CU Class of 2016 – Signed LOI

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Colorado Recruiting Class of 2016 – Signed Letters of Intent

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YouTube video of CU head coach Mike MacIntyre’s Signing Day press conference, courtesy of BuffStampede.com:

… And here is a link to the full transcript of the press conference …

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Signed Players (by position):

QB – Davis Webb, Sam Noyer

RB – Beau Bisharat

WR – Derrion Rakestraw, Kabion Ento, Juwann Winfree, Johnny Huntley III, Anthony Julmisse

OL – Hunter Vaughn, Terriek Roberts, Chance Lytle, Colby Pursell

DL – Pookie Maka

LB – Drew Lewis, Akil Jones

DB – Ronnie Blackmon, Ca’Ron Baham, Trey Udoffia

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Biographies for the Class of 2016:

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Akil Jones – LB

Here is a link to the University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed June 27th … Akil Jones is a 5’11″, 213-pound linebacker from San Jose, California  Rivals bio  Scout bio

What others say about Jones … Jones is considered to be a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout. According to Scout, Jones is the 11th-best linebacker out of California, and the No. 103 linebacker prospect nationally. 247Sports lists Jones as a three-star prospect, the 97th-best outside linebacker in the nation, and the 157th-best player overall from the state of California this recruiting cycle. Jones has been timed at a 4.86 in the 40, with a 4.29 in the 20-yard shuttle and a vertical jump of 26.8 inches.

Jones had other offers from … Oregon State from the Pac-12, along with several Mountain West schools, including Utah State, San Diego State, Wyoming and UNLV.

In his own words … On his relative lack of size (5’11”, 213-pounds) for the position of outside linebacker – “A lot of linebackers, they are good on size and stopping the run. But I see a lot of fault in the pass when they try and lock up on the running back. Most linebackers don’t have the right speed. I believe, with my generation that I could come in and really change that up”.

“Colorado said I will be playing inside linebacker for them,” Jones told BuffStampede.com. “So it will be a new position for me but they believe I have the talent to move inside,” Jones said. “I am up for playing wherever I am needed and hopefully I will find a spot on the starting line-up.

“I am hoping when I get up there that I can bring a little bit of a motor to the program. I have a motor to my game, I always like to be high tempo. I don’t want to let anybody get a jump on me and catch me being tired. So I just want to come into Colorado’s program and maybe turn a few heads and be able to get the team to never quit on any play. I just want to try to be a spark to the team.”

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Pookie Maka – DE/LB

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed January 31st … Pookie Maka is a 6’3″, 200-pound linebacker from Murray, Utah. Maka runs a reported 4.65 in the 40  Rivals bio Scout bio

What others say about Maka … Maka is considered to be a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout. Rivals has Maka rated as the 38th-best linebacker in the nation, and the fifth-best prospect overall out of the state of Utah this season. Scout has Maka as the 135th-best defensive end in the nation, and the 20th-best defensive end in the west.

“I really think when gets in that college weight room and gets a proper diet, and if he is able to get up to 245-pounds while keeping his speed, sky is the limit for Pookie,” Mike Tidwell, Maka’s high school coach, told BuffStampede.com. “He is so raw but he has all the intangibles. He will thrive after getting the proper technique training from Coach Leavitt. Coach Leavitt has been in the NFL and he sees things in Pookie that you can’t coach. I have had other coaches say the same thing.”

Maka had other offers from … numerous other Power-Five schools, including Utah, Arizona State, Washington, Oregon State and Washington State from the Pac-12. Other offers were from schools such as BYU, Missouri, and Wisconsin. In December, Maka tweeted that his final five were all from the Pac-12: Utah, Washington, Oregon State, Washington State, and Colorado.

In his own words … from Maka’s visit to CU’s camp last summer.

From a YouTube video, courtesy of BuffStampede.com

Here is a link to Hudl.com highlights of Maka in action.

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Sam Noyer – QB

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed June 2nd … Sam Noyer is a 6’3″, 193-pound pro-style quarterback from Beaverton, Oregon. Noyer runs a reported 4.72 in the 40-yard dash. Rivals bio  Scout bio

What others say about Noyer … Noyer is considered to be a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout. Rivals has Noyer as the No. 20 pro-style quarterback in the nation, and No. 7 player overall out of the state of Oregon this cycle. Scout has Noyer as the No. 15 quarterback out of the west, and the No. 68 quarterback overall.

