Team Recruiting Countdown: No. 15 Colorado Buffaloes

No. 15 Colorado Buffaloes (Big 12 No. 3)

2008 Haul: 21 signees, 3 Athlon Consensus 100

Scouting Report:

Despite some early struggles, Dan Hawkins has the Colorado Buffaloes trending upward again. This team was one of the youngest in the Big 12 last season if not the country, so there is a lot returning on the field. Buffs fans can only continue to be optimistic, as off the field, the 15th ranked recruiting class is heading to Boulder this fall.

The 2008 Colorado recruiting class is headlined by the first elite prospect to show up on our countdown. Darrell Scott (Ventura, Calif.) is arguably the best running back in the nation and is likely to win the starting job right away. If Scott does not start, Hawkins did a strong job of creating depth in the backfield since Hugh Charles left. Ray Polk (Phoenix, Ariz.) leaves the sunny desert landscapes for the mountains and snow of Colorado. He will also see some carries as a true freshman.

It is one of the best running back recruiting classes in the nation.

The second strongest position in the class is easily the linebackers. Loaded with two AC100 members, Lynn Katoa (Salt Lake City, Utah) and Jon Major (Parker, Colo.), as well as one of the top JUCO linebackers (Shaun Moehler – Costa Mesa, Calif.), this linebacking crop is also one of the best positional classes in the nation. It could not come at a better time as the team’s leading tackler and defensive leader Jordan Dizon has graduated.

Back in the 80s, Bill McCartney found out that if he kept Colorado kids at home, he could win a national championship. Of course, he had to dip into Texas and California too, but the Centennial state provided the foundation for a title team. Dan Hawkins did a great job last season of keeping in state kids home, something his predecessor could not do (see Calais Campbell and LenDale White). Although not a particularly deep year in Colorado, Hawkins still pulled some talent. He landed the most important players - three of the states’ top four.

It is also no surprise that Hawkins went into California and had success. He landed seven prospects from the Golden Coast. Boulder does have a unique advantage in the Big 12 as it is the western most city in the conference. California will have to be fertile ground for the Buffs if they expect to continue to build the program under Hawkins. Scott obviously headlines this group but Moehler, Max Tuioti-Mariner (Corona, Calif.) and Ryan Deehan (Poway, Calif.) round out a really strong group of California prospects heading east to Boulder.

Top Prospect: Darrell Scott – RB – Ventura, Calif. (6-1, 212) AC100 No. 3

Darrell Scott is the most complete running back prospect in the nation. He has not only the durability, size and power to run between the tackles 20-25 times a game but also the speed and agility to get to the outside and beat defenders to the edge. He shows exceptional feet for a bigger back and has great balance and power for a guy who can play in the open field. He has great vision and patience while allowing his blocks to develop. Scott is also one of the better receivers out of the backfield in this class.

Scott rushed for 3,194 yards and 45 touchdowns his junior year.

Scott has lived in Florida, Texas and California, so he has played against top-flight competition his entire career. Colorado freshman wide receiver Josh Smith is Scott’s uncle but is more like his brother as they lived together in Ventura. This relationship will be a key factor in where Scott ends up.

Scott is the first elite prospect to show up on the top-25 class countdown.

Best of the Rest:

Jon Major – LB – Parker, Colo. (6-4, 230) AC100 No. 65
Lynn Katoa – LB – Salt Lake City, Utah (6-2, 225) AC100 No. 76
Ryan Deehan – TE – Poway, Calif. (6-4, 230)
Bryce Givens – OL – Denver, Colo. (6-6, 275)
Ray Polk – RB – Phoenix, Ariz. (6-0, 195)

Sleeper: Max Tuioti-Mariner – OL – Corona, Calif. (6-4, 300)

Okay, so Mariner probably should be in the ‘Best of the Rest’ section but he is dramatically underrated so ends up as a sleeper. This kid should be in the top-75 regardless of position but because he is likely to play guard he ends up lower. In addition, he may not come into camp at 100 percent but if he is healthy he is a good bet to get some playing time. He has a nasty, killer instinct and looks to demolish defenders.

2008 Sleepers

The term role player has long been regarded as one with negative connotations. On a basketball court, it’s a scrappy, less-talented ball player who can do a little bit of everything. On a baseball diamond, it’s the utility infielder who will play any position you ask him to.

