Colorado State Football: Will Rams’ rebuild make progress in 2021?
Colorado State’s front-seven looks to be elite
On the defensive side of the ball, the Rams had moments when they showed they would be one of the top defenses in the Mountain West. In the major categories statistically, the Rams fluctuated due to the impact of the four games they played last season.
They were ranked 104th in the nation in points allowed per game (35.8) and 90th in passing yards allowed (250.3). This is because the offense put them in bad situations, including the 51-21 loss at Boise State. They were also ranked 34th in total yards allowed (358.8) and 12th in rushing yards allowed (108.5).
Colorado State was much better in its front-seven than in the secondary this past season. This season, it’ll look to be one of the top front-sevens, not only in the Mountain West but in the entire country. The Rams return six starters in the front seven, which will make them one of the toughest defenses to run the ball against.
There are some things that second-year defensive coordinator Chuck Heater wants to fix in the remainder of this offseason, especially in the secondary.
If there is one area on the team that shouldn’t have problems, it will be the defensive line. Last season, the Rams were one of the most productive pass rush defensive line units in the country. In the four games played, they accounted for 16 sacks and 42 tackles for loss.
Senior defensive end Scott Patchan, an Athlon Sports preseason first-team All-Mountain West member, accounted for 22 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in 2020. Senior defensive tackle Manny Jones had 13 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. The Rams will also look to have huge contributions from defensive end Brandon Hickerson-Rooks, defensive tackle Ellison Hubbard, and defensive tackle Devin Phillips.
This defense is well-equipped at the linebacker position. The Rams are set to return two main starters and a huge role player looking to step up this season. Junior linebacker Dequan Jackson will be the driving force of the defense, especially in the middle. Last season, he led the team in total tackles (40) and solos (22). He and outside linebacker Cam’Ron Carter were huge in reading the plays and quickly getting into the backfield for a huge play. They should both be able to replicate these same results again in 2021.
Whether Hickerson-Rooks or sophomore Mohammed Kamara starts, they have both proven to be ruthless edge-rushing outside linebackers this past season. With more experience under their belts, they will look to add more firepower to this front seven.
The weakest aspect of the Rams’ defense will continue to be the secondary by default. The secondary wasn’t as bad as their pass defense indicates, especially from a four-game season. Rasha Ajayi was a good lockdown corner for the Rams as he was rarely targeted. Their other cornerback in Marshaun Cameron was busy this last season by accounting for 29 total tackles, 19 solo tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup.
The Rams will also have a reliable graduate transfer in Linwood Crump as another cornerback at their arsenal. Senior safety Logan Stewart and freshman Henry Blackman will return as the starters after being key productive players.