“Recruiting for quarterbacks is mostly done off your junior year. He’s got the most professional build of any quarterback that was in this group, that’s in the Northwest right now,” private quarterback coach Taylor Barton told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “He’s got that long frame, long arm. He’s kind of got that NFL body, and he’s got a rocket arm. He’s got some things, mechanically, that he’s got to clean up, and he’s willing to work on it. Sam Noyer is the one, I think, by next year is going to be not only one of the top quarterbacks in the Northwest, (but) one of the top quarterbacks in the country.”

Noyer had other offers from … Hawai’i, Wyoming and Eastern Washington, though numerous Power-Five schools, including Oregon State, Arizona State, Nebraska, and Oregon were at least recruiting Noyer. “For the most part, schools backed off and congratulated me once I committed there,” Noyer told BuffStampede.com in September. “There have been a few schools still reaching out but I just tell them that I am 100 percent committed to Colorado. It is the place I want to be”.

In his own words … “Obviously, it’s a blessing. I’m honored to have this opportunity,” Noyer told The Oregonian/OregonLive upon his commitment. “I want to thank all of the programs who took a chance on me, but at the end of the day Colorado is the place I want to be to further my education and football career.”

… “I love (CU offensive coordinator Brian) Lindgren,” said Noyer in a Daily Camera article in January. “Our relationship has been phenomenal and it’s definitely growing. I’m excited to work under him and learn from him.”

… “I would describe my game as more of a passer, who can escape the pocket and make throws on the run”, Noyer told BuffPlaybook.com. “I definitely have improved my arm strength; my accuracy has gotten a lot better.”

Here are Hudl.com highlights from Noyer’s career at Beaverton.

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Johnny Huntley III – WR

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed August 4th … Johnny Huntley III is 6’3″, 190-pound wide receiver from Plantation, Florida. Huntley runs a reported 4.58 in the 40. Rivals bio  Scout bio

What others say about Huntley … Huntley is considered to be a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout. Rivals as Huntley as the No. 77 wide receiver in the nation this year, and the No. 68 recruit out of the state of Florida overall. Scout has Huntley as the No. 59 wide receiver in the country, the No. 27 wide receiver in the south, and the No. 12 wide receiver out of Florida.

Huntley hauled in 55 receptions for 930 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season at South Plantation High School. One of his best attributes is high-pointing the ball, hence the nickname “High-point Huntley.”

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Anthony Julmisse – RB/WR/Athlete

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed October 2nd … Anthony Julmisse is a 6’0″, 180-pound athlete from Plantation, Florida. He runs a reported 4.5 in the 40. Rivals bio  Scout bio

What the others say about Julmisse … Julimisse is considered to be a three-star prospect by Rivals and Scout. According to Scout, Julimisse is the 11th-best running back prospect out of Florida this recruiting Class, and the 101st-highest rated running back in the nation. According to Scout.com, “Julmisse is a versatile player who will see time in the backfield as well as the slot. He has a nice burst and the top end speed to run away from a defense. He’s a decisive runner with some wiggle, is tough to bring down in the open field and shows good hands out of the backfield as well”.

Julmisse had other offers from … over two dozen other schools. Included on the list were Power-Five conference schools Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon State, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Wisconsin. It appeared that Wisconsin was one of the leaders for Julmisse’s services, but his trip to Boulder in October with Huntley sealed the deal.

In his own words … Julmisse starred on both sides of the ball at South Plantation and he could theoretically end up at a number of different positions in college. Colorado has told him they see him being a versatile playmaker on offense, similar to the role Donovan Lee currently has for the Buffaloes. If he ends up playing slot receiver, his position coach would be Darrin Chiaverini, a former Buff that was hired in January.

“I have spoken two or three times with Coach Chiaverini already. He seems like a really cool guy,” Julmisse told BuffStampede.com. “He is on the same mission that Johnny and I are on, basically just to bring Colorado back to the top. I am buying into what he is selling me so I am excited to see what the future holds. I just want to make an impact on the field.”

