BOULDER — When the Colorado Buffaloes started spring ball this year, there were no doubt some rather large holes that needed to be addressed.
From a perspective of on-field performance, leadership and sheer football presence, none may have been bigger than the absence of linebacker Nate Landman, a mainstay in the middle of the Buffs' defense for four seasons.
But truth is, the Buffs actually had a head start on that task last year, as Landman missed the final five games of the 2021 season with a shoulder injury. That gave some extra time to other players on the roster, who made the most of the opportunity.