December 3rd 2024.
Over the past two years, the Colorado football program has undergone an incredible transformation under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders. One of the key strategies Sanders has utilized is bolstering the team's roster through the transfer portal. This approach has been highly successful, but what many may not realize is that Sanders' recruiting efforts in the high school ranks have also been top-notch.
As we approach the two-year anniversary of Sanders' introductory press conference, the Buffs are gearing up to sign one of the best groups in the Big 12 for the class of 2025. This is a testament to Sanders' ability to identify and attract top talent to the program. The team currently has 15 prep players verbally committed, and they are poised to officially become Buffs when the early signing period opens on Wednesday.
When asked about the early signing day, Sanders confidently stated, "We're going to be straight. We got what we want." He went on to explain that the team is very selective when it comes to recruiting high school players, and they only want players who can make an immediate impact on the field. This approach has paid off, as the Buffs' class currently ranks 33rd nationally and second in the Big 12, according to 247Sports.com. Additionally, their average player rating of 89.27 leads the Big 12 and ranks 20th nationally.
The standout in this year's class is four-star quarterback Julian Lewis, but he is not the only highly-rated recruit. The Buffs also have seven other four-star players, including receivers Adrian Wilson and Quanell X Farrakhan Jr., offensive linemen Carde Smith and Chauncey Gooden, edge defender London Merritt, and cornerback Alex Graham.
But it's not just about the highly-rated recruits for Sanders and his staff. They have also recruited some under-the-radar players who have the potential to make a big impact. This includes players like safety Antonio Branch Jr., tight ends Zayne DeSouza and Corbin Laisure, offensive lineman Jay Gardenhire, receiver Quentin Gibson, defensive linemen Christian Hudson and Alexander McPherson, and linebacker Mantrez Walker.
The Buffs are eagerly awaiting Sunday's announcement to find out which bowl game they will be playing in, and this will have an impact on the incoming recruits. Some of the early enrollees will have the opportunity to practice with the team before the bowl game, giving them a head start on their college careers. Sanders is excited about this, stating, "They get to get an early start and get here and we can see what they're working with. So we're excited about that."
Last year, the Buffs only signed 11 players from high school, but this group has already made a big impact on the team. Five-star lineman Jordan Seaton has started all season at left tackle, four-star receiver Drelon Miller has become a key part of the offense, and three-star running back Micah Welch has seen significant playing time. In the 2023 class, which was put together in just a few weeks after Sanders was hired, the Buffs signed 21 high school recruits. Despite some players moving on, this class has also produced valuable contributors to the team, including receiver Omarion Miller, edge rusher Taje McCoy, athlete Isaiah Hardge, offensive lineman Hank Zilinskas, and Stoutmire.
Many of the high school players who chose to sign with the Buffs took a chance on Sanders' vision, opting to join a program that was not yet a proven winner. But their risk has paid off, as the team continues to improve and gain recognition. As Seaton, who was the top-rated lineman in the 2024 class, puts it, "You see what happens when you believe."
As the Buffs enter the 2025 signing period, more highly-rated recruits are starting to see Sanders' vision and are choosing to join the program. And while Sanders and his staff will continue to utilize the transfer portal to fill any gaps in the roster, they are also focused on bringing in top high school talent. As Sanders confidently stated, "You know we're gonna hit that portal like it hadn't been hit before." He also acknowledged that there are some big shoes to fill with several star players graduating, but he is confident that they will continue to bring in top talent and achieve success as a team.
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