In recruiting classes, the “role players” can end up being stars.

Yes, the top-notch, five-star type players are needed if one expects to win a national championship in college football these days. But staying competitive in today’s NCAA landscape means developing talent better than the next guy. That is where the two-and three-star players come in. They are the underlying foundation of depth on conference championship teams.

Just ask Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, West Virginia or Wisconsin.



The Buckeyes and Crimson Tide both had linebackers recently who were not only high draft picks but are now NFL stars: A.J. Hawk and DeMeco Ryans. Both were three-star prospects coming out of high school.

Oklahoma’s record-setting freshman quarterback, Sam Bradford, was not a big-time recruit.

Pat White and Steve Slaton were both asked to play other positions – by LSU and Maryland respectively –  coming out of high school until Rich Rodriguez and WVU gave them a shot in the backfield. Next season, White is likely to become the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher from the quarterback position.

Wisconsin’s bruising tailback P.J. Hill was a two-star fullback and nine defensive starters for the Badgers were ranked three-stars or lower coming out of the prep ranks.

So who are those sleepers this season? Here are some mid-level prospects who might have a chance at being stars for their school of choice:

Darius Ashley        Cincinnati, OH    RB    5’9” 190    Louisville

This kid also was the leader and main factor on a state championship football team. This was the highest division of play in Ohio, though, so no small feat. He is tough. He is fast and he wins. Steve Kragthorpe and company got a nice player in Ashley.

Willie Bohannon        Mobile, AL        DE    6’3” 240    Tennessee

Bohannon has the size/speed combination that is so valuable to defensive coordinators. He has great pass rush ability as well as lateral quickness in the run game. He played very physical football in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. Now all John Chavis has to figure out is where to play him.

Cody Bruns            Prosser, WA        WR    5’11” 185    Washington

This little over-achiever is going to be a great receiving option for Husky quarterback Jake Locker. He is just a bit too short and just a bit too slow, right? Well, Bruns simply gets the job done. He set national high school career receiving records with 304 career receptions for 5,080 yards and 72 touchdowns. He is too smart a player not to be successful.

Alfred Jenkins        Jacksonville, FL    WR    6’ 178        Illinois

There is no secret that freshmen will be given the shot to play at Illinois. Jenkins is no exception. He has great speed and will make things happen with the ball in his hands. Juice Williams will need another receiving option next season across from Arrelious Benn, and Jenkins could be the guy.

Wes Kemp            St. Louis, MO    WR    6’4” 226    Missouri

Originally headed to Wisconsin, Kemp recently switched to the Tigers. He might be moved to tight end, and in Gary Pinkel’s system, he is a perfect fit. His size and athleticism make him an ideal piece to the Pinkel offensive puzzle. He will be a faster, slightly smaller version of Martin Rucker.

D’anton Lynn        Celina, TX        S    6’1” 180    Penn State

Penn State dipped into Texas to pull an underrated defensive back prospect. Lynn will be very good against the run. His aggressive, attacking style of play allows him to play down in the box. His speed and athleticism give him the ability to play sideline-to-sideline.

Kyle Parker            Jacksonville, FL    QB    6’ 192”    Clemson

This Todd Reesing look-alike played very well at the Under Armour All-American Game. He has such a natural feel for the game, that it might be hard to keep him off the field. He goes through his progressions very quickly and accurately. Watch out Willy Korn!

Curt Phillips            Kingsport, TN    QB    6’3” 218    Wisconsin

This kid is the complete package of physical ability at the quarterback position. He has nice height and a well-built, muscular frame. His arm strength is more than adequate. It is his athleticism that makes him so intriguing. He has the ability to be a run option from out of the backfield. Phillips gained 9,206 total yards and was responsible for 115 touchdowns over three seasons.

James Vandenberg        Keokuk, IA        QB    6’2” 185    Iowa

Vandenberg leaves Keokuk High with almost sole possession of the Iowa state passing record book. He also led his team to the 3A state championship. On film, he shows nice footwork and nice fundamentals. He is productive, he is a winner and he has nice technique. That is all I need to know.

