One of the most dangerous playmakers in college football has found a new home. After entering the transfer portal in April, former Houston running back Alton McCaskill has committed to play for the Colorado Buffaloes ahead of the 2023 college football season.
Alton McCaskill IV Transfers to Colorado
Making his return from a serious knee injury in spring practice for the Cougars, McCaskill was a surprise entry into the transfer portal in late April. Unsurprisingly, he attracted significant attention from Power Five programs across the nation, taking several official visits before committing to Colorado.
The clamor to lock down his commitment was equally unsurprising and reminiscent of his high school recruiting journey. A highly productive high school talent who also excelled in running track at Oak Ridge, McCaskill was considered a coup for the Cougars in 2021, choosing Houston over offers from Alabama, FSU, USC, and many other Power Five programs.
The electric running back made an immediate impact at the college football level in 2021 rushing for 961 yards at 5.1 yards per carry. McCaskill tallied 18 total touchdowns as he emerged as a dynamic multi-phase weapon for Dana Holgorsen’s Houston team. In doing so, he became the first Cougar to earn AAC Rookie of the Year honors since 2016.
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There were high expectations entering 2022. Sadly, a torn ACL in the spring meant that McCaskill wouldn’t see the field at all as a true sophomore, leaving a considerable dent in the Houston offense and playing a role in a season where the Cougars lost four more games than they did with their playmaking running back on the field in 2021.
After redshirting his sophomore season in Houston due to his injury, McCaskill will have three seasons of eligibility for the Buffaloes. His participation in his former team’s spring practice should alleviate any concerns about bringing a player coming off an ACL tear onto the Colorado roster—especially with the skill set that he boasts when fully healthy.
At 6’1″ and 215 pounds, McCaskill has the size and contact balance to grind out yardage. He also possesses the lateral agility to break ankles anywhere on the field and the speed to break off chunk plays. Throw in his ability to play with patience, vision, and his pass-catching upside out of the backfield, and Colorado has landed a rare offensive weapon.
McCaskill Quick Facts
- Class: Redshirt sophomore
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 215
- Hometown: Conroe, TX
- Career carries: 189
- Career rushing yards per carry: 5.1
- Career rushing touchdowns: 16
- Career receiving yards: 113
- Career receiving touchdowns: 2