Here is a link to Hudl.com highlights from Julmisse’s career at South Plantation.

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Colby Pursell – OT (likely Gray-shirt – Class of 2017)

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed January 18th … Colby Pursell is a 6’3″, 289-pound offensive lineman from Newhall, California (Hart) Rivals bio Max Preps

What others say about Pursell … Pursell is rated as a two-star prospect by Rivals, but was not in the Scout database when he committed. Pursell did make the Los Angeles Times “High school offensive linemen to watch” list this past August (noting Pursell had received an offer from Colorado last summer). Pursell was named second-team All Santa Clarita Valley in his senior season by signalscvsports.com.

Pursell had other offers from … only Army and Cal Poly. The only positive to take from this offer sheet is the fact that Pursell will not be an academic risk. It would also be a selling point from a gray-shirt standpoint, as the extra time with the books might be appealing to a player with a strong academic future.

In his own words … “One of (offensive line) Coach Bernardi’s big things is that I am young for my year of school. I am 17 right now and I don’t turn 18 until October, so I am still growing,” Pursell told BuffStampede.com. “My dad is 6-foot-6 and I am not there. If I grow I could play offensive tackle. But even if I don’t grow, I still have the size to play an interior line position.”

Here is a link to the Hudl.com highlights from Pursell’s senior season.

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Trey Udoffia – CB

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed August 1st … Trey Udoffia is a 5’11″, 175-pound athlete from Loomis, California, who runs a reported 4.73 in the 40 Rivals bio Scout bio

What others say about Udoffia … Udoffia is considered to be a three athlete by Rivals, and a three-star wide receiver prospect by Scout. According to Scout, Udoffia is the No. 126 wide receiver in the nation, the 24th-best wide receiver in the west, and the No. 19 wide receiver out of the state of California. Udoffia was named to the California all-state team, was honored as the Sacramento Bee Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the first team of the MaxPreps All-Northern California football team.

Recruited by Colorado as a defensive back, Udoffia may also play at wide receiver when he comes to Boulder. This past fall, Udoffia had four interceptions and 54 tackles (45 solo). On offense, Udoffia had 37 receptions for 729 yards and eight touchdowns and 14 carries for 87 yards and two more scores, leading Loomis to the CIF Division II-AA state championship (an impressive achievement considering Loomis opened the season 2-6).

As a junior, Udoffia had 48 catches for 924 yards and ten touchdowns. On defense, Udoffia had 33 tackles and three interceptions.

As a sophomore, Udoffia had 581 yards as a kick returner, and 234 yards as a punt returner … something to keep in mind.

Udoffia had other offers from … Over a dozen other schools. Washington State from the Pac-12 was on the list, along with a number of Mountain West schools like San Diego State, San Jose State, Utah State and Wyoming.

In his own words … “Colorado was high on me as a receiver but when I got to the camp (held in Northern California last summer), there were like 70 receivers and only about five defensive backs”, Udoffia told BuffStampede.com. “I didn’t want to wait in line the whole time so I just went as a defensive back instead and I played the best defensive back I’ve ever played at that camp. They really liked me and I got offered later that day”.

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Beau Bisharat – RB

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Signed February 3rd … Beau Bisharat is a 6’3″, 203-pound running back from Carmichael, California. He runs a reported a 4.6 in the 40. Rivals bio Scout bio

What others say about Bisharat … Bisharat is rated as a four-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout. Rivals rates Bisharat as the 14th-best “athlete” in the nation, the 40th-best recruit out of the state of California this year, and the No. 243 recruit in the nation. Scout considers Bisharat as the 26th-best “athlete” in the nation, and the No. 283 recruit in the nation.

From Scout.com … “Bisharat is an intriguing two-way player who could end up at running back or linebacker. He’s a downhill back who routinely breaks 2-3 tackles on every run. He’s at his best between the tackles but has better speed then given credit for and if he gets loose in the secondary, you’re not going to tackle him from behind. As a linebacker, he has the size and instincts to play inside or outside. He can cover, shows good range and has the speed to run down plays from all over the field”.

