Much of the star power on the Colorado football team comes from the offense.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. and running back Dylan Edwards were all high-profile additions to the roster this winter. Even star cornerback Travis Hunter has spent his time this spring on offense.

Defensively, however, the Buffs are showing progress.

“We’re learning how to communicate better,” defensive ends coach Nick Williams said. “I think that’s standing out more. We’re learning that we’ve got to play fast and we’ve got to play hard for four quarters. You’ve got to play for four quarters, not three quarters, not just a half, and you’ve got to impose your will.”

For Williams, that starts with his group up front.

CU had the worst defense in the country last year, giving up 44.5 points per game. A big reason was the front seven getting shredded for 245.1 rushing yards per game, the worst in the FBS.

Williams and defensive tackles coach Sal Sunseri weren’t here, though, and there’s a new group of players they are working with this spring.

Jalen Sami and Na’im Rodman were two key players up front who are back, but several transfers have joined the group this winter. All of them are striving to follow the standard set by head coach Deion Sanders.

“Just playing extremely hard, being able to think when you’re tired, running to the ball, playing with great effort, playing violent, striking blockers, being physical, have fun,” Williams said. “That’s what I want my guys to do. Just know what to do, get lined up, communicate, and run to the ball and have fun. For the most part, they’ve been doing that.”

Between the ends and tackles, CU has 18 players this spring, 12 of which were on the team last year. Williams said the returning players, as well as the newcomers, are adjusting to the new expectations.

“They’ve bought in so far, and they’re living up to the standard and they’re trying to do all the things I’m asking them to do,” Williams said. “They’re all getting better in their own way.”

While some of those players are listed as tackles or ends, Williams said he and Sunseri are working together with the group.

“It’s a D-line thing and it’s the standard of the defensive line,” he said. “So if it’s better for the team for them going in coach Sal’s room this week or my room next week, we’re all the family. We’re all one.”

Leading the way

Shedeur Sanders came to CU this winter after two exceptional seasons at Jackson State. Although still a young player, he’s proving himself to be a leader for the offense at CU, according to Edwards.

“That’s what he’s supposed to do,” said Edwards, a true freshman. “He’s coming from a great program at Jackson and he came here. No one knew him when he first came here as a person and he’s light to everybody. He lights up every room he comes in. He’s just a great guy. So to have him come out here and talk to us and everything and give us pointers on what not to do, how to run a route, where he’s gonna throw it, it just gives you the confidence to go out there every time with him and ball out.”

Soaking it in

Williams, 33, is still a young coach who is in his first full-time on-field coaching position. Sunseri, 63, began coaching before Williams was born, so he’s got a lot of experience and knowledge to pass along.

“I learn every day from coach Sal,” Williams said. “He has a number of different ways to do things, to do the same thing. He believes in coaching guys differently. You can’t coach every guy the same and I learn from him every day.

“Yes, he is hard-nosed. Hell, he rips (me) and I’ll accept it. He’s been in this game 40 … I don’t know how long, 100 years he’s been coaching. But I appreciate it. I appreciate his knowledge and I’m thankful that I’m beside him and I’m blessed to have coach Sal. I love him.”

Notable

The Buffs will take Friday off and return to practice on Saturday. … Williams said defensive lineman Shane Cokes, a transfer from Dartmouth, is standing out. “He’s a leader and we’re glad he’s here,” Williams said. “He’ll do whatever you ask him to do and that’s what we need.”