The Colorado Buffaloes’ defense has enjoyed a resurgence this season after a rough 2023. While CU has lost depth at the position because of players redshirting, starting inside linebackers LaVonta Bentley and Nikhai Hill-Green have stepped up.
Bentley is navigating his second season with the Buffs and has already racked up 19 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble. After transferring in from Charlotte this past offseason, Hill-Green is second on the team with 32 total tackles and owns one sack. Both players are former blue-chip prospects who have flourished in Boulder.
On Tuesday, first-year CU defensive coordinator Robert Livingston described Hill-Green and Bentley as the “enforcers” of Colorado’s defense:
“It’s our job with guys like that to just get out of the way, let them read their keys and let them play fast,” Livingston said. “Their strength is they’re the enforcers. This is still a physical game and if they run between the tackles, there’s gonna be a price to pay. I can’t say enough about those two working together. Nikhai coming in really after the North Dakota State game and bringing a spark to us. Bentley’s Bentley. You love the dude, you love his energy, you love everything he brings. I’m excited we have them and excited to see the growth the rest of the year.”
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.