Bisharat had other offers from … over two dozen Power-Five conference schools. From the Pac-12 alone, Bisharat had offers from, well, the Pac-12. Outside the Pac-12, Bisharat had offers from schools like Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Bisharat was originally a Stanford commit, but was on the market for the past month. Bisharat took official visits to Colorado and Arizona State, but Cal, Nebraska – and perhaps Alabama – were in the running for Bisharat’s services.

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Juwann Winfree – WR – JC

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Signed February 3rd … Winfree is a 6’2″, 210-pound wide receiver originally from Dwight Morrow high school in New Jersey.  Rivals bio  Scout bio

What others say about Winfree … Winfree is considered to be a four-star prospect by Rivals, but only a three-star player by Scout. A member of the Recruiting Class of 2014, Winfree was ranked by Rivals as the No. 36 wide receiver in the nation. Winfree signed with Maryland, and caught 11 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman. According to the Baltimore Sun, he was suspended for the final two games of 2014 for violating the student-athlete code of conduct, and last June he was suspended indefinitely.

Winfree wound up at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas this past season, catching 55 passes for 837 yards and seven touchdowns. He comes to Colorado with three years to play two.

Scout.com analysis … “Has what I like to describe as easy speed. Does not look like he is moving at the rate he is until you see him kick it into high gear and effortlessly pull away from defenders. Can work out of the slot, or line up on the outside. When he gets a crease, he will take it the distance. High level recruit out of high school, who is already battle tested against Power-Five conference competition, getting the call to start as a true freshman for Maryland.”

Winfree had other offers from … over a dozen Power-Five conference schools – out of high school. Winfree had offers from Michigan, Georgia, Michigan State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, North Carolina State, Rutgers, Washington State, West Virginia and South Carolina. Coming out of Coffeyville, the offer sheet was more modest, with the chief pursuer being Pitt. Winfree committed to Pitt in December, but then changed his mind.

“I wanted to give myself more time and not rush my decision,” Winfree told the Daily Camera. “I felt I rushed it a little bit (in December). I felt real comfortable with Pittsburgh and saw it as a home, but I wanted to make sure I was 100 percent committed to a school, wherever I go. I don’t want to have any doubts.”

In his own words … “I’ve seen their recent success in past years with other receivers, Nelson Spruce and Paul Richardson,” The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Winfree said of CU. “I’ve seen what the offense is doing; they’re throwing the ball. And, I see potential with the team of where it can go.

“I feel like I can contribute to helping change the program, along with the people that they have”.

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Chance Lytle – OT

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed October 26th … Chance Lytle is a 6’7″, 291-pound offensive lineman from San Antonio, Texas  Rivals bio Scout bio

What others say about Lytle … Lytle is rated as a two-star prospect by Rivals, but a three-star prospect by Scout. According to Scout, Lytle is the No. 15 offensive tackle out of the state of Texas this year, and the No. 111 offensive tackle in the nation.

Lytle performed well enough to draw this review from Scout.com: “Lytle possesses a fantastic frame for the tackle position at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds. He has long arms and knows how to use them. Lytle displayed impressive footwork in keeping edge rushers at bay during Saturday’s 1-on-1 action”.

Lytle had other offers from … only Rice, though there were other schools who reportedly had shown interest, including Baylor, Texas, and TCU. “With UT, there was quite a bit going on but they never came through with an offer,” Lytle said. “There were a bunch of other schools that were in contact with me but I didn’t really go very far with them after I expressed that I was pretty narrow in where I was intending to go.”

In his own words … “I have seen a lot of these high level recruits at camps and they are all very strong and they are very heavy but they aren’t as fast as I am, or as fast as I feel an offensive tackle should be”, Lytle told BuffStampede.com. “So my agility and my speed and my footwork are my best attributes. I did boxing for a while so I feel like my punch is another strong attribute that I bring to the table.”

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Terriek Roberts – OL/DL

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed June 21st … Terriek Roberts is a 6’6″, 255-pound offensive lineman from South high school in Denver. Rivals bio  Scout bio

What others say about Roberts … Roberts is considered to be a two-star prospect by Rivals, but a three-star prospect by Scout. According to Scout, Roberts is the best offensive tackle out of the state of Colorado this year, the 14th-best tackle in the west, and 83rd-best offensive tackle in the nation.

