Wednesday is National Signing Day!

[Updated 1/29/12]
NEW: The "mystery flip" recruit has been revealed as 3-star FB Christian Powell (who I seriously doubted would be the one) de-committed from hometown UCLA (finally getting someone from Mora Jr.!) to say he will sign Wednesday with CU, which was thought to be his favorite for awhile.  No word exactly why, but he does have two Upland HS teammates (DB Marques Mosely and RB Donta Abron) who are also coming to Boulder. With Norgard, this shows how serious Embree and Bienemy are about having a physical, run-first, pro-style offense that should be quite a bit different from last season's version.
Combined with the other recent verbals, including the two huge commitments from nationally coveted 4-star cornerbacks back to back early last week, the 2012 Colorado class stands at the maximum 28 (is likely complete) and has moved up their national class ranking as high as 25! 
The last 2 days are a "dead period" where coaches can only speak to recruits on the phone or via the internet (no texting). Rumors will continue to fly about who might flip, and although the Buffs claim that they are done, a lot can happen in the last 24 hours...

ESPNU will have coverage all day long Wednesday, CUintheGame.com will have fairly up to date news on who has signed throughout the day, and Embree will formally introduce the class at the annual luncheon on Thursday (info on CUBuffs.com). Unfortunately, I won't attend this year but I will give a full class overview for the weekend.

4-Some prospects who might get in the fold later:

ATH Jontrey Tillman (Baldwin, LA), had committed to Stanford but even with his 4.0 was not admitted, is scheduled to visit after signing day-remember, they brought in a few kids late last year and if they have a slot left it could go to him.

Unrated OT Ed Caldwell (Highlands Ranch, CO) is likely to enroll as a preferred walk-on;

Unrated WR Jason Gaines (El Cajon, CA) visited with high school teammate Shane Dillon on 1/20 and he will enroll in JC to work way into CU later;

Other Prospects CU was pursuing but who are probably NOT  coming to Boulder: These are all prospects that have been recruited hard by CU, but the interest has faded on one side or the other:
star LB Seth Jacobs (Arroyo Grande, CA), 6'2" 215, 4.55 in the 40, visited 1/20, was the biggest name left and there were hints he would come to Boulder, but it looks like Embree says this class is set, with no linbackers in it and he's not expecting any more announcements from anyone.

4-star LB Deaysean Rippy (PA), cousin of LB Doug Rippy, was rumored to be “silent commit” but also that he was an academic risk; either way CU has rescinded their offer-he tweeted it was “stupid” (not sure if on his part or CU’s)- and he will choose between Pitt & WVU;
The next three probably missed their "window" by not committing when they could have:
star OG Isaiah Folasa (Corona, CA) de-committed to UCLA, visited Boulder 1/20 and CU is supposedly his favorite, but took last visit to New Mexico St. and is actually considering San Jose St. and Fresno St? I am a little surprised he hadn’t committed here and now he may have lost his opportunity and been told his slot was gone;

3-star CB/S Chris Solomon (West Covina, CA) visited 1/13 and seemed very interested in CU but DB slots are filled; also looking at both Arizona schools and Nevada;

3-star DE Ewing Simmons (Stockton, CA), 6'3" 225, visited 1/20, deciding between a few Pac-12 schools;

3-star O-lineman Shane Brostek (HI) was mentioned with CU early, but not much lately, maybe Washington?

3-star WR Javon Williams (Chandler, AZ) down to Arkansas and UCLA;

3-star ATH/CB Dalis Bruce (Bellflower, CA), looking at Cal or UCLA;

2-star CB Bryan Harper (Ontario, CA) is likely to go UCLA or Oregon;

2-The ones that got away: Here are some of the bigger names that committed elsewhere late in the process:
4-star DT Darius Hamilton (NJ) solidified his commitment to Rutgers;

4-star DE Luke Kaumatule (Honolulu-teammate of current Buffs KT Tu'umalo) was admitted and committed to Stanford, and cancelled his trip to Colorado;

4-star TE Jalen Cope-FitzPatrick (Rocklin, CA) made his soft verbal official with USC;

4-star DE Kyle Kelley, who had been a "soft" commit to Arizona, made it official;

4-star LB Rashawn Hooker (Fontana, CA) finally announced he is going to go to Utah;

4-star RB Wes Brown was scheduled to visit 1/13 but committed to home state Maryland;
4-star homegrown OT Alex Kozan (Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, CO) was so eager to go out of state he chose...Iowa (Have fun  out there Alex!);

3-star S Leo Thomas (San Antonio, TX) re-committed Arizona;
star RB Jeffrey Coprich (CA) going to Cal;

3-star FB Psalm Wooching (HI), previously a UCLA commit, committed to Washington during his visit and cancelled his trip to Boulder;

