BOULDER— Colorado junior N.J. Falo is primed to have a breakout season in 2017. After coming off suspension last year, Falo has found himself learning two positions this season.
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Falo came to Colorado from California and played as a true freshman at inside linebacker. During his sophomore year, he moved to outside linebacker and now in his junior year, he’s been practicing at both spots.
“It’s going pretty well, I’m getting more comfortable playing inside linebacker,” Falo said. “I still do want to go back to outside a little bit, but as of right now inside backer is going pretty well. Right now I think I fit in best at outside just because I am a natural outside linebacker but playing inside is going to help me learn the whole defensive scheme just help myself with all the other 10 guys on the field.
Both of Falo’s positions got new coaches this year, but the transition has been seamless for him and his defensive teammates.
“Well actually there really hasn't been any big changes, we’ve kept things the same. Small changes in coverages, maybe small changes in certain plays but everything is going well,” Falo said. “Coach Els is a real good fundamental guy and Coach Eliot, he is a pretty good concept guy. They are both pretty smart and I love them as coaches.”
During spring ball, Colorado was at a bump in the road with their linebackers. They lost Kenneth Olugbode and Jimmie Gilbert to the NFL and Derek McCartney still isn't participating in spring ball. Addison Gillam is also still absent. Not only does this give Falo a chance to step up, but also the younger guys on the team.
Spring ball is the perfect opportunity for younger players to show the coaches what they are capable of, and Falo has noticed a lot of handwork from the underclassman, especially at linebacker.
“It’s really good right now because all the young guys get a chance to play and show what they can do on the field. So when we scrimmage, it gives them a chance to come and show the coaches that they have a chance of playing this season or not at young age but it’s good we’re developing as a team, the younger guys are getting along together, learning the plays and learning the schemes and concepts of the defense so right now we're still bringing it all together as a team and also as defense together,” said Falo.
It’s been talked about a lot already this spring, that Colorado has lost so much leadership on the defense. But as older guys depart, it opens up bigger windows for other guys to step up, Falo included. But Falo doesn't look to the linebackers for leadership. Instead, he looks behind him in the secondary, at one guy has made a name for himself as a leader - Afolabi Laguda.
“I’m seeing Fo step up a lot, you know Fo is a senior and he’s a real passionate guy so he’s really been stepping up in the leadership role both vocally and as an example, so I give it to him big time.”
Colorado’s defense is all about family this year, and with the way things are progressing during spring ball, that family environment will carry over into the fall.