In four years as a letterman with the Rebels, Roberts helped them to a total of 37 wins. Earning All-Colorado honors as a senior was a big deal to Roberts, who was named All-Colorado Defensive Lineman-of-the-Year. Roberts also earned the Concrete Charlie award for being the best two-way player in the state.

From Scoutfootball.com … Right off the bat, that is a good thing Roberts is long, lean and athletic. The tools are there. Can play either tackle spot but has the athletic ability to stay at left tackle. Very long arms help him gain separation in pass pro. Runs well and can bend. Plays on both sides of the ball and I am a fan of offensive line prospects that are athletic enough to contribute on defense in high school.

Roberts had other offers from … a number of schools, including at least a pair of Power-Five conference schools. Arizona State, Kansas, Colorado State, Wyoming, Nevada, San Diego State and Utah State all reportedly offered Roberts.

In his own words … From PrepColorado.com … Talking about making his commit Roberts stated, “I just feel like I want to prove to the nation that Colorado athletes are slept on and what better way to do it than staying in state.” Further, Roberts says, “Just felt like Colorado was a good fit” … About what he brings to the Colorado football program Roberts says, “I feel like I bring a physical hard working guy that will help them win games.”

On potentially playing defense for the Buffs … “I asked Coach Mac that same question and he was like, ‘Whatever you want to. Whatever your body decides, that is what you’re going to play. Whatever you feel you are best at, that is what you’re going to play,'” Roberts told BuffStampede.com. “I am leaning more towards the defensive side but I am a ball-player, I am ready to play anything.”

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Hunter Vaughn – OT (Gray-shirt – Class of 2017)

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed November 14th … Hunter Vaughn is a 6’8″, 260-pound offensive lineman from Parker, Colorado (Legend) Rivals bio  Scout bio

What others say about Vaughn … Vaughn is rated as a two-star prospect by Rivals, but a three-star prospect by Scout. According to Scout, Vaughn is the third-best offensive tackle out of the state of Colorado this year, the 20th-best tackle in the west, and the 101st-best offensive tackle in the nation (which is not bad considering he played his senior year as a 17-year old).

According to Scout, “Vaughn is a physical run blocker that has improved this past season adding weight and playing with leverage.  Vaughn is also athletic and has the skill set to, in the future, be a left tackle”.

Vaughn had other offers from … only Wyoming and South Dakota, though other schools, including Kansas and Colorado State, were recruiting Vaughn. Not a great offer sheet, but if Vaughn fills out into his 6’8″ frame, he still has five years to become the next great offensive tackle at Colorado.

In his own words … “They like the potential that I have,” Vaughn told BuffStampede.com when asked what the Buffs’ coaches like about him. “They like the steps that I showed in growth over the past season, coming from really not playing any offensive line to becoming a pretty technically sound offensive lineman”.

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Drew Lewis – LB (Junior College)

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed January 27th … Lewis is a 6’2″, 224-pound linebacker originally from Redmond, Washington, but is coming to Colorado from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas (Rivals bio) (Scout bio)

What others say about Lewis … Lewis is considered a two-star prospect by Rivals, but was a three-star prospect out of high school. A member of the Recruiting Class of 2014, Lewis signed with Washington, going with the Huskies over schools like Arizona State, Washington State and Pittsburgh. After sitting out his red-shirt season in 2014, Lewis was dismissed from Washington last July for “violation of team rules“, transferring to Coffeyville Community College for the fall.

This past fall, Lewis was fifth on the team with 63 tackles (25 solo), three sacks, and two tackles for loss.

Lewis had other offers from … Memphis, Utah State, Arkansas State and UAB. Lewis’ stock may have fallen as does come to Boulder with some baggage.

In his own words … “I have a great affinity towards the [defensive coordinator and] linebackers coach at Colorado (Jim Leavitt),” Lewis told BuffStampede.com. “I also felt like I had chemistry with the other players, and could really see myself fitting into the program … Just being able to redshirt for that one year and then playing at the Junior College level this past season, I gained so much experience and confidence. I know how to communicate well on the field and how to get the whole defense on the same page. I feel like I can definitely help someone out right away.”

