Woelk: Buffs' Last Two Recruiting Classes Already Having Big Impact
August 26, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — One thing that becomes quite apparent when perusing the newest Colorado football depth chart is this:
The 2017 and 2018 recruiting classes are already paying some major dividends. When taking into account the two-deep at each position, no fewer than 24 members of the last two recruiting classes are represented — and 10 of those are possible starters. It is a sign that the Buffs have not only improved their recruiting since the arrival of recruiting coordinator/co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini in 2016, but have done so while also addressing some specific needs throughout the roster.
Here's a position-by-position breakdown of where the members of CU's last two recruiting classes could be impact players:
Wide receiver — When Colorado opens the season Friday night in Denver against Colorado State (7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network), the Buffs could have two true sophomores — K.D. Nixon and Laviska Shenault Jr. — starting at wide receiver.
Even if the two aren't on the field when the game begins, CU coaches are confident the two will have a big impact on the offense this year. Both are playmakers, both have steadily improved since arriving and both have the skills to be difference makers.
Meanwhile, another member of the 2017 group, junior transfer Tony Brown, also had an excellent camp and is expected to get his opportunities, while true freshman Dimitri Stanley has flashed some skills as well over the last week and is also listed in the two deep.
Offensive line — We didn't count redshirt freshman center Colby Pursell as one of the 10 possible starters because he is technically a member of the 2016 class. But Pursell 'grayshirted' and did not enroll until spring 2017, meaning he was a true freshman last fall.
Meanwhile, there are several members of the 2017 class who should help up front this year. That includes redshirt freshman Jake Moretti, who can play guard and tackle (he's listed No. 2 at guard) and fellow redshirt frosh William Sherman, who can also play both spots.
And, the Buffs picked up some depth in the most recent class in the form of junior college transfer Kary Kutsch, currently No. 2 at right guard behind Tim Lynott Jr., as well as true freshman Frank Fillip, who didn't put on pads until midway through camp, but was impressive enough to move into the No. 2 spot at left tackle behind senior Josh Kaiser.
Tight end/H-back — When Brady Russell joined the 2017 class as a preferred walk-on, he was mostly known as former Buff Matt Russell's nephew.
Now a scholarship player, Russell is about to make a name for himself. He will be a key part of CU's offense when they use one or two tight ends, and he is also has a big role on special teams.
Defensive line — CU's receivers might argue with this, but the defensive line may end up being the position that took one of the biggest steps forward with the last two recruiting classes.
A year ago, the Buffs brought in JC transfers Chris Mulumba and Javier Edwards as part of the 2017 class. They both started last season, and will again be key contributors this year.
But maybe most importantly is this: the 2017 recruiting class also included Terrance Lang, now a redshirt freshman, while the most recent class included true freshman Israel Antwine and sophomore Mustafa Johnson, a JC transfer.
Johnson and Antwine are listed as defensive end starters, while Lang is a co-No. 2 behind Johnson. That means the foundation for a very solid defensive line for the next three seasons is currently in place — and should only get better.
Linebacker — On the inside, sophomore Nate Landman (part of the 2017 class) "took it to the next level" early in camp, according to head coach Mike MacIntyre. His performance was so good that it allowed CU coaches to move senior Drew Lewis outside — his more natural position — a move that improved the Buffs at two spots.
But Landman isn't the only young linebacker who could be a factor this year. Listed as a starter on the outside is sophomore Jacob Callier, a pass rush specialist who played last year as a true freshman, while a pair of redshirt freshmen, Jonathan Van Diest (inside) and Carson Wells (outside) also both had very good camps. Callier could be a player who records a half-dozen sacks (he led the team in QB pressures last year) while Wells has also showed a knack for getting to the quarterback.
Meanwhile, another JC transfer from the 2018 group, Davion Taylor, is listed No. 1 at Buff back. Taylor will be a force coming off the edge, and will no doubt be a headache for offensive coordinators as they try to figure exactly where on the field he will be on any given play.
Secondary — Here's one more place where the Buffs added a possible starter with a junior college transfer from the 2018 class. Junior Delrick Abrams Jr. had a solid camp, and is listed ahead of talented redshirt freshman Chris Miller (2017 class) at one corner.
On the other side, junior Dante Wigley — a JC player from the 2017 class — is listed as a co-No. 1 with Trey Udoffia. Overall, it is a group of talented corners who have the chance to continue the recent CU reputation of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs.
Running back — Grad transfer Travon McMillian has proven to be a versatile back and is listed as a co-No. 1 with senior Kyle Evans.
Quarterback – Tyler Lytle, a redshirt freshman, has had a good camp and is listed as the co-No. 2 with sophomore Sam Noyer.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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Players Mentioned