3-star Highlands Ranch QB Steve Donatell (also all-state punter) is going to Wake Forest [Embree supposedly asked him to greyshirt here];

3-star DB Tyler Hasty (Bellvue, WA) committed to the other other OSU (Oregon St.);

3-star OT Nico Siragusa (San Diego, CA)-wanted to stay close to home and committed to San Diego St;

3-stars OT Colby Cyburt (Mission Viejo, CA) & FB Cristian Powell (Upland, CA) both going to UCLA;

2-star CB Ryan Lewis (WA) was told by CU that CB spots were full so he committed to Pitt, where a cousin attends;

2-star TE/DE Trevor Stevens (TX) never offered by CU, chose start-up Texas-San Antonio over Harvard;

Here’s how the class is shaping up: The class closing out nicely with 28 commits and ranked as high as 25 nationally, consisting of:

§  9 defensive linemen (including Derek McCartney who will greyshirt for 2013), 5 DBs, no linebackers, one big QB recruit (plus transfer), 3 running backs, 2 fullbacks, 3 wide receivers, 3 tight ends, and 2 offensive linemen (not including the 2011 greyshirt).  Many of the players are vesratile and could end up at other positions, especially the D-linemen, as some could play either end or tackle, a couple Jack LB, and a few could even move to offense down the road; likewise, a few of the skill positions (RB, DB, WR) could always move around a bit.

§  The class is headlined by the two 4-star cornerbacks and loaded with 3-star athletes, lots of speed and some general depth across the roster, stocking it with the type of athlete the staff is looking for in prospects. The few 2-stars have some great upside and many are considered underrated by analysts.

§  They were competitive with many “big” schools and against Pac-12 schools and had numerous recruits talking about them. Geographically they span the country from Hawaii to Arizona to Missouri to Louisiana to NJ and DC, with a heavy dose of California (10) and Texas (7) players. Unfortunately, there are only 2 Colorado players, as most of the big names went to mostly big name schools out of state (including five O-line prospects).

§  Although ratings are by no means the end all be all, it would still be nice to have more 4 and 5-star prospects, but those will also come with wins and national exposure. 

TEAM NEWS: Senior-to-be (formerly captain candidate) Wil Pericak (of Boulder High no less!) was arrested for lighting a fire and causing a ruckus at a bar on Pearl St.  It is at least his second incident; he was also with the infamous Bryce Givens (since kicked off team for numerous problems) last year when he bashed in a car for no reason.  Embree is waiting for the case to resolve before passing judgement (I would expect he misses at least one game).
OG Paulay Asiata (4/5-star Hawaiian recruit that CU "flipped" from Washington last year) reportedly has been dismissed from the team for missing classes and workouts and may even be ineligible. Also, Fr. WR Austin Vincent has been officially suspended for the spring (no surprise here after his shower antics and academic problems) and it doesn't look like either will be back.  It also appears WR/DB Makiri Pugh is gone for good.  Asiata was thought to compete for a starting guard spot this spring/fall and hurts, but the other two are inconsequential (although Vincent thinks he can work his way back-he was lazy and teammates and coaches alike were on him in practice and I was shocked when he got on the field early in the season).  This attrition will open up a couple of scholarship slots that could help next year's recruiting with such a small rising senior class.

Final Recruiting Push

UPDATED: 1/26/12

February 1^st fast approaches as coaches make their last pitches and prospects will make their last official recruiting visits this coming weekend before signing day next Wednesday.  The Buffs currently have 25 verbal commitments (see full list at right in “2012 Commitments” box) who they believe will sign a Letter of Intent and fax it in to the CU Athletic Department.  They were expecting to sign 26-28 total so the slots are filling up quickly now, although one site reports that they are planning on sending out 32 Letters of Intent to recruits, not expecting all of those to fax them back.  This group includes a few academic questions that may never qualify and make it to campus and will have at least a couple of greyshirts, who will postpone enrollment until January 2013, count against that class, thus allowing CU to sign more than the maximum 25.  Those recruits can get acclimated academically and usually put on weight, but cannot practice until the spring and would still have five full seasons to play 4, meaning they can still redshirt and continue to develop also. (O-lineman Alex Kelley did that this year after getting injured during the summer).  There could also be visits and commitments after signing day-remember, they signed a few guys late last year (Buffscoop.com reports there is a bigger name who may fir this category).

I will try to update as much information as possible about where prospects stand and who is committing where.  For more on this recruiting cycle and the general state of the CU football program, read previous posts in the “Archives” on the right side of the page. I will provide a full class overview after everyine is signed.

