Spring position preview: Buffs seek improvement at defensive line

Colorado defensive end Chris Mulumba stops USC running back Ronald Jones on Nov. 11. (Andy Cross / The Denver Post)

Before he really gets to know his players on the field, Kwahn Drake is making it a priority to know them as people.

Colorado's new defensive line coach believes that his success in helping the Buffaloes begins off the field.

"I just know this here: If players find out you care, they care to find out what you know," Drake said. "That's my biggest thing: showing them I care."

Once the Buffs realize Drake's passion for teaching, coaching and mentoring, they'll find out that he's got a wealth of knowledge. Although just 32, Drake has had an impressive list of mentors in his young…