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When examining my picks for offensive players who could break out in 2024, I spoke about Colorado football’s offense taking a step forward in 2023. On the other side of the ball, the Buffs’ defense looked eerily similar to 2022 and must now take a big jump forward in 2024 for the team to be competitive.
The Buffaloes’ defense struggled against the run and the pass at different points in 2023 but did a better job getting after the quarterback and forcing turnovers. Head coach Deion Sanders and his staff have hit the transfer portal hard again this offseason by landing talented players at every position.
Below are six Colorado defenders who are primed to break out in 2024:
DL Quency Wiggins
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Wiggins’ excellent size and status as a former blue-chip prospect make him a candidate to start for Colorado in 2024, most likely on the strong side of the defensive line. At LSU, Wiggins played in nine games over the past two seasons while taking a redshirt year in 2023. We’ll see if a change of scenery produces a breakout season for Wiggins.
Edge Samuel Okunlola
Syndication: Beaver County Times
Okunlola saw the field for 15 games at Pitt, including two starts in 2023. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound pass rush specialist totaled five sacks and six tackles for loss, showing he can make an impact play when called upon. Okunlola will be a candidate to start on the weak side of CU’s defensive line and will most certainly factor into CU’s pass rush packages in 2024.
DL Eric Brantley Jr.
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Rated as a three-star prospect in high school, Eric Brantley Jr. is my dark horse pick to make an impact as a true freshman. During his senior season at Valdosta High School in Georgia, Brantley racked up 98 tackles, 34 TFLs and 12 sacks.
CB Cormani McClain
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/colorado-football-way-too-early-220619511.html
Author : Buffaloes Wire
Publish date : 2024-02-04 22:06:19
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