Colorado’s defense was not good last season.
The Buffaloes struggled to get opposing offenses off the field and were often overmatched in the run game. Enter Leonard Payne Jr.
The former Fresno State Bulldogs defensive tackle joined the Buffs in December and about four months later, he was on CU’s starting defensive front during the spring game in April. Payne flashed his skills in both the run and pass game while going up against the Buffs’ second-team offense, and he figures to be a big part of Colorado’s revamped defensive line next season.
Here are five things you need to know about Payne: