Under Chuck Heater’s direction, Colorado State’s defense has improved dramatically in just one, significantly COVID-shortened season. The Rams currently have the most improved defensive front in the nation, averaging nearly five tackles for loss per game (+4.83) more this season compared to last season with largely the same personnel. Heater’s defense is allowing just 108.5 yards per game on the ground, the second-fewest in school history and fewest in over 70 years. The Rams allowed nearly 200 yards per game last season.
Chuck Heaters’ defenses at both Temple and Marshall were among the nation’s best. His Marshall defenses regularly ranked inside the Top-30 nationally in total and scoring defenses, and his Temple defense in 2011 ranked No. 11 nationally in total defense.
Scott Patchan, DE – No. 6 nationally in TFL/g (1.88); Manny Jones, DT – No. 39 nationally in TFL/g (1.38); Dequan Jackson, LB – No. 23 nationally in Tackles/g (10.0)