The Buffs picked up two huge commitments from nationally coveted 4-star cornerbacks early in the week, jumping their national class ranking back into the low 30’s.  Both Yuri Wright (NJ) and Kenneth Crawley (DC) are confident, fast and fairly polished corners, and both expect to come right in and compete for playing time.  I have read two different places that Crawley may even be underrated. They also have given CU some national exposure and credibility by snagging these two on back-to-back days at crunch time. 
They also may have snagged another DB/WR in 3-star Jeffrey Hall (La Place, LA)-he will officially announce Friday supposedly but CU's biggest competition is Indiana and maybe San Jose St. and Frseno St.
TEAM NEWS: OG Paulay Asiata (4/5-star Hawaiian recruit that CU "flipped" from Washington last year) reportedly has been dismissed from the team for missing classes and workouts and may be ineligible.  Also, Fr. WR Austin Vincent has been officially suspended for the spring (no surprise for his shower antics and academic problems) and it doesn't look like either will be back. That would open up another scholarship spot or two that could help next year's recruiting with such a small risng senior class  However, Asiata was thought to compete for a starting guard spot this spring/fall.  It also appears WR/DB Makiri Pugh is also gone for good.
Weekend of January 27: This is the last weekend to visit and only a couple will venture to Boulder. However, many rumors will be flying throughout the week as final decisions are being weighed and teams are making their final convincing arguments. Here's who is rumored to be visiting Boulder:
star TE Vincent Hobbs (Mesquite, TX) might be the only visitor, although he doesn’t have an official CU offer yet; he had been really hoping for a Texas offer, which didn't happen, so CU might be frontrunner if they do offer;

4-star DE Luke Kaumatule (Honolulu-teammate of current Buffs KT Tu'umalo) said he would visit this weekend if he wasn't cleared by Stanford admissions, but unfortunately (for the Buffs) he was;

FB Psalm Wooching (HI) was set to visit but committed to Washington on his visit there.

Many recruits visited the previous 2 weekends:

Weekend of January 13 visitors: Only 4 prospects visited but…

3-star ATH/CB/WR Jeffrey Hall (LaPlace LA) will announce Friday between CU, Indiana and maybe Arizona; he very well may have been one of the alleged "silent" commits who was either holding out for something or likes the attention.

3-star CB/S Chris Solomon (West Covina, CA) seemed very interested in CU but DB slots are filling;

3-star RB and CU verbal commit Davien Payne (Perrius, CA) was there as was TE Cope –Fitzpatrick who then solidified his soft verbal to USC;

Weekend of January 20: There were eight in Boulder that weekend:

NEW: 3-star OG Isaiah Folasa (Corona, CA), has DE-committed to UCLA and CU is his favorite, but will take last visit to New Mexico St. and actually consider San Jose St. and Fresno St?  Hopefully he’s not set on going to a small “state” school and I would be surprised if he didn’t sign here;

3-star 6'0" 175 pound CB/S John Walker (DC) committed even before his visit to Boulder (following teammate CU commit De'Jon Wilson, and preceding another teammate Kenneth Crawley)

QB commit Shane Dillon (El Cajon, CA) took his "official"(paid) visit, even though he has been here on numerous "unofficial" visits.

Fellow CU commit and future target, 3-star WR Peyton Williams (Southlake, TX) visited on crutches after having his ACL repaired. He ran a 4.4 40 and starred in track before the injury and he claims he does not plan to redshirt and anticipates being ready to go in August.

4-star DB/LB Seth Jacobs (Arroyo Grande, CA), 6'2" 215, 4.55 in the 40, is the biggest name left and that is considering CU and would really top off the class well;  he said his visit was great and will announce on Feb. 1 between CU, Arkansas, Oklahoma St., and UCLA (visit this weekend);  Buffscoop.com has hinted a few things that point to him committing to CU and 2 of the 7 ESPN analysts polled think he'll end up in Boulder;

3-star DE Ewing Simmons (Stockton, CA), 6'3" 225 is deciding between a few Pac-12 schools;

Unrated WR Jason Gaines (El Cajon, CA) came with high school teammate Shane Dillon; otherwise there is not much known about him-it looks like he is planning to enroll in JC to work way into CU later.

Unrated DE/TE Derek McCartney (Faith Christian, CO), son of former Buff Shannon Clavelle and grandson of Coach Mac, officially committed. He is 6'4" but only 218 and will greyshirt to put on weight and will end up counting against 2013 class.

 Other Prospects still looking at CU: These are all prospects that have been recruited hard by CU and allegedly still have them on their short list, at least according to someone:

4-star: LB Deaysean Rippy (PA), cousin of LB Doug Rippy, has been rumored to be “silent commit” but also that he is not that serious academically and CU may have backed off; last week, he tweeted that his final four were CU, West Virginia, Arizona and Pitt but Thurs. night he tweeted "Pitt, WVU and Arizona" only.

