Colorado Fans Will Love Defensive Tackle Dylan Manuel's Goals for This Season

Throughout the offseason, it became very clear that the Colorado Buffaloes needed significant improvement on the interior of the defensive line to stop the run. That is why Colorado coach Deion Sanders brought in a player like defensive tackle Dylan Manuel.

After Friday morning’s spring practice, Manuel talked about his goals this spring at Colorado, which focused on being a great run defender.

Colorado Buffaloes Defensive Tackle Dylan Manuel Run Defense Improvement Coach Deion Sanders Chris Marve Defense — FSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020. Img 4547 | Wayne McGahee III/Democrat, Tallahassee Democrat via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Dylan Manuel Wants To Stop The Run

“Stop the run, that's the main goal. Stopping in the run and earning the right to rush the passer and being a great defense this spring,” said Manuel.

Following a disappointing showcase for the Buffaloes defense in 2025, stopping the run had to become a priority in roster edition from the transfer portal. Last season, Colorado was the 135th rush defense in the nation, as they allowed 222.5 rush yards per game.

It became very clear as the season went on that teams could simply out-physical Colorado in the run game, and there was nothing the Buffaloes could do. To compete in the Big 12, the Buffaloes have to change that.

The physicality upfront is where Manuel can help provide the change Colorado needs. Manuel transferred from Appalachian State, where he played his 2025 season. With Appalachian State in 2025, Manuel recorded 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hurries, three sacks, and one interception.

Manuel, no doubt, can stop the run with his ability to generate negative plays in the backfield, but he also has the talent to get out for the quarterback as well. Based on how deep the defensive line room is, especially on the interior, Manuel’s focus seems to be on stopping the run because he knows everyone can get after the quarterback, but stopping the run has to be the priority.

Helping The Linebackers Make Plays

Manuel also talked about his skill set to reset the line of scrimmage and allow the linebackers to make plays.

“Stopping the run. I know, I said that before, really just stopping the run, creating knockback, and letting the linebackers come down to make the play, or I just make the play. I'm not just gonna be the one making the play. I’m just helping the linebackers out and creating free gaps for them,” added Manuel.

Stopping the run is one of the more selfless things for a defensive tackle to do because more often than not, he will not make the play because he has to take on a double team and fill his gap. The linebackers are normally the ones who make the play on the running back.

Colorado has added several great linebackers, including Liona Lefau, Gideon Lampron, and Tyler Martinez, who have the ability to make the plays Manuel opens up for them. If Manuel and the rest of the defensive tackles can work well together with the linebackers, the Buffaloes have a great opportunity to create a dominant run defense in 2026.

Clearly, Manuel has bought into stopping the run to help Colorado become a successful defense. If the Buffaloes want to have a dominant defense, it starts up front, stopping the run, and Manuel could be one of the more important factors in helping to accomplish that goal in 2026.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook for the latest news.