interior defensive linemen are the strongest chain of the position unit as they have the most experience and impact last season.
Senior defensive tackle Ellison Hubbard started the past two seasons for the Rams. Hubbard accumulated 28 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last season. Junior defensive tackle Devin Phillips returns after starting the past 22 games for Rams. Last season, Phillips accumulated 29 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. The Rams return their top playmaker in tackles for loss (8) and sacks (5) in senior Manny Jones. Athlon Sports named Jones apart of their preseason second-team all-conference.
Junior middle linebacker Dequan Jackson returns as the unquestioned leader of the Rams defense for 2020. Last season as a sophomore, Jackson accounted for 87 total tackles (second-on-the-team), 39 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 11 starts in 12 games.
Junior Cam’ron Carter and sophomore Mohamed Kamara are projected to make their full season start at both outside linebackers. Jackson will need to make the Rams’ defense more efficient at stopping the run as they were ranked 104th in rushing yards allowed per game (195.8).
The Rams’ secondary has seen many contributors, especially at the cornerback position. Colorado State’s defense ranked seventh in the nation (first in the Mountain West) in passing yards allowed per game (181.6). Junior Richard Ajayi has played in 21 games for the Rams in his first two seasons while starting in 19 of them.
Keevan Bailey is projected to start at the cornerback position after having a tremendous freshman season where he accounted for 20 total tackles and four passed defended. Redshirt senior safety Logan Stewart returns to be starting for his second full season with the Rams after transferring from Iowa Central Community College before the 2019 season.