In Position: Learning to Bridge the Experience Gap

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Sep 5

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vs Wyoming

Sep 12

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vs Southern Utah

Sep 19

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vs BYU

Sep 26

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at UTSA

Oct 3

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vs Oregon State

Linebackers

Who's Back: Jaseim Mitchell, Justin Sanchez, Rocco Schramm, Chase Wilson

Who's New: Josh Ayers, Buom Jock, Niko Lopez, Tramayne Mejia-Paster, Drew Rodriguez

Key Number: In 2022, linebackers combined for 273 tackles, five sacks and an interception. Redshirt junior Chase Wilson led the group in sacks with 2.5 of his own, which was good for third-most on the team behind Mohamed Kamara (8.5) and CJ Onyechi (3.5).

What Happened: Colorado State lost a very experienced core of linebackers after the 2022 season, including starters Cam'Ron Carter and former team captain turned Jacksonville Jaguar Dequan Jackson. This season, the group is unproven but eager to make their mark.

From the Top: Linebackers coach Adam Pilapil wants his position group to become, as defensive coordinator Freddie Banks would put it, PhDs in football. It's not only about what they're doing on the field, but also the 'why' of it all.

"Biggest thing for us, we've just got to keep working on execution, just doing our job, being really assignment-sound," Pilapil said. "And then from there, learning the why of what we're doing on defense, learning about offenses, seeing tendencies and stuff like that. Once we get that down pat, that execution part, then it's 'okay, what can we learn more about ball?'"

Once they get those things down, they can start to emulate the on-field success their predecessors displayed last season. From a leadership standpoint, he's looking towards Wilson and Sanchez to step forward.

Wilson is the vocal one. He'll bring the energy and life to what the linebackers are doing over the course of camp. Sanchez, however, is the more reserved, quiet type of leader – one who can show others the ropes by leading by example, according to Pilapil.

"We lost some great leaders, and I think everyone leads in their own way, … It's been really good to watch (Wilson) take that role on," Pilapil said. "But really, those two — Chase and Justin — can provide that kind of leadership and can help guys through things and be really great team players."

From the Room: Wilson's leadership extends to the many new young linebackers on the roster. Over summer, the time spent watching film and participating in player-led practices has strengthened the bond of the room.

And of course, the competition for spots is at an all-time high, especially at linebacker. Fortunately for the room, it's only bolstered their connectivity.

"I think our defense as a whole, we're really jelling and we're getting really close," Wilson said. "Spending a lot of hours together in camp has been a good opportunity for us to get to know each other and playing with a lot of new guys has been a great deal."

As Wilson has taken over the role of leader in the linebacker room, he's taken some of the leadership strategies of his own past leaders and made them a part of his own approach. What's followed is a coherent, well-meshed group of players before the season has even started.

"Those guys, you know, D-Jack and Cam, they were good buddies of mine, and they've laid a great foundation of how to lead and how to do it the right way," Wilson said. "So just taking some of the tidbits they gave me and applying them to this room is something I've really enjoyed, and it's been a privilege to do."

For Wilson, the athleticism and team chemistry are palpable in the room. It's now about doing the right things at the right times, then earning and flaunting football PhDs.

"I think if we can play sideline to sideline, covering dudes, running down the football, wide-track runs, those kinds of things, I think we can be really versatile and really special as a defense," Wilson said.

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