December 25th 2024.
On a crisp October day, Colorado defensive end BJ Green II stepped onto the field at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. His team was facing off against Kansas State, and the stakes were high. But for Green, this game held even more significance as it was his final season of college football and he had taken a chance by transferring to Colorado.
Green was already a star player at Arizona State, and he could have easily finished his college career with one more solid season with the Sun Devils. However, he made the bold decision to transfer to CU, and it has proven to be a wise move. In an interview, Green shared that the experience has exceeded his expectations, and he is grateful for the uncomfortable challenge it has provided him.
The senior defensive end is just one of many players who chose to spend their final season with the Buffaloes, and their impact has been significant. The team is currently ranked 20th and will be playing against No. 17 BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday, thanks in part to the contributions of these one-and-done players.
Green is joined by defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo, defensive back Preston Hodge, and other standout players who have made a huge difference for CU. Offensive linemen Phillip Houston and Justin Mayers have been crucial in rotating the offensive line, while receivers Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester have been shining stars. And let's not forget walk-on Kameron Hawkins, who transferred in from Arizona and has been a reliable long-snapper all season.
Each of these players came to Colorado with a specific goal in mind, and they have all seen the benefits of their decision. Sheppard, for instance, gave up his spot as the No. 1 receiver at Vanderbilt to play for CU. And even though he's now the third-best receiver on the team, he has still put up impressive numbers while catching passes from potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders.
When asked about his decision to play his final year at CU, Sheppard explained that it was an easy choice for him. Playing with an experienced quarterback like Sanders and being coached by the talented CU staff were the deciding factors for him.
For Green, the move to Colorado was also about boosting his stock at the next level. And it has definitely paid off. This season, he has posted impressive stats and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. He was already an All-Pac-12 player at ASU, but his career highs in tackles for loss and sacks have come during his time at CU.
Green credits the CU coaching staff, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, for helping him reach his full potential. He also values the different perspectives he receives from the three defensive line coaches at CU. Being able to learn from these experienced coaches has been invaluable to Green, and he is grateful for their care and support.
As his college career comes to an end, Green is excited to play in one last game for the Buffaloes and showcase all that he has learned and accomplished during his time at CU. And while there may be uncertainty about what comes next, Green knows that the sky is the limit and he is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
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