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Ronnie Blackmon – CB

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed July 8th … Ronnie Blackmon is 5’10”, 174-pound cornerback from Atlanta, Georgia  Rivals bio

What others say about Blackmon … Blackmon is considered to be a three-star prospect by Rivals and Scout. He is ranked by Rivals as the No. 49 cornerback in the nation, and the No. 72 player overall from the state of Georgia. Scout has Blackmon as the No. 81 cornerback in the country, the No. 27 cornerback in the South, and the No. 5 cornerback out of the state of Georgia.

Between his returns and situational play on offense, Blackmon racked up 1,029 all-purpose yards on 60 touches as a senior. He recorded seven interceptions and 45 tackles defensively, according to MaxPreps. Blackmon led the region in punt returns, kick returns, and interceptions. Blackmon was first-team all-state, and the Region 3-6A MVP. In the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl (shown on ESPN), Blackmon had two interceptions.

As a junior, for the 10-2 Westlake Lions in Atlanta, Blackmon had 20 tackles (19 solo), with four interceptions and a fumble recovery. On offense, Blackmon had 24 receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns.

Blackmon had other offers from … over a dozen other schools, many from Power-Five conferences. Blackmon had offers from Arizona, Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Louisville, Missouri, Syracuse, Wake Forest and West Virginia. Blackmon originally committed to Boston College in February, but switched to the Buffs last summer.

In his own words … “I feel like I will add some explosiveness to Colorado’s team and I hope to prove myself as a lockdown corner,” Blackmon said.

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Ca’Ron Baham – CB

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed January 21st … Baham is a 5’11”, 180-pound athlete from Marrero, Louisiana (John Ehret). Baham runs a reported 4.5 in the 40. Rivals bio 247 Sports bio

What others say about Baham … Baham is rated as a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout. Rivals lists Baham as the No. 55 “athlete” nationally, and the No. 38 player overall out of the state of Louisiana. Scout has Baham as the No. 182 wide receiver in the nation.

Baham did not play most of his senior year after suffering a torn ACL in the season opener, but he is claiming to be “ahead of schedule” on his rehabilitation, and plans on being “100 percent” when he enrolls at Colorado this summer. While being recruited as a cornerback by Colorado, Baham played quarterback as a junior. During his junior season with the Patriots, he rushed for 1,750 yards and 27 touchdowns and threw for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns. Baham comes to Colorado from the same school which produced Kordell Stewart, arguably the best quarterback in CU history.

Baham had other offers from … several other Power-Five conference schools. Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, and Missouri all offered, as did schools like Southern Mississippi, Tulane, and Memphis. Baham committed to Missouri in May, but reopened his recruitment after Tiger coach Gary Pinkel retired due to health concerns.

In his own words … “First off I would like to thank the man above for blessing me with my talent and ability to enjoy the great sport of football,” Baham wrote in a message posted on his Twitter page upon his commitment. “After discussing my options with family and coaches I have decided to continue my career/education for the next 3 to 4 years at Colorado University.”

On his rehabilitation, Baham told BuffStampede.com: “I am on schedule with my recovery. It definitely makes you not take football for granted. I have to thank the man above for every opportunity that he gives me. It is a humbling experience but I am going to come back with a chip on my shoulder.”

Here are Hudl.com highlights from Baham’s junior year.

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Derrion Rakestraw – WR

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Committed June 11th … Derrion Rakestraw is a 6’3″, 175-pound wide receiver from Canton, Georgia. Rakestraw runs a reported 4.5 in the 40. Rivals bio Scout bio

What others say about Rakestraw … Rakestraw is considered to be a two-star prospect by Rivals, but a three-star prospect by Scout. 24/7 Sports rates Rakestraw as a three-star player, listing him as the No. 189 wide receiver nationally.

Rakestraw put up solid numbers as a junior. On a team that rarely passes the ball, he had 51 catches for 659 yards and five touchdowns. His receiving yards were more than half of the team’s total in 2014. On defense, Rakestraw had 42 tackles (36 solo) and two interceptions.

