Colorado football Top 25 players: defensive tackle Amari McNeill

Colorado's pass rush last season was one of the best in the nation, but its run defense was not.

The Buffs dominated off the edge, but in the biggest moments, they would get gashed by opposing run games. However, a rising senior could help in both areas of Colorado's defensive line.

Amari McNeill has been with the Buffs since the arrival of head coach Deion Sanders in 2022 and has been one of the most consistent players on defense. He's made seven starts for Colorado and played in 23 games through two years.

The Buffs' top defensive tackle from last season, Chidoze Nwankwo, graduated, leaving space for McNeill to establish himself as the top guy on the inside.

Top 25 player profiles: No. 25, No. 24, No. 23

2024 in review

McNeill came into his second year with Colorado and had a successful junior campaign. Overall, he tallied 25 total tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in the first 11 games before missing the last two due to injury. His 3.5 sacks were good for fifth on the team, and his TFLs were sixth. His best game came against Texas Tech, where he set single-game career highs in total tackles with nine, tackles for loss with three and sacks with 1.5.

Biggest question in 2025

McNeill is coming into his senior season as the top guy at the 3-tech for defensive coordinator Robert Livingston's 3-4 defense. With the keys to the car, how will he be a game-wrecker like the Buffs' top guys were last year? He's shown flashes of stardom; he just has to capitalize on his opportunity as the top guy.

2025 will be a success if...

If McNeill can be one of the top interior guys for the Buffs, then 2025 will be a success. Finishing the year with more tackles and a few more sacks than last year, should vault himself up draft rankings as one of the Big 12's premier defensive tackles.

2025 will be a disappointment if...

While McNeill is slotted to be the starter, if he underperforms, he could lose his job to transfer Gavriel Lightfoot. He would still get playing time as the Buffs run two deep, but in his final season and third with the black and gold, it would be disappointing for him to lose his starting job.

Realistic outlook for 2025

McNeill has the potential to be an integral part of the Buffs' defense. As a top-two interior player, he can put up five sacks and help in the run game with more tackles for loss than 2024 seems. Those numbers all seem reasonable. The Buffs' defense isn't expected to take a step back in 2025, thanks to the return of players like McNeill. His 6-foot-4, near 300-pound frame should help him be a top defensive tackle in his final season with Colorado.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football Top 25 players: DT Amari McNeill