3-stars: CB Jonavaughn Williams (CA)-was thought to be likely to commit to CU but has been silent and now CU has been telling prospects (see Ryan Lewis below) that their CB slots are filled;

ATH/CB Dalis Bruce (Bellflower, CA), will supposedly choose between Cal and UCLA Friday;

O-lineman Shane Brostek (HI);

WR Javon Williams (Chandler, AZ) doubtful-down to Arkansas and UCLA;

2/3-star RB Jeffrey Coprich (CA) visited here in November but appears down to Cal or Hawaii;

2-stars: S Ilaiu Moeakiola Euless, TX) de-committed (de-offered?) from UCLA and could look at CU?
CB Bryan Harper (Ontario, CA) is likely to go UCLA or Oregon;

RB David Greene (Dallas, TX)-UNLV commit but still in contact with CU and others pending SAT score;

TE/DE Trevor Stevens (TX)-has not been officially offered by CU, otherwise will go to start-up Texas-San Antonio or...Harvard;

Unrated FB Keith Parker (CA-teammate of Jonavaughn Williams) visited in December and may be slated to come in as a preferred walk-on, or if no other FB prospects are signed, even to possibly greyshirt.
OT Ed Caldwell (Highlands Ranch, CO) is likely to enroll as a preferred walk-on (no scholarship).

The ones that got away:

4-star TE Jalen Cope-FitzPatrick (Rocklin, CA) made his soft verbal official with USC;
2-star CB  Ryan Lewis (WA) was told by CU that their cornerback spots were full so he committed to Pitt, where a cousin attends;

3-star S Leo Thomas re-committed to Arizona;

Hawaii’s Psalm Wooching, a 6-3, 205 pound 3-star FB, previously a UCLA commit, committed to Washington during his visit Jan. 20-21 and cancelled his trip to Boulder;

3-star Highlands Ranch QB Steve Donatell (also all-state punter) is going to Wake Forest [Embree supposedly asked him to greyshirt here];

3-star DB Tyler Hasty (Bellvue, WA) committed to the other other OSU (Oregon St.);

4-star LB Rashawn Hooker (Fontana, CA) finally announced he is going to go to Utah (at least it wasn't another prospect saying he was going to UCLA);

3-star OT Nico Siragusa (San Diego, CA)-wanted to stay close to home and committed to San Diego St;

4-star DE Kyle Kelley, who had been a "soft" commit to Arizona, made it official;

4-star RB Wes Brown was scheduled to visit 1/13 but committed to home state Maryland;

3-stars OT Colby Cyburt (Mission Viejo, CA) & FB Cristian Powell (Upland, CA) both going to UCLA;

3-star LB Lavell Sanders (Compton, CA) did not end up making his visit, likely because his SAT score would not enable him to qualify at CU;

3-star WR Gabriel Marks (Venice, CA) committed to Washington St;

3-star S Ma’ne Manaea (WA) was asked to greyshirt is going to Idaho.

January Recruiting Visits

UPDATED: 1/24/12
Yuri Wright (NJ) and Kenneth Crawley (Washington DC), both 4-star nationally recruited prospects have committed to play cornerback for the Buffs bringing the class to 25 and up to a 32/33 national ranking.  I will post a new update sometime Thursday.

January brings us to the last push for the recruiting cycle as prospects will officially be able to sign on Wednesday, February 1.  The last three weekends in January will have high school seniors flying all over the country to make their final visits and decisions.  CU will be hosting numerous recruits in Boulder each of those weekends.  I will try to post as much information about who is coming here, who is committing, who have we “lost” and any other pertinent information.  There is also a “Class overview” which I will update as new commitments come in.  I will update any other interesting news in the “Recruiting Rumors” box to the right.  Likewise, see the “2012 Commitments” box for the full lineup of committed prospects.  For more on this recruiting cycle and the general state of the CU football program, read previous posts in the “Archives” on the right side of the page.

Here are the prospects that are thought to be visiting Boulder in January:

Weekend of January 20: There were eight in Boulder this weekend:

  The Buffs latest commitment (3-stars on ESPN) 6'0" 175 pound CB/S John Walker (DC) cancelled his trip to Kansas and became the Buffs 22nd known verbal even before his visit to Boulder; teammate and cousin of CU commit De'Jon Wilson, and they also play with coveted 4-star CB Kenneth Crawley (who COMMITTED Sunday night!);
QB commit Shane Dillon (El Cajon, CA) is taking his "official"(paid) visit, even though he has been here on numerous "unofficial" visits. The 6'5" 185 pound prospect, runs a 4.6 in the 40, is a highly rated pro-style QB but will likely redshirt behind Hirschman and Wood.