Rod Wilks            Smyrna, TN        WR    6’2” 205    Tennessee

Wilks has been compared to Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. He is not quite that physically gifted but he certainly plays a similar brand of football. In fact, Wilks might even be a touch faster than Mr. Fitzgerald. He likes the contact and will make the tough catch. Wilks will be a playmaker in Knoxville.

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Here are some guys who are not so much sleepers as they are underrated. These five names are all outside of the top-125 in the Athlon Consensus 100, but all should be in the top-100.

Nick Cody            Brush Prairie, WA    OL    6’5” 290    Oregon

This young offensive tackle may be the most underrated prospect in the nation. Cody has a great story and a great head on his shoulders. He is a well-grounded, hard-working mauler along the offensive line. He looks to bury defenders on every play and with his size could be an all-Pac-10 type player. I had a chance to interview him during his live commitment.

Listen Here

Jarmon Fortson        Columbus, GA    WR    6’3” 218    Florida State

Fortson put on a show in the Georgia Dome during the 3A state semi-finals. He led his team to 20 unanswered points in the final six minutes of play to pull off the miraculous comeback 26-24. He made spectacular catch after spectacular catch. The big, physical receiver will be a threat in all levels of the passing game.

Max Tuioti-Mariner        Corona, CA        OL    6’4” 300    Colorado

This kid is a beast. He, like Cody, looks to bury defenders on every play. It is this killer instinct that transforms physically limited solid players into all-conference type bruisers. Stick him next to true freshman starter Ryan Miller and the left side of the Colorado offensive line is set for years to come.

Darron Thomas        Aldine, TX        ATH    6’4” 205    Oregon

The Ducks are getting a dynamic playmaker in Mr. Thomas. He has lightning-quick footwork and his acceleration is second to none. I would like to see him get a shot at quarterback as the Chip Kelly system would fit his skills perfectly. He does lack the arm strength coaches like, but he has good touch and accuracy.

MarQueis Gray        Indianapolis, IN    QB    6’4” 220    Minnesota

Arguably the second-best dual-threat quarterback behind Terrelle Pryor, Gray is a dynamic playmaker. This kid has the speed to get downfield in a hurry. He will be a great fit in the spread offense that Tim Brewster is trying to install. He has great acceleration, size and arm strength. Gray is a much more polished passer than a guy like Darron Thomas.

Darrell Scott Goes Buffalo!!!

In what might be the biggest land in Colorado history, the No. 1 running back in the nation Darrell Scott from Ventura, CA has decided to head to Boulder, CO.

Darrell Scott is the most complete running back prospect in the nation. He has not only the durability, size and power to run between the tackles 20-25 times a game but also has the speed and agility to get to the outside and beat defenders to the edge. He shows exceptional feet for a bigger back and has great balance and power for a guy who can play in the open field. He has great vision and patience while allowing his blocks to develop. Scott is also one of the better receivers out of the backfield in this class.

Scott rushed for 3,194 yards and 45 touchdowns his junior year.

Scott has lived in Florida, Texas and California, so he has played against top-flight competition his entire career. Colorado freshman wide receiver Josh Smith is Scott’s uncle but is more like his brother as they lived together in Ventura. This relationship will be a key factor in where Scott ends up.

This puts the Colorado class in rarefied air. The Hawk is really doing a great job.

Signing Day Watch List:

There will be fans of every school in America wasting many man (or woman) hours at the office Wednesday.

That is because tomorrow is college football’s National Signing Day. It is the first opportunity for head coaches to officially claim players as their own. It is also the first time head coaches can publicly comment on recruits.

Needless to say, it is an exciting time for everyone involved. Fans, coaches, players and recruiting junkies everywhere will be glued to a medium of choice waiting for those faxed letters of intent to come in.

This season, more so than in recent years, the names left yet to commit are extraordinarily talented. The top quarterback, running back and wide receiver have yet to pick a school. The 2008 recruiting national championship, very much so, still hangs in the balance.

The big three are obvious:

Terrelle Pryor - QB - Jeannette, PA
Finalists: OSU, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, LSU, PSU
Prediction: if it happens tomorrow...OHIO STATE

Julio Jones - WR - Foley, AL
Finalists: Alabama, FSU, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
Prediction: ALABAMA

Darrell Scott - RB - Ventura, CA
Finalists: Colorado, Texas
Prediction: COLORADO

Pryor is set to announce on ESPNU at 12:05 pm ET. Pryor has hinted at taking a visit to Oregon this upcoming weekend, which would push back his announcement past Signing Day. Jones is set to announce at 12:30 pm ET on ESPNU. Scott is set to announce at 12:50 pm ET on ESPNU.

