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The Ticker

Jon Embree Press Conference Notes

– The 28 recruits are the most signed in any one Class at Colorado since 1978 … nine defensive lineman represent the most ever in one recruiting Class … by the same token, 2012 was the first time that no player was signed who was designated as a linebacker.

– Of the 28 players, 23 played in at least one other sport at the varsity level; 16 participated in track and field, ten played basketball (“we have some good basketball players in this class”, Embree joked at his press conference), two played baseball; one played soccer; and one wrestled.

– A total of 20 of the 28 signees won a championship of some kind in high school, with 49 combined titles. Six won a total of eight outright state championships.

– In all, ten players were from California, seven were from Texas. With this Class, Colorado signed as many players from Washington D.C. (the “D.C. Three”) as it did from the state of Colorado. “When I got here, we wanted to re-establish Colorado in three areas. We accomplished that in two areas (California and Texas) … I didn’t do a good enough job (on recruiting in-state players) … We haven’t been what we’re going to be (which is why CU is struggling with in-state recruits), but eventually it will turn.”

– Several schools tried to “flip” some of CU’s verbal commitments, but all remained solid with the Buffs.

– On not signing any linebackers with this Class – “Linebacker really wasn’t a priority”. Embree stated that this year defensive backs and defensive linemen were the priority, and that he told last year’s three linebacker recruits were told that it was their job to carry the load. Embree did indicate that there were several linebackers that CU looked at, but “we didn’t take one; and one chose not to be a Buff” (Seth Jacobs – who signed with Oklahoma State?).

– On not signing a higher number of offensive linemen. “Is there great depth (along the offensive line)? No. But we had more pressing issues”.

– On using up all of the 85 scholarships – No. According to Embree, Colorado still has one scholarship available. “You always keep one in your pocket,” said Embree. “Just in case.”

– On how many of the 28 recruits can play next fall as true freshmen – “All of the defensive line (recruits); wide receivers; defensive backs … About 75% have an opportunity to earn some playing time (this fall)”.

– On keeping open a scholarship for Yuri Wright, even after he was expelled from his high school for his tweets – “I view one of my jobs is to teach African American boys how to become men”, said Embree. “It was a hard conversation (with Wright) … I want to help them, not just Yuri … I’m glad that he chose to come here … I have 105 players in the lockerroom. I have to help them become men”.

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3:00 p.m. – Gerrad Kough ends any suspense about a possible grayshirt, becoming the last verbal commitment to send in his Letter of Intent. On the day, Colorado went 28-for-28 on signing those players who gave Colorado their verbal commitment!!

12:45 p.m. – The only player who has not sent in his Letter-of-Intent, from amongst the 28 players who had given their verbal commitment to the University of Colorado, is offensive lineman Gerrad Kough, from Pomona, California. While conspiracy theorists might speculate that CU is trying to get Kough to grayshirt (perhaps in order to make room for quarterback Cyler Miles or linebacker Seth Jacobs), the fact of the matter is that Kough has indicated that he will be faxing in his Letter-of-Intent at 3:00 p.m. MT, and there is no indication that this will not take place.

12:30 p.m. – Time to get up in Honolulu! Three-star defensive lineman Kory Rasmussen has sent in his Letter-of-Intent from the islands. Also signed on is Derek McCartney, who will be a grayshirt, and will not count against the 2012 Class total.

11:30 a.m. –  Three-star defensive tackle Tyler Henington, from Mullen high in Denver, took part in his school’s signing day gathering, putting on a Colorado hat to become the 26th member of the CU recruiting Class of 2012! We’re now down to two verbals – OL Gerrad Kough and DL Kory Rasmussen – who haven’t faxed in their Letters of Intent.

11: 15 a.m. – Still waiting on the final three – Henington, Rasmussen, and Kough. Interesting side note: there is buzz about Tyler Henington heading to the Mullen signing ceremony to sign his Letter of Intent for Colorado (not news), but that Henington’s teammate, quarterback Cyler Miles, has been a no-show. A long-time Washington commit, Miles was recruited late by USC, and reportedly will choose between the two this afternoon (there are, of course, posters who believe that CU is making a late push for Miles … but that would be a shocker. CU has its quarterbacks in Wood and Dillon, and doesn’t have room for Miles. Still, it’s always fun to speculate … ).

10:45 a.m. – Jon Embree press conference scheduled for 2:55 p.m. (why not at 2:45 or 3:00 p.m.? Only Dave Plati knows for sure …) – CU at the Game will have it covered!

10:30 a.m. – Upland, California, trio now all on board as running back Donta Abron and defensive back Marques Mosley have now joined teammate Christian Powell on the CU football team. We’re now down to three verbal commitments who have yet to send in their Letter of Intent: DL Tyler Henington (Denver); Kory Rasmussen (Honolulu – it’s 7:30 a.m. there), and OL Gerrad Kough (Pomona, California).

10:00 a.m. – Three-star running back Davien Payne bring his 1,559 yards and 28 touchdowns to Boulder from Perrius, California.

9:45 a.m. – Three-star defensive end Kisima Jagne removed from MIA list, joins LOI list as 22nd Buff from the Class of 2012!

9:20 a.m. – So, who’s left? Still waiting to hear from the following verbal commitments (most from Pacific time zone): DL Tyler Henington (Denver): DB Marques Mosley (Upland, California): RB Donta Abron (Upland, California); DL Kory Rasmussen (Honolulu); DL Kisima Jagne (Chandler, Arizona); RB Davien Payne (Perrius, California); and OL Gerrad Kough (Pomona, California) … and for the optimists: LB Seth Jacobs (announcing tonight).

9:00 a.m. – The “mystery” signee, former UCLA commit Christian Powell, officially agrees to bring his atheltic talents to Colorado!

8:55 a.m. – The “D.C. Three” – four-star defensive back Kenneth Crawley, three-star defensive end De’jon Wilson and three-star defensive back John Walker all sign with Colorado, bringing the LOI list up to 20 players.

8:45 a.m. – First chance to take a breath … 17 Letters of Intent already in!

8:35 a.m. – Buena Park, California, defensive lineman Josh Tupou becomes the fourth defensive lineman to sign a Letter of Intent in the last 20 minutes!

8:30 a.m. – Westlake Village, California defensive line teammates Johnny Stuart and Justin Solis join the Buffs!

8:25 a.m. – Wide receiver/kick returner Gerald Thomas, from The Colony, Texas, makes it an even 14 for the CU Class of 2012.

8:20 a.m. – Colorado Class of 2012 already almost half filled, as quarterback Shane Dillon and defensive lineman Samson Kafovalu join the team.

8:15 a.m. – Defensive back Jeffrey Hall, from LaPlace, Louisiana, just committed to the Buffs a few days ago. Now he is a Colorado Buffalo!

8:10 a.m. – One of the last one to commit in becomes one of the first to confirm – tight end Vincent Hobbs is officially a Buff!

8:05 a.m. – Wide receiver Jeffrey Thomas officially joins the Buffs!

8:00 a.m. – In addition to Clay Norgard (green-shirt) and Alex Lewis (gray-shirt), both of whom will count against the Class of 2013, the following players have already sent in their Letters of Intent:

Yuri Wright (defensive back); Jeromy Irwin (offensive lineman); Sean Irwin (tight end); Terrence Crowder (running back); Peyton Williams (wide receiver); and Austin Ray (tight end)

This post, about the Recruiting game, from the 2012 Season, is filed under Article.
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