Fellow CU commit and future target, 3-star WR Peyton Williams (Southlake, TX) will make his visit on crutches after having his ACL repaired.  He ran a 4.4 40 and starred in track before the injury and he claims he does not plan to redshirt and anticipates being ready to go in August.
4-star DB/LB Seth Jacobs (Arroyo Grande, CA), 6'2" 215, 4.55 in the 40, said his visit was great and he is deciding between CU, Arkansas, and Oklahoma St. and he will still visit UCLA next weekend and will announce on signing day, Feb. 1.
3-star DE Ewing Simmons (Stockton, CA), 6'3" 225 is deciding between a few Pac-12 schools;

3-star OG Isaiah Folasa (Corona, CA), has committed to UCLA but looking around since coaching change; CU just recently offered and is also visiting Fresno St.;
Unrated WR Jason Gaines (El Cajon, CA) is scheduled for a to visit with teammate ofShane Dillon; otherwise there is not much known about him-may be offered as a preferred walk-on?
Local DE Derek McCartney visited and committed to greyshirt.
New Orleans DE Darrian Dyson cancelled his visit.

Weekend of January 27: This is the last weekend to visit and only a few will venture to Boulder.  However, many rumors will be flying throughout the week as final decisions are being weighed and teams are making their final convincing arguments. Here's who is rumored to be visiting Boulder:

4-star Stanford commit (has yet to officially qualify until semester grades are in but likely headed to Plao Alto) DE Luke Kaumatule (Honolulu) has said he might visit this last weekend (if things are not settled yet with Stanford);

Unrated WR Vincent Hobbs (Mesquite, TX)-no official CU offer yet, visited Austin last week and is hoping for Texas offer;
FB Psalm Wooching was set to visit but committed to Washington on his visit there.

Weekend of January 13: Only four prospects visited Boulder and no one new has committed:

3-star CB/S Chris Solomon (West Covina, CA)-supposedly really liked his visit we can only hope for some word this week-he is also looking at the Arizona schools and Nevada. Solomon is 6′ 0″, 180-pounds. Buffs really need some DB depth so one of these two (below) would obviously help;

3-star CB/WR Jeffrey Hall (LaPlace LA)-Hall is 5’11″, 180-pounds. He might be an academic risk-which makes his backup a perfect, safe choice-Kansas St., who will let anyone in;

CU commit Davien Payne (Perrius, CA), a 3-star 5-foot-11, 215-pound RB is also set to visit. He wanted to go to Boise St. but was asked to greyshirt behind three other backs. He is a powerful compact body with a chip on his shoulder as he says he was always told he wouldn't be able to make it whatever the next level was.

Greyshirts: Although no one has been confirmed to delay their enrollment to CU until next January yet, there is a strong possibility at least a couple will when it is all said and done.
NEW: Derek McCartney (Faith Christian, CO), son of former Buff Shannon Clavelle and grandson of Coach Mac, officially committed.  He is 6'4", 218 and will likely play defensive end or linebacker (Jack) or possibly tight end.

It was reported that S Ma’ne Manaea (WA) was asked to greyshirt and for that reason he has soured on CU and is looking elsewhere.

Likewise, OT Kiha Sai (Honolulu) was asked to greyshirt by Utah and has re-opened his recruitment with the Buffs on his list.

It Other Prospects to watch: These are all prospects that have been recruited hard by CU and allegedly still have them on their short list, at least according to someone:

4-stars:

 NEW: CB Kenneth Crawley (DC) committed Sunday night after not being impressed with Kansas. [decommitted from Tennessee, played with current CU player Sherrard Harrington and CU commits De'Jon Wilson and John Walker]  biggest verbal yet for the Buffs. 
CB Yuri Wright (NJ) [biggest name on their wish list, "top 100" prospect with issues];
LB Deaysean Rippy (PA) [cousin of Doug Rippy-rumored to be “silent commit” but is has also been reproted that he is not that serious academically and CU may have backed off];

3-stars: CB Jonavaughn Williams (CA);

 S Leo Thomas (AZ) [decommitted from Arizona, also rumored to be a “silent commit” to CU]

 ATH/CB Dalis Bruce (Bellflower, CA) [teammate CJ Dozier just committed to Arizona];

 O-lineman Shane Brostek (HI);

 WR Javon Williams (Chandler, AZ);
2/3-star RB Jeffrey Coprich (CA) visited in November.

2-stars: CB Bryan Harper (Ontario, CA) [likely to go UCLA but recently offered by Oregon];

CB Ryan Lewis (WA);

 TE/DE Trevor Stevens (TX) [has not been officially offered by CU yet until they are sure they aren't getting Cope-Fitzpatrick or another bigger name TE; otherwise will go to start-up Texas-San Antonio or...Harvard];

 Also, unrated FB Keith Parker (CA-teammate of Jonavaughn Williams) visited in December and may be slated to come in as a preferred walk-on, or if no other FB prospects are signed, even to possibly greyshirt.

