Colorado University Athletics
Freshman CB Trujillo Delivers Big Plays For Buffs
October 26, 2019 | Football
BOULDER — Freshman cornerback K.J. Trujillo came up with some big plays for the Colorado Buffaloes in Friday's 35-31 loss to Southern California.
Trujillo had his first career interception in the first quarter, which lead to a K.D. Nixon touchdown that gave the Buffs a 10-7 lead. On the Trojans' next drive, Trujillo came up with one of Colorado's two sacks on the night with a huge 7-yard stop behind the line on USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. Trujillo was also credited with six tackles (all solo) and two pass breakups.
Asked about his interception, Trujillo said, "I saw our defensive line and linebackers rush the quarterback and put a lot of pressure on him. I saw the receiver break on the out cut and I was able to break and undercut."
Trujillo did not play a single snap in the Buffaloes' first three games this season. But after injuries to sophomore Chris Miller and junior Mekhi Blackmon, Trujillo saw his playing time increase. The Buena Park, Calif., native has seen action in the past five games with starts in the past four.
"Coach (Mel) Tucker always says next man up," Trujillo said. "At practice we're always grinding and getting after it … all our receivers have been preparing us well so that when we do get the chance, we are prepared and we're ready to get in there … and I have some great players around me on defense, which helps me a lot."
Tucker had high praise for his freshman cornerback.
"He wants to be a good player and wants to be productive and dependable," Tucker said. "He works really hard everyday on his game. He has continued to get better… I am really pleased with his progress so far."
NEXT UP — Trujillo and the Buffaloes will travel to Pasadena, California, next Saturday for a 7 p.m. (MT) game with the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl.
