BOULDER — Nate Landman has a heavy weight on his shoulders.
There’s the pressure that comes with being named to the Chuck Bednarik and Butkus Award watch lists, as well as pressure to live up to the standard of a preseason All-Pac-12 player.
But this fall, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior inside linebacker is tasked with leading a young Colorado linebacking corps that features 11 freshmen and sophomores on the depth chart. Landman takes over the leadership role for graduated inside linebacker Rick Gamboa.
“It makes me a better football player,” Landman said of assuming a larger leadership role.