Goin' Elsewhere:
star TE Jalen Cope-FitzPatrick (Rocklin, CA)made it official with USC during his visit-he had been a "soft" commit since the summer; 
*Hawaii’s Psalm Wooching, a 6-3, 205 pound 3-star FB, previously a UCLA commit, committed to Washington during his visit Jan. 20-21;
3-star Highlands Ranch QB Steve Donatell (also all-state punter) is going to Wake Forest [Embree supposedly asked him to greyshirt here];
3-star DB Tyler Hasty (Bellvue, WA) committed to the other other OSU (Oregon St.);
DE Darrian Dyson (New Orleans) has given a soft verbal (he has given many) to Florida Int'l and has cancelled his visit here.
4-star LB Rashawn Hooker (Fontana, CA) finally announced he is going to go to Utah (at least it wasn't another prospect saying he was going to UCLA);
OT Nico Siragusa (San Diego, CA)-wanted to stay close to home and committed to San Diego St.
4-star DE Kyle Kelley, who had been a "soft" commit to Arizona, made it official and cancelled home visits from CU and Oklahoma;

4-star RB Wes Brown was scheduled to visit 1/13 but committed to home state Maryland.
 Colby Cyburt (Mission Viejo, CA), a 3-star OT, and 3-star FB Cristian Powell (Upland, CA) both committed close to hometown and UCLA.
3-star LB CJ Dozier (Bellflower, CA) decided to go with Arizona [hopefully teammate 3-star CB Dalis Bruce does not follow].
3-star LB Lavell Sanders (Compton, CA) did not end up making his visit, likely because his SAT score would not enable him to qualify at CU.
3-star WR Gabriel Marks (Venice, CA) committed to Washington St.

Class Overview: The class is rounding out nicely with 22 commits so far: 8 defensive linemen, only 2 DBs so far with no linebackers yet, one big QB recruit (plus the transfer), 3 running backs, 1 fullback, 3 wide receivers, 2 tight ends, and 3 offensive linemen (including the 2011 greyshirt). They are hoping to sign 5-7 more total.

The class is stacked with 3-star athletes and lots of speed that will solidify the depth chart a little with the type of athlete the staff is looking for in prospects. Many of these are also versatile and could conceivably play other positions down the road.

Although ratings are by no means the end all be all, it would still be nice to add some 4-5-star kids, but that may have wait until these last visits; maybe they can “flip” someone as they were able to do late in the cycle last year. They were competitive with many “big” schools and against Pac-12 schools and had numerous recruits talking about them. Geographically they span the country from Hawaii to DC with a heavy dose of California (9) and Texas (6) players. Unfortunately, there are only 2 Colorado players, as most of the big names went to big name schools out of state (including five O-line prospects).

Embree stated recently that CU was still recruiting up to eight prospects that have committed elsewhere (see a few below who are scheduled for visits). Remember, they “flipped” 10+ kids last year in the last month (which was all they had to work with last year).  He has also noted that the Buffs have some “silent commits” that have not “gone public” with recruiting sites yet, but that he hopes they will announce to help convince others that CU is a choice destination.
Spring Practice Notes:
QB Nick Hirschman has been listed as "questionable" for spring practices with a lingering foot injury.  This either simplifies the QB battle with transfer Connor Wood getting more snaps to help him secure the job, or complicates it because we will have to wait longer for the actual competition.
Also listed as OUT for Spring: Sr. DT Nate Bonsu, who should compete for a starting job IF he can get healthy-he has never been the same after a great freshman season followed by the knee injury; Sr. DB Vince Ewing is seemingly never healthy and therefore has never really contributed; Sr. LB Doug Rippy and RB Malcolm Creer will still be recovering from their knee surgeries.
Listed as "Probable" for Spring: Soph. CB Jered Bell might be back from his knee injury and should compete for the starting slot opposite Greg Henderson; RFr. CB Sherrard Harrington has recovered from his strange hip injury and also should compete for playing time; Soph. LB Brady Daigh's wrist should be ready to go; O-tackle Jack Harris' broken leg is healed and he should be back in the mix for the right tackle spot he had before his injury.

January Recruiting Roundup

UPDATED: 1/10/2012

§  This is a follow-up to the last piece of a four-part-series about the status of the program, focusing on how the recruiting class is rounding out.  [You can find those four previous posts in the “Archives” on the right side of the page.]

§  I will continue to chronicle how Embree’s first full cycle class is shaping up as Signing Day approaches February 1, updating throughout the month as news rolls in.  Numerous players graduated high school in December and are expected to enroll in January so they can practice during Spring ball, hoping to contribute in the Fall.  Likewise some might be asked to “greyshirt” and delay their enrollment until January 2013, counting against the next class. It might end up being a little confusing understanding which recruits count against which class.

§  I will update the any interesting news in the “Recruiting Rumors” box to the right. (Likewise see the “2012 Commitments” box for the full lineup of commited prospects

§  As of this post the Buffs, who are hoping to sign up to 28 total recruits, have 21 verbal commitments for the 2012 class and are ranked as high as the 30’s nationally.  While it is impossible to project this early exactly how this group will impact the Buffalo program, some of these true freshmen will again need to contribute immediately.