Here is a list of some of the other big names announcing Wednesday, my prediction is in bold:

E.J. Abrams-Ward - ATH - Thomasville, NC
Finalists: Tennessee, North Carolina

Aaron Boyd - WR - Lexington, KY (10:30 am)
Finalists: Kentucky, Oregon

T.J. Bryant - CB - Tallahassee, FL
Finalists: USC, FSU, Miami, Florida, Alabama, LSU

Quinton Coples - DE - Chatham, VA (10:45 am)
Finalists: North Carolina, Tenn, NC St, FSU

Enrique Davis - RB - Chatham, VA
Finalists: Maryland, Oregon, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tenn

Roderick Davis - DT - Aldine, TX
Finalists: Texas A&M, Texas, Florida

J.B. Fitzgerald - LB - Princeton Junction, NJ
Finalists: Michigan, Rutgers

Jarmon Fortson - ATH - Columbus, GA (12:45 pm)
Finalists: Florida St, Auburn

Jamie Harper - RB - Jacksonville, FL (12:20 pm)
Finalists: Clemson, FSU, Florida, Miami

Brandon Harris - CB - Miami, FL
Finalists: Florida, Miami, Ohio State

Jerrell Harris - LB - Gadsden, AL (3 pm)
Finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Tenn, USC

Josh Jenkins - G - Vienna, WV (9 am)
Finalists: Ohio St, WVU, Florida State

Ben Jones - OL - Miami, FL
Finalists: Clemson, Miami

Datone Jones - DE - Compton, CA
Finalists: Oregon, UCLA

T.J. Lawrence - WR - Lakeland, FL
Finalists: S. Car, Va. Tech, Florida, Michigan

Antoine McClain - OL - Anniston, AL
Finalists: Tenn, LSU, Clemson

Charles Mitchell - S - Clarksdale, MS
Finalists: Southern Miss, Nebraska, Miss St

Nick Perry - DE - Detroit, MI (3 pm)
Finalists: Michigan, USC, Mich St, Miami

Robert Quinn - DE - North Charleston, SC (10:30 am)
Finalists: Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina

Hamani Stevens - C - Hemet, CA (3 pm)
Finalists: UCLA, BYU, Oregon

Tommy Streeter - WR - Miami, FL
Finalists: Miami, Oregon, S. Car, USF

Note: Time = Player's expected announcement. All times Eastern.

Athlon Consensus 100: 71-80

The third release of the Athlon Consensus 100 has hit the presses...

71. Chris Tolliver - WR - Rayville, LA (LSU)
72. Matt Meyer - OT - Stockton, CA (USC)
73. Lynn Katoa - LB - Salt Lake City, UT (Colo)
74. Brandon Barnes - ATH - Bunn, NC (NC St)
75. Antoine McClain - OL - Anniston, AL (und.)
76. Josh Jenkins - OG - Vienna, WV (und.)
77. Mark Barron - WR - Mobile, AL (Bama)
78. Jordan Futch - S - Hollywood, FL (Mia)
79. Mike Glennon - QB - Centreville, VA (NC St)
80. Gerell Robinson - WR - Chandler, AZ (ASU)

This is a tremndously versatile group of prospects. Futch could play LB but wants to play safety. Barnes, Tolliver, Barron and Robinson could all end up at wide receiver. But then again, three of them could be playing safety as Tolliver is the only pure pass catcher of the group. McClain and Meyer could end up at guard or tackle.

It is startling to me that it took almost thirty names to get to our first QB. And he is a good one. Mike Glennon is one of the best pure pocket passers in this class. He will never wow anyone with his mobility but once he gets on a roll in the passing game, he is very tough to stop.

Stay Tuned to Athlon Sports as we release ten names every Monday and Thursday.



The Athlon Consensus 100

Deeper Look: 71-80
Deeper Look: 81-90
Deeper Look: 91-100

Nebraska Class Falling Apart?

Since rumors began swirling about Bill Callahan being let go after the season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have been grasping to commitments with nervous hands with no avail.