This past season, Rakestraw had 42 catches for 659 yards. His totals made up over a third of the total passing yards, and he had six of the ten touchdown receptions for the 4-6 Chiefs.

“He’s just a great kid with his size, his speed, and all the other things he has football size,” his coach, James Teter said. “But what most people comment on is his attitude through all of this. He’s been very, very humble.”

Rakestraw had other offers from … over a dozen schools, but none from a Power-Five conference school. Rakestraw did have interest from a number of schools, including Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Minnesota and Missouri. Rakestraw also attended camps at Duke and Vanderbilt. As to actual offers, Rakestraw had scholarship offers from schools like Georgia Southern, Miami (OH), and Appalachian State.

In his own words … “The place really sold itself,” Rakestraw told the Cherokee LedgerNews when he committed last summer. “The campus is great. They are building a new facility and I really like the coaches. I love it. I’m real excited”. While some of the pressure to perform might be gone, Rakestraw doesn’t plan on taking a break. “I’ve got to keep working just as hard,” he said. “I’ve got to train and workout hard and everything.”

From NCSA Sports … “I have played football since I was 6 years old. Over the years my love for the game has grown stronger. I have always had the dream of going to one of my favorite colleges and playing the sport I enjoy. I know that having the goal of playing college football  is not easy. My freshman year I was introduced to a higher level of the game in have the opportunity to play varsity my freshman year. I knew I had to work hard and was willing to do so.

“During my sophomore season, I was a starter on varsity and was also chosen to be one of the team leaders. My development in the game has made me realize and believe in my potential. I have been working hard to improve my academics, strength and speed. My dreams of playing college football is right ahead of me and I am working hard to make that dream a reality in the classroom and on the field”.

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Kabion Ento – WR – JC (signed)

Here is a link to the official University of Colorado Signing Day bio

Just the facts … Signed December 16th … Kabion Ento is a 6’3″, 175-pound wide receiver from East Central (Mississippi) Community College. Rivals bio

What others say about Ento … Ento was considered as a two-star prospect out of high school, but comes to Colorado from the junior college ranks. Ento, 19, played two seasons at East Central (Mississippi) Community College, earned first-team South All-State honors this past fall from the MACJC (Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges). The honor also netted him first-team honors on the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Region 23 Team.

Ento will have three years to play two at Colorado.

CU press release on Ento … “Kabion is tall and rangy, and one of the things he does really well is that he can go up and catch the ball with people around him,” MacIntyre said.  “We’re excited about having him join us this spring at the receiver position.”

As a sophomore, Ento helped ECCC to an 8-3 record under coach Ken Karcher, its best season since 1999 as the Warriors finished year ranked as the No. 10 team in NJCAA.  He had 38 receptions for 607 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 16.0 yards per catch; his long play was a 79-yard touchdown against Mississippi Delta.  He had 21 receptions for 278 yards (13.2 per) and two scores as a freshman.

One of his best games this past season came in a 28-19 win over Hinds, when he had six receptions for 106 yards and two scores.  He also hauled in five passes for 132 yards and a touchdown in a 46-13 win over Coahoma, and in a 30-14 loss to Mississippi Gulf Coast, he had eight catches for 88 yards and both ECCC touchdowns.

Ento played a key role in the Warriors to a 35-21 win over No. 20 Kilgore (Texas) College in the Heart of Texas Bowl to close the season.  He caught three passes for 44 yards, which included a 38-yard TD catch late in the third quarter that all but sealed the victory.

He played his prep ball at Dollarway High School in Pine Bluff, Ark., where he was an all-state performer in three sports: football, basketball and track.  As a senior, he helped Dollarway to a 13-1 record and the 4A state semifinals in making 30 catches for 650 yards with 12 touchdowns; on defense playing cornerback, he had eight interceptions, two returned for scores, with 15 pass deflections.  A three-year starter on both sides of the ball for the Cardinals (he also played some free safety), he had over 1,500 career receiving yards with 13 interceptions.  He was the defensive player of the year for the Southeast Arkansas region as a senior.

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Tags: Kabion Ento
This post, about the Recruiting - Class of 2016 game, from the 2016 Season, is filed under Article.
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