2016 CSU Storylines: Defensive front The Rams graduated four starters from the defensive line a year ago, looking for new bodies in the 3-4 set to step into the roles. Here are some key numbers to consider: Stats — CSU’s defense ranked 106th against the rush (213.3 yards per game) and 80th in sacks (24 total) in 2015. Returning — Nobody on the line, though Josh Lovingood has eight career starts. The Rams are looking at a number of backups or first-time players to fill the gaps at the point of attack. Sizing it up — There isn’t a returning defensive lineman who had a sack last season. While the nose guard candidate are all 300 pounds or bigger, the rest of the front is considered undersized (270 or less), meaning the Rams will have to be active up front to create problems.

FORT COLLINS — Consider it a rush project. On two fronts — to stop, to produce.

Last year, Colorado State surrendered 213.3 yards per game on the ground to the opposition (106th nationally) while producing 24 sacks in 13 games (1.85 per) to rank 80th.

The Rams’ first line of defense in both cases is under reconstruction and not exactly stout by college football standards. So what’s a team to do?

“Coach (Ricky) Logo has talked about it. We’re not the biggest, we’re not the strongest, we’re not the fastest, but the thing we have to rely on is technique, and you guys have got to be able to move your feet,” junior Jakob Buys said. “With that, it really helps. If’ you’re profound on your technique, you’ll be able to make plays and do the right things. That really helps us.”

So does the switch to the 3-4 defense. Instead of replacing four starters, the Rams are looking for three. There is precious little experience among those vying for time, and the brunt of it lies with Josh Lovingood, a nose guard who has been slowed by injuries. He started six games last year, but had just 17 stops, down from 26 a season prior.

Him being healthy will help. So too will the additions of O’Shea Jackson and true freshman Christian Colon, both of whom started camp with injuries and are starting to work their way back. They do fit the bill — 300 pounds plus — required to plug up the middle.

But on either side, it’s not exactly beefy. Darnell Thompson and Buys range around 270, but there is a drop off after them. They’ll have to be able to move their feet and create havoc, and while it didn’t show up during scrimmages, the plans have been effective in practice.

“I know they’re not the biggest group of guys we’ll ever see, but their athleticism definitely puts them in spots that bigger guys couldn’t get into,” center Jake Bennett said. “Jakob, Lovingood and Darnell and Richard King has come along. Bryan (Ohene-Gyeni) and Evan (Colorito) at buck, all those guys are athletic dudes who play their ass off. Toby McBride is going to come along. Have you ever shook his hand? Once he gets a year lifting, he’s going to be scary.”

But the Rams don’t have an extra year in the weight room. Instead, they have a game on Sept. 2 against a Colorado team that will try to test the Rams front.

By no means can the run-stopping problems be pinned entirely on the line. CSU had a penchant for giving up long scoring runs in 2015, and the linebackers and secondary play a key role in allowing backs to find room and run free, too.

They’ll require help in providing a pass rush, too. The Rams’ leaders from last year — Joe Kawulok and Martavius Foster at 5.5 each — both graduated. Linebackers Kevin Davis and Kiel Robinson combined for seven, and the key to the new defense is to be able to bring pressure from multiple fronts. The last time the Rams used the alignment, Shaquil Barrett earned conference defensive player of the year honors with 12 sacks. Right now, Colorito has earned the first shot to be that guy, but pressure will come from all hands on deck.

“I think that’s kind of what our defense is made up for, to look exactly the same all the way around, but the other team not knowing where it’s coming from,” Davis said. “It’s really important for us to be able to disguise and show fake blitzes. That’s what we’re working on.

“You want the offense kind of guessing where the blitz is coming from. If you do have a smaller front, that will help, just keeping the O-line guessing where it’s coming from.”

They’ll have to, but that hasn’t shown up in a scrimmage yet, either.

Bobo is concerned, but he also knows the group hasn’t schemed up an offense yet, set a game plan to set them on a path. That could be part of the issue, but he said so is the fact they aren’t hitting the edges or using their hands correctly.

He’s not necessarily looking for sacks alone, but making a quarterback move his feet, throw off his timing and make it hard to work through progressions.

“I don’t care who you’ve got back there in the secondary, if you can’t put any pressure and make the quarterback uncomfortable, it’s going to be a long day,” he said.

Or a long season.

Mike Brohard: 970-635-3633, mbrohard@reporter-herald.com or twitter.com/mbrohard