The decommitments of highly ranked kids like Blaine Gabbert and Jonas Gray are well documented. Gabbert is the top player in the state of Missouri and Gray is tops in Michigan.

Nebraska also lost a big time in-state prospect Trevor Robinson. Gabbert is headed to Missouri while Gray and Robinson are both headed to South Bend.

But it did not stop there. West Virginia snagged WR D.J. Woods.

Then Dan Hawkins and Colorado came calling. Colorado, arguably the hottest team in the nation when it comes to recruiting, stole a mit-ful of future Huskers. It hurts even worse that these kids are heading to Boulder seeing as how these two fan bases have had such cordial interactions in the part. An entire student section was forced to leave during the 2005 match-up.

JUCO linebacker Sean Mohler 4-star (Costa Mesa, FL)
Defensive end Josh Williams 3-star (Denton, TX)
Offensive lineman Bryce Givens 4-star (Denver, CO)
Linebacker Doug Rippy 3-star (Trotwood, OH)

The Zen Master has also recently added Max Mariner, Lynn Katoa, Jon Major, Ryan Deehan and silently...SHHH....Darrell Scott.

But the bleeding in Lincoln gives the term "Big Red" new meaning. It could not be stopped. The #1 ranked JUCO player in the nation, Simi Kuli, has decommitted. Oregon St is looking to swoop in and snag him. Top linebacker prospect Will Compton has also decommitted and has narrowed his choices to Illinois and Missouri.

That is 10 decommitments. I have seen classes take hits with coaching changes, 3-4 kids leave, but 10? Never.

Lets hope that Bo Pelini can get the Huskers back to the old style of football with big uglies, power fullbacks and lots of yards on the ground. That is what I enjoyed watching.

Championship Weekend

Its championship weekend. At least in some states. Ohio crowned their title winners last weekend with an upset by Coldwater over Youngstown Cardinal Mooney despite PSU commit Brandon Beachum's 191 yards. The biggest star of the Ohio state title weekend was running back Darius Ashley, a running back headed to Louisville. Ashley set an Ohio record for rushing in a title game rushing for 271 yards and two scores in the 27-0 Class-1 victory. Ashley is DRAMATICALLY underrated.

The nation's top player, Terrelle Pryor, had another game for the ages in his title game this weekend. Jeannette HS beat Dunmore in the Class-AA PIAA title game this weekend 49-21. Jeannette was not really tested at all in their run to the title. Pryor threw for 83 yards, one touchdown, rushed for 209 yards and three scores and to top it all off he caught a 28 yard touchdown pass. Run, pass and catch. This kid just about does it all. (He had a 100-yard INT return for touchdown last week)

With the move David Cutcliffe makes, Tennessee has been eliminated by Pryor. That leaves FLA, PSU, OSU, WVU and Oregon. PSU and FLA seem to trailing the other three. With rumors swirling about Rich Rodriguez heading to Michigan, WVU might be on tenuous ground. The Oregon Ducks are slowly moving up the list.

The nation's top running back lived up to his hype as well. St. Bonnie's Darrell Scott rushed for 150 yards on 17 carries (8.8 ypc) and two scores with only one leg. Scott played the entire CIF State Division III Bowl Championship win over Central Catholic (35-21) with a badly injured ankle.

South Carolina posted a 31-24 victory over North Carolina Saturday in the 71st annual Shrine Bowl. I will be speaking with Tony Morrell of GamecockCentral.com on Monday so look for more Shrine Bowl coverage. Many players raised their stock significantly, linebacker Sterling Lucas for one.

Max Tuioti-Mariner and Darrell Scott to CU?

Jon Major, Sean Mohler, Ryan Deehan, Lynn Katoa and now Max Tuioti-Mariner. I just wanted to refresh everyone's memory of the past few weeks in Boulder. Despite 20 degree weather and snow, the Colorado Buffaloes are smoldering hot on the recruiting trail. (Even though there are rumors that Katoa has cold feet)

Corona, CA offensive guard Max Tuioti-Mariner committed to Colorado despite the rumors that the finalist were Oregon and Cal. The Hawk has a knack for closing the deal. How the 6-4, 300 pounder ranks:

Rivals: #10 offensive guard
Scout: #23 offensive guard
ESPN: #7 offensive guard, #149 overall
PrepStar: #12 offensive lineman, #82 overall

Mariner is NASTY. Coaches want their offensive lineman to finish plays and Max is great at that. He has a mean streak that demoralizes defesnive lineman and wears them down over the course of a game. A very strong kid - nearly 400 lb bench - that once he gets his hands on defenders its tough to get disengaged. At 6-4, 300 lbs he still has room to add bulk which would make him an impossible match-up. Slide inside at guard and stick him next to Ryan Miller and the gameplan becomes 'run left.'

