The Colorado Buffaloes have a proud history of top-tier recruits. These athletes brought talent and heart to Boulder. From explosive running backs to shutdown defenders, their impact on Colorado’s legacy is still very apparent. Here are ten of the best recruits in the Buffaloes’ history who shaped the program.
Who Are the Top 10 Best Recruits of the Colorado Buffaloes in History
The Buffaloes’ recruiting classes have featured game-changers. Some became stars. Others left lasting legacies. Below, we dive into the top ten recruits, their stats, and their highlights.
1) Darrell Scott
Darrell Scott, a 2008 running back from St. Bonaventure, California, was a force. At 6-0 and 204 pounds, he was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 4 overall nationally by 247Sports, and chose Colorado over Texas, USC, and seven other schools. Scott rushed for 343 yards and one touchdown as a freshman, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Injuries and a crowded backfield limited his later years, but “Darrell was a game-changer,” a coach said. Scott finished with 1,064 career yards at Colorado before transferring to UCLA.
2) Marcus Houston
Marcus Houston, a 2000 running back from Denver’s Thomas Jefferson, opted to stay in his hometown for his college football career. At 6-0 and 208 pounds, he was a five-star recruit and committed to Colorado instantly. Houston ran for 1,496 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons, with his best performance in 2000 (755 yards, 4 TDs). His 150-yard game against Kansas in 2000 was a highlight. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. Houston’s local pride made him a fan favorite.
3) Jordan Seaton
Jordan Seaton, a 2024 offensive lineman from IMG Academy, Florida, is a beast. At 6-5 and 287 pounds, he’s a five-star recruit, rated 0.9934 and ranked 13th nationally by 247Sports. Seaton picked Colorado over 33 schools, including Alabama and Ohio State. In his freshman year, he started all 12 games at left tackle, significantly improving the offensive line’s performance. He earned All-Big 12 First Team honors from the Associated Press, showcasing his elite pass protection.
4) Cormani McClain
Cormani McClain, a 2023 cornerback from Lakeland, Florida, made a name by locking down receivers. At 6-2 and 165 pounds, he’s a five-star recruit, rated 0.9921 and ranked 14th nationally by 247Sports. McClain chose Colorado over 26 schools, including Miami. He recorded 13 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups as a freshman in nine games. “He’s got NFL written all over him,” a scout said. McClain’s potential was evident, though he entered the transfer portal in 2024.
5) Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller, a 2007 offensive tackle from Littleton, Colorado, was massive. At 6-7 and 289 pounds, he was a five-star recruit, rated 0.9859 by 247Sports, and picked Colorado over Nebraska, Notre Dame, and six other schools. Miller started 38 games, protecting the quarterback’s blind side. He allowed minimal sacks in his senior year and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2010. Miller’s durability and local ties made him a cornerstone of the offensive line.
6) Julian Lewis
Julian Lewis, a 2025 quarterback from Carrollton, Georgia, is a future star. At 6-0.5 and 185 pounds, he’s a four-star recruit, rated 0.9962 and ranked 9th nationally by 247Sports. Lewis chose Colorado over 38 schools, including USC and Georgia. In high school, he threw for 3,400 yards and 36 touchdowns as a senior, with a 68% completion rate. His arm strength and dual-threat ability impressed scouts, marking him as one of Colorado’s best recent recruits.
7) Russell Lovett
Russell Lovett, a 2001 athlete from Thornton, Colorado, was a do-it-all talent. At 6-3 and 230 pounds, he was a high four-star recruit, rated 0.9751 by 247Sports, and committed to Colorado immediately. Lovett played primarily as a defensive end, recording 22 tackles in his best season (2003). His versatility earned him recognition, though he didn’t secure Big 12 All-Freshman honors. Injuries limited his impact, but his recruiting hype was undeniable.
8) Craig Ochs
Craig Ochs, a quarterback from Fairview in Boulder, was a hometown hero. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, he was a high four-star recruit, rated 0.9739 by 247Sports, and stayed loyal to Colorado. Ochs threw for 1,889 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman in 2000, with a 60.2% completion rate. He earned Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors, leading the conference in completion percentage among freshmen. Concussions cut his career short, but his freshman impact was significant.
9) Lynn Katoa
Lynn Katoa, a 2008 inside linebacker from Salt Lake City, was relentless. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, he was a high four-star recruit, rated 0.9700 by 247Sports, and chose Colorado over Utah, BYU, and seven other schools. Katoa recorded approximately 30 tackles over his career, with his best season yielding 10 tackles in 2010. Injuries hampered his production, but “Lynn was everywhere on the field,” a teammate said. His recruiting ranking justified his potential.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Recruits in Ohio State Buckeyes History
10) Yuri Wright
Yuri Wright, a 2012 defensive back from Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey, had flair. At 6-1 and 180 pounds, he was a four-star recruit, rated 0.9690 by 247Sports, and joined Colorado after offers from Michigan and Notre Dame. Wright recorded 16 tackles and one pass breakup as a freshman in 2012. His speed earned him Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors (Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011). Wright’s playmaking energized the secondary before he transferred in 2014.
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