Colorado Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Mathis Breaks Down Chris Marve's Impact

Colorado Buffaloes cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis revealed how defensive coordinator Chris Marve has impacted his position group during his Friday presser.

FSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020. Img 4547 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Buffaloes’ secondary has been one of their bright spots during fall camp. The group has seen excellent coaching since being assembled from the transfer portal and recruiting trail, and a good deal of that coaching has been from defensive coordinator Chris Marve.

During his Friday press conference, cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis revealed how much Marve has bought into his position group. Mathis broke down how Marve has been putting them in positions to succeed and the positive impact it will have on the defense as a whole.

How Chris Marve has encouraged success for the secondary

MSU defensive run game coordinator Chris Marve speaks to reporters at Media Day on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Leo Seal Complex. Photo by Keith Warren Msu Football Media Day | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

As Marve has been implementing his scheme in Boulder, he has been building it around the skill sets of his secondary. Mathis has noticed how much this has put his players in positions to succeed, and he broke that down in his presser.

“Well, getting these guys in, I think we've done a great job of understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and what Marve has done is get those guys in position to make plays using their strengths, but also knowing their weaknesses and not putting them in situations where they're not great. Putting them in situations where they can make plays and get the confidence,” Mathis said.

Marve’s 4-2-5 scheme relies heavily on its secondary, and with the new players Colorado has in key roles, he’s been able to confidently build it around them. Cornerbacks Cree Thomas and Boo Carter are set to take over outside, while the likes of Makari Vickers, RJ Johnson and Preston Ashley have been filling in at slot/nickel.

How Chris Marve has bought into his players and coaches

FSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020. Img 4540 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Marve has also invested in these players by listening to their position coaches closely. He understands that they have the best understanding on the team of where these players are at in their development, so he trusts them as the ultimate authority for who to trot out in the starting lineup. 

“Marve’s done a good job of trusting us as coaches to really dig in and understand what he wants from the defense and really apply that to our guys. He's done a good job of listening to some of the things that we want to see out there, and being able to change and be fluid with his defense to allow our guys to play at their best and play fast and play with confidence. He's done a good job at that,” Mathis said.

Chris Marve’s history of defensive back development

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the number six pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This is a formula that has worked well for Marve in the past, as he found immense success in developing defensive backs during his time with the Virginia Tech Hokies. His 2023 secondary allowed the third-fewest passing yards in the country, trailing only the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

That secondary sent several players to the next level, including the likes of Jalen Stroman, Dorian Strong, Derrick Canteen and Mansoor Delane. The latter of that group was selected No. 6 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2026 NFL Draft, though he spent his 2025 season with the LSU Tigers.

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