Especially if Darrell Scott is the one getting the ball for Colorado.

The most intriguing piece of news about Mariner is he told Rivals that "I am also looking forward to blocking for Darrell Scott, I hear he's going there and it will be fun to block for the No. 1 back in the nation."

Hmmm, rumors last week were that Darrell Scott was a silent commit to Colorado. After speaking with Adam Munstertieger of BuffStampede.com I felt even more confident about that. This is just a recruit but these kids talk to each other and they know what is going on. Gotta love 17 year old kids dropping scoop!

Scott can play from day one, his uncle Josh Smith is there, Scott's mom has supposedly been given a job and now big Mariner says he going. I would bet he ends up at Colorado.

Photo by Heston Quan

US Army AA Player of the Year Finalist

The US Army All-American Bowl is easily the best national "all-star" event for high school prospects each season. In conjunction with that game, finalist for National Player of the Year have been announced. This list is not necessarily the best six players.

Nigel Bradham LB 6-2, 225 (Wakulla High School, Crawford, Fla.)
Arthur Brown LB 6-1, 215 (East High School, Wichita, Kan.)
Dayne Crist QB 6-4, 225 (Notre Dame High School, Sherman Oaks, Calif.)
Patrick Johnson DB 6-1, 190 (Blanche Ely High School, Pompano Beach, Fla.)
Terrelle Pryor QB 6-5, 230 (Jeanette High School, Jeanette, Pa.)
Darrell Scott RB 6-0, 205 (St. Bonaventure High School, Ventura, Calif.

Technically Patrick Johnson is committed to Miami...technically. He has a wandering eye. Dayne Crist is committed to Notre Dame. I wonder if Charlie Weis pulls a Joe Theismann and adds an H? Nigel Bradham is headed to Florida State. Darrell Scott is supposedly silently committed to Colorado.

Arthur Brown narrowed his list to UNC, Fla, Mia, USC and LSU this week.

The man to beat is Terrell Pryor though. Whose 421 total yard, 7 td performance against Aliquippa a few weeks back was raising question amongst local coaches if he was better than Tony Dorsett. Dorsett is consider to be the best high school football player in the state of PA, ever.

I still say Pryor ends up in Columbus.

The US Army All-American Bowl is on NBC, Jan. 5th, 1 pm EST.

Athlon Sports Recruiting Blitz 12.04.07

Every week I host a recruiting podcast for Athlon Sports. This week's edition is now up on the site. AthlonSports.com

Joining me this week was Michigan expert from TheWolverine.com Chris Balas. Is the Michigan class still standing strong? Chris Balas tells all.

Also joining me this week was Colorado guru from BuffStampede.com Adam Munstertieger. The Buffalos might be the hottest team in the nation on the recruiting trail.

FSU, Washington, Bama and many more got some time on the National Recruiting Blitz.

So without further ado...

The National Recruiting Blitz

The Zen Master Strikes Again: Lynn Katoa

Washington and Illinois are two of the hottest programs when it comes to recruiting. Colorado must be added to the list. Dan Hawkins added stud linebacker Jon Major last month, added big California tight end Ryan Deehan just a few days ago and now have landed another outstanding linebacker prospect in Cottonwood High's (Salt Lake City, UT) Lynn Katoa.

The 6-2, 225 lb Katoa committed to the Buffs this weekend. This was a huge victory for Dan Hawkins as Katoa picked Colorado over top-flight programs such as Texas, USC, Florida, LSU, Oklahoma and Miami. How he ranks:

Rivals: #62 prospect in the nation, #2 ILB nationally
Scout: #21 overall, #2 ILB
ESPN: #148 overall, #15 OLB

Landing Jon Major was imperitive as he had built up a relationship with Lynn Katoa and this undoubtedly impacted the talented linebacker's decision.

