Colorado seems to ebb and flow in national conversations in recent years, but at its best, the Buffs are one of the most historic college football programs in the country. It is not a program known for producing a large number of NFL talents, but with Deion Sanders in charge, the talent level has increased dramatically recently.
While not all top recruits pan out to be NFL or even college stars, Colorado does have an impressive list of highly rated high school recruits who have come through the football program.
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Here’s a look at the top 10 recruits in Colorado football history, based on the 247Sports composite rankings, which date back to 2000.
10. Quinn Sypniewski, class of 2000
Dec 3, 2007; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (85) reacts after scoring a touchdown as tight end Quinn Sypniewski (88) stands next to him in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: .9683
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Recorded 513 receiving yards and four touchdowns in parts of six seasons with the Buffs
9. Yuri Wright, class of 2012
November 10, 2012; Tucson, AZ, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Yuri Wright (5) in the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: .9690
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Suffered multiple concussions at Colorado and opted to forgo his senior year of eligibility
8. Craig Ochs, class of 2000
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Colorado Buffalos helmet at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Rating: .9739
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One of the top players to ever come out of Boulder High School, he eventually transferred to Montana after two mediocre seasons.
7. Russell Lovett, class of 2001
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes mascot Ralphie is run out onto the field before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Rating: .9751
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Signed, but never played for the Buffs
6. Julian Lewis, class of 2025
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Rating: .9762
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The rankings’ newest addition to the list and one that Buff fans will hope turns into a future star
5. Ryan Miller, class of 2007
Nov 4, 2011; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive linesman Ryan Miller (73) prepares to pass block in the fourth quarter against the Southern California Trojans at Folsom Field. The Trojans defeated the Buffaloes 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: .9859
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Five-star offensive tackle
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Earned third-team All-American (AP) honors as a senior in 2011
4. Cormani McClain, class of 2023
Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Cormani McClain (1) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: .9884
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Played one season at Colorado before transferring to Florida last year
3. Jordan Seaton, class of 2024
Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (77) before the game against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: .9934
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Five-star offensive tackle
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Earned freshman All-American honors in 2024 and is seen as a building block for Colorado over the next few seasons.
2. Marcus Houston, class of 2000
Nov 26, 2022; Boulder, Colorado, USA; General view of a Colorado Buffaloes emblem on Folsom Field before the game between the Utah Utes. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: .9980
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Transferred to Colorado State in 2003
1. Darrell Scott, class of 2008
University of Colorado tailback Darrell Scott (2), left, breaks free of Colorado State University defenders Klint Kubiak (20), center, and Mike Pagnotta (13) in the second quarter of action at Invesco Field in Denver on Aug. 31, 2008.
Rating: .9980
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Left the program in 2009 after two seasons in Boulder
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football’s top rated recruits since 2000
