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Coach Prime’s CU Buffs land quartet of commits on Thanksgiving night – Boulder Daily Camera

Vaseline November 29, 2024

Colorado football has kicked off the holiday season with a series of commitments that could be potential game changers for the future.

On Thursday night, four players verbally committed to the Buffaloes and head coach Deion Sanders for the class of 2025: offensive lineman Carde Smith; receiver Quentin Gibson; and edge rushers Alex McPherson and London Merritt, who were teammates at IMG Academy in Florida.

All four made their announcements on Nightcap with former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson.

Smith, a four-star recruit out of Williamson High School in Mobile, Ala., recently decommitted from USC and has decided to transfer to the Buffs. He took an official visit to CU the weekend of Oct. 25, when the Buffs defeated Cincinnati at Folsom Field. The 6-foot-1, 290-pound Smith, who has 23 scholarship offers, also previously committed to Auburn.

“I’ve been there twice,” Smith, who visited CU for the Baylor game in September and the Cincinnati game in October, told Nightcap. “Sitting down and talking to (offensive line coach Phil Loadholt), Coach Prime and all the other coaches and seeing that I have the opportunity to come and play early as a freshman, that was really the biggest thing that sparked it. … I just want my chance.”

Merritt is a four-star recruit who originally committed to Ohio State in March, but decommitted Tuesday to transfer to the Buffs. The 6-foot-1, 255-pound edge rusher has 39 scholarship offers, including from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas and USC, according to 247Sports.

Colorado football recruit Carde Smith, center, with head coach Deion Sanders, right, and offensive line coach Phil Loadholt during a visit to the Boulder, Colo., campus. on September 22, 2024. (From Carde Smith’s social media)

Merritt previously attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, before transferring to IMG for his senior year. Merritt took an official visit to CU the weekend of Oct. 11 for the Kansas State game.

“It was just the way Colorado believes in me and then just the consistency of Colorado,” Merritt said of his decision. “At the end of the day, it was a business decision for me and I had to bet on myself, and I felt like it was a better fit for me and Colorado’s defense and their staff.”

McPherson is a three-star recruit who originally committed to Oklahoma State in June. He withdrew from the Cowboys on Tuesday – who will play CU on Saturday at Folsom Field. Listed at 6-6, 240 pounds, McPherson led IMG in sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (13) this season.

Although he plays on the edge, McPherson is versatile and believes he could be more productive as a defensive tackle. He looks forward to working with CU’s collection of NFL veteran coaches, including Hall of Famer Warren Sapp.

“The obvious reason is it’s hard to pass up all those guys who have been where you want to go,” he said. “I think this is the best thing to help me get there. They know what it takes.”

Gibson is a three-star wide receiver from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas. The 6-foot-1, 165-pounder has 26 scholarship offers and chose CU over Mississippi State, Kansas State and others.

Gibson, a late bloomer who didn’t get his first offer until April 29 (from Army), entered this season with just three offers. However, he has received almost 20 offers since September.

“What went into my decision was that I wanted to be taken to a school that was like a family,” he said. “I bring the ability to turn the field around no matter where we are. If you need a third-down conversion, throw me the ball. I hope to fill the shoes of LaJohntay Wester and Jimmy Horn.”

With Thursday’s commitments, the Buffs now have 15 high school players verbally committed to the class of 2025. According to 247Sports.com, the Buffs’ class is ranked No. 32 nationally and No. 2 in the Big 12, behind TCU.

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Coach Prime’s CU Buffs land quartet of commits on Thanksgiving night – Boulder Daily Camera

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Coach Prime’s CU Buffs land quartet of commits on Thanksgiving night – Boulder Daily Camera

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