This kid is special. To start he has only played two years of organized football so at the moment he is getting by on pure athletic ability and raw instincts. Secondly, he will graduate this month and be enrolled for the Spring semester allowing him to go through spring practice and get acclimated to the campus prior to the fall. So clearly he is an intelligent kid.

He can really run when he needs to. Trailing a kick returner by seven yards, Katoa turned on the burners and not only caught up with his teammate but passed him by almost five yards in order to lead block down the sideline. Cottonwood scored. It was very impressive.

There are, of course, issues with having such limited playing experience. He does find himself lost at times, especially on play-action fakes. His fundamentals will need a lot of work as well. Tackling, coverage, blitzing etc.

He has all the natural ability to scrape through traffic and get to the ball carrier though. Getting to campus in the spring will help him tremendously as the CU staff will be able to instill some technique into his game prior to his freshman season.

If The Hawk can just get all these new stud recruits to call Darrell Scott, this could be one of the best recruiting hauls CU has ever had.

Ryan Deehan to Colorado

Despite overtures from Eric Cartman, Dan Hawkins and the Colorado Buffs are very pleased to be practicing into the month of December.

Hawkins also seems to be doing the job off the field as well. The CU Zen-Master did a solid job last season of protecting his borders by landing kids like Ryan Miller (who was named to the Big-XII All-Freshman team). Now he is spreading his wings.

The Hawk has gone into California and landed a star tight end. Ryan Deehan, the 6-6, 230 lb Poway high (Poway, CA) product, committed to Colorado before his game Friday. He picks Colorado over Arizona St, UCLA, Washington, Cal and others. How he ranks:

Rivals: #11 tight end
Scout: #26 tight end
ESPN: #22 tight end

Deehan has a nice big frame. He uses his long arms well when catching the football as he plays comfortably in traffic. His hands are strong enough to get the job done on the next level. He is a bit of a project though.

He lacks ideal explosion off the line of scrimmage, whether it is drive blocking or stretching the defense by running down the hashes. He also lacks overall power. Both the explosion and the power issues can be addressed by getting into a strong division-1 weight program. He does have a great frame to bulk up and get stronger. Because he does not have great speed and athleticism, especially after the catch, route running will become a huge part of his game. It is already a strong part of his game but he will need to continue to develop because he will need it.

Overall, Deehan possess the necessary skills to be a very good tight end but he will need to grow up a bit before making a big impact. Overall, this is a very strong pick-up for The Hawk. Plus, it certainly helps Colorado's chances with Darrell Scott having California kids on board.

Introductions by Eric Cartman

Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the creators of South Park. They are also Colorado graduates. Well, I am not sure if they actually graduated but they certainly went to school there. Well, at least they enrolled, making it to class is a different story.

But I digress. This is why college football is single greatest sport on the planet. As rabid women get up at the crack of dawn to go shopping on Friday after Thanksgiving, I wake up in a turkeyed haze and implant myself firmly on the couch. As a South Park fan myself, it was a pleasure to see Eric Cartman introduce the Colorado starting line-ups...



But that was not enough for the comical geniuses...genii...you know what I mean...

Darrell Scott update

Darrell Scott has begun his cross country tour of campuses (or is that campii?). Arguably the best running back prospect in the nation, possibly the best player at any postion, visited Colorado for the beat down Mizzou put on the Buffs. But no worries CU fans. The St. Bonaventure HS (Ventura, CA) star loved Boulder.

According to the Daily (Co.) Camera, the 6-1, 210 lb running back says that Colorado is firmly in the lead for his services. Apparently his uncle, Josh Smith, is a freshman WR at CU and Scott would love to play with him. The math is a little fuzzy on that one but whatever.

Now before you go jumping into some Dan Hawkins Lotus pose, keep in mind that this kid just got back from his visit in Austin, TX (one of the many cities I have lived). He will be soon visiting LSU, Florida, UCLA and of course USC. This process is far from over. However, it is very difficult to see him not getting ALOT of playing time VERY early at Colorado.

Keep in mind that this kid was born in FLA, lived in Texas and now resides in Cali. Not bad football played in any of those states.

If you have not had the pleasure...