§  Overview: The class is rounding out nicely, literally and figuratively, as 8 defensive linemen make up more than a third of the group so far.  Otherwise defensively, the class includes only 1 DB so far (originally also thought to be a position of need) with no linebackers yet.

§  On offense, after the big QB recruit (plus the transfer), there are numerous commits at the other position groups they will be working with in the future: 3 running backs and 1 fullback, 3 wide receivers, 2 tight ends, and 3 offensive linemen (including the 2011 greyshirt). 

§  The class is stacked with 3-star athletes and lots of speed that will solidify the depth chart a little with the type of athlete the staff is looking for in prospects. Many of these are also versatile and could conceivably play other positions down the road.

§  Although ratings are by no means the end all be all, it would still be nice to add some 4-5-star kids, but that may have wait until these last visits; maybe they can “flip” someone as they were able to do late in the cycle last year.  While many of the nation’s top recruits received offers from Colorado and have had CU on their “considering” list, Embree and the guys just haven’t been able to make the big splash yet (unless there is a “silent” commit).

§  Geographically they span the country from Hawaii to DC with a heavy dose of California (9) and Texas (6) players.  Unfortunately, there are only 2 Colorado players, as most of the big names went to big name schools out of state (including five O-line prospects).

§  The Buffs were very competitive with other conference schools, going after many of the same players.  They won some of these battles, getting players to commit from various Pac-12 states but also lost some many more to key competition (almost all Pac-12 schools signed someone the Buffs were looking closely at).

§  The Buffs did get some commitments from outside their main targeted recruiting areas (i.e. East Coast) from recruits who showed the first interest in the Buffs, including some teammates of current players. 

§  Embree stated recently that CU was still recruiting up to eight prospects that have committed elsewhere (see a few below who are scheduled for visits). Remember, they “flipped” 10+ kids last year in the last month (which was all they had to work with last year).

§  Embree has also noted that the Buffs have a few “silent commits” that have not “gone public” with the recruiting sites yet, but that he hopes they will announce to help convince others that Colorado is a choice destination (one blogger/chatter says it’s a LB).

§  Academics: Mostly due to academic requirements at CU, the Buffs were not able to sign any early junior college transfers and likely won’t sign any in February. 

§  It has been reported that some of the eight defensive linemen might have trouble qualifying and they may (although Embree has said he doesn’t really “believe” in doing this) be over signing a little at this position to ensure enough depth, and you can never have too many big bodies. 
    They are still recruiting a few guys who might be academic problems (see below). 

§  Otherwise, there are some very strong student-athletes in this group as well (i.e. OL Gerald Kough and DE Kory Rasmussen were also recruited by Army).

§  January Visits: The last few weeks of the recruiting grind not only involve a lot of phone, flight and in-home time for coaches, but the team will be entertaining numerous prospects each weekend in January. I will keep these as updated as possible.  There are no visits this weekend, but here are the lists of who is currently (tentatively or maybe allegedly) scheduled to visit CU and Boulder the last three weekends in January:

§  Weekend of January 13: 4-star USC semi-soft commit (has said 98% USC) TE Jalen Cope-FitzPatrick (Rocklin, CA) is scheduled to visit this weekend;  3-star safety Chris Solomon (West Covina, CA); 3-star CB/WR Jeffrey Hall (LaPlace LA) will visit, however, he might be an academic risk [which makes his backup a perfect, safe choice-Kansas St. who will let anyone in];  Lavell Sanders (Compton, CA) is a three-star LB prospect who is also an academic question [they are waiting on the results from his December 3 SAT]. RB Wes Brown was scheduled to visit but that is unlikely with his national TV commitment to home state Maryland.

§  Weekend of January 20:  3-star DE Ewing Simmons (Stockton, CA) has scheduled a visit and is deciding between a few Pac-12 schools; 3-star OG Isaiah Folasa (Corona, CA), [committed to UCLA but CU just recently offered]. CU commit, 3-star WR Peyton Williams (TX) will make his visit on crutches after having his ACL repaired-he does not plan to redshirt and anticipates being ready to go for practice in August.
     UPDATED: Possibly unrated CB John Walker (DC-teammate of CU commit De'Jon Wilson and coveted 4-star CB Kenneth Crawley-no scheduled visit but Buffs picture); and it would be really nice if one report I read was true that 4-star CB Seth Jacobs (Arroyo Grande, CA) were coming!
§  Weekend of January 27: This is the last weekend to visit and many decisions will be made in the next week.  Hawaii’s Psalm Wooching, a 6-3, 205 pound 3-star FB is a UCLA commit but is also planning to visit here; 4-star Stanford commit (has yet to turn in application and officially qualify though) DE Luke Kaumatule (Honolulu) has said he might visit this last weekend; Colby Cyburt (Mission Viejo, CA), a 3-star OT, will make the trip but is also likely to end up at Stanford. 
    §  Supposedly ASU commit 4-star LB Salamo Fiso from Long Beach may also visit in January.

§  Early Enrollees: While some players haven’t even decided yet, these players are confirmed to be enrolling early.  We should know if there is anyone else by January 10, when players need to move in and be registered for classes.

§  We know C Alex Kelley will be here, greyshirting from last year, as well as transfer QB Connor Wood, who has already been on campus and will be competing for the starting job. 

§  Highlands Ranch standout FB Clay Norgard has confirmed he will be moving into the dorms in January, ready to focus on his new job of fullback.  He has played the position some, but mainly as a blocker and has not handled the ball much before.

§  At one point it had been reported that QB Shane Dillon would enroll early as well, but that does not appear to be the case now.  That might have something to do with Connor Wood's presence and a sign that Dillon might be more likely to redshirt.

§  Greyshirts: Although no one has been confirmed to delay their enrollment to CU until next January yet, there is a strong possibility at least a couple will when it is all said and done. 

§  It was reported that S Ma’ne Manaea (WA) was asked to greyshirt and has soured on CU.

§  Likewise, OT Kiha Sai (Honolulu) was asked to greyshirt by Utah and has re-opened his recruitment with the Buffs on his list.
    It was reported that CU was recruiting 3-star Highlands Ranch QB Steve Donatell (also all-state punter) to possibly greyshirt, but it looks like he is getting some other offers.

§  Other Prospects to watch:  These are all prospects who have been recruited hard by CU and still have them on their short list:

§  4-stars: CBs Yuri Wright (NJ) [Buffs still in his top 5] and LB Deaysean Rippy (PA) Embree and staff are definitely pushing hard with these two!
§  3-stars: DE Kyle Kelley ["soft" commit to Arizona, but visiting with new coaches this month before deciding], FB Christian Powell (CA) [said he almost committed to CU but then hometown UCLA offered and he is set to visit there, but also had a home visit from Embree], CB Jonavaughn Williams (CA), S Leo Thomas (AZ), OT Nico Siragusa (CA);

§  CU seems like the best and “biggest” option for both 2-star CB Ryan Lewis (WA) and TE Trevor Stevens (TX) [Also considering Ivy League schools]

§  A few other names I have seen mentioned recently with Colorado: 4-star LB Rashawn Hooker (CA) visited early in the season and may still have CU on his short list; 3-stars ATH/CB Dalis Bruce and LB CJ Dozier (both from Bellflower, CA); 3-star DB Tyler Hasty (Bellvue, WA), 3-star O-linemen Shane Brostek (HI), 3-star WR Javon Williams (Chandler, AZ), 2/3-star RB Jeffrey Coprich (CA) visited in November. Unrated (?) FB Keith Parker (CA-teammate of Jonavaughn Williams) visited in December and may be slated to come in as a preferred walk-on, or if no other FB prospects are signed, even to possibly greyshirt.
    UPDATED: 2-star CB Raymond Ford (Gardena, CA) has decommitted from UCLA and has CU listed among his possible choices now, along with Cal (who has seemingly been getting everyone lately), Utah, Nebraska, SMU.

§  Ralphie Report has an ongoing “Recruiting Discussion Board” that gives (almost) daily updates on where various prospects stand: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/12/28/2665488/continued-discussion-board-recruiting

§  Other program tidbits: 2012 Schedule released! [See at right.] It starts out very nicely as all of the first 6 games are very winnable (CSU, Sac St, @ Fresno St, @WSU, UCLA, ASU).  They will have a bye in week 6, followed by a Thursday night game at ASU.  That will give them a long week to prepare for USC, beginning another midseason gauntlet that continues @ Oregon then Stanford, before closing with Arizona, @ Washington and Utah on the Friday before Thanksgiving. 
    Rodney Stewart will have the opportunity to play and showcase his talents to NFL scouts in the "Casino del Sol College All-Star" game in Tuscon, Arizona on January 16. Tyler Hansen and Ryan Miller will pariticipate in the East-West Shrine game January 21 in Florida.
    It is being rumored that Texas Soph. WR Mike Davis, who had a nice freshman season and decent second season, but felt like he wasn’t getting enough playing time, might be thinking of transferring, possibly to Colorado, following WR coach Bobby Kennedy and QB Connor Wood.  He would have to sit out next season but would have two seasons of eligibility left.

§  It has also been rumored off and on that DB/WR Makiri Pugh (originally transferred from Georgia) might not return next season, although nothing has been announced officially.
    In news merely connected to the Buffs former RB Darrell Scott has announced he is skipping his senior season at South Florida to go pro.  I am curious how high he thinks he will get drafted?