BUFFS

A big-name commitment is a positive sign for the Buffs

Oct 16, 2019, 8:35 AM | Updated: 8:54 am

When Mel Tucker took the job at Colorado, he knew that his No. 1 task would be competitive in recruiting. Simply put, the Buffaloes needed more talent.

On Tuesday, the head coach showed that he’s ready to deliver on that mission. The Buffs made a splash, getting a commitment from Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.

Name recognition is what will get all of the attention, but the wideout from Chandler, Ariz. is more than just a publicity stunt. Rice is a big-time player.

The Hamilton High School star is a three-star recruit who has visits with the likes of Michigan, Cal, Arizona and Arizona State. The fact that Colorado was fishing in the same waters as those programs is a positive. Winning the battle amongst some of the big boys is even more encouraging.

Rice is 6-foot-2, 208 pounds and he runs the 40 in 4.62 seconds. So he’ll be a big targets in CU’s offense in coming years.

According to 247 Sports, the wide receiver has a lot of upside:

Muscular and solidly built frame. Good length and physical upside. Impressive straight-line speed. Can make defenders miss in the open field. Athleticism to high-point the football and body up defensive backs. Contributes as a run blocker and can be an asset on short-yardage situations. Could refine overall fluidity, particularly in getting out of his breaks. Decent hands, but room for improvement as consistent pass-catcher. Potential multi-year starter at Power Five level. Upside as NFL Draft Day 3 selection.

The name will get all of the attention, but the fact that the Buffs won a high-profile recruiting battle is the real story. It’s a sign that Tucker is up to the task in Boulder.

Buffs

Caitlin Clark #22 dribbles the ball past Colorado Buffaloes guard Tameiya Sadler...

Jake Shapiro

Why the CU Buffs think they’re ready for Caitlin Clark and Iowa

The Colorado Buffaloes feel leaps and bounds better than they were at this time a season ago when they faced Caitlin Clark and Iowa

2 days ago

Caitlin Clark vs the Colorado Buffaloes...

Jake Shapiro

CU Buffs will face Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in Sweet 16, again

The CU Buffs will match up with Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, with hope of a different result

3 days ago

Shedeur Sanders #2 and Travis Hunter #12...

Jake Shapiro

Prime says Shedeur and Hunter will ‘pull an Eli Manning’ in Draft

Deion Sanders only wants Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter getting selected by specific teams when it's NFL Draft night in 2025

3 days ago

KJ Simpson...

James Merilatt

A talented Buffs roster should’ve reached uncharted waters

Colorado's basketball team was good enough to make it to the second weekend of the tourney, so it's a disappointment that they're done

3 days ago

Colorado Buffaloes...

Jake Shapiro

Buffs are back in the Sweet 16 with a Caitlin Clark rematch looming

The Colorado Buffaloes have done it again, winning a true road game to advance to the Sweet 16 with a possible rematch against Caitlin Clark

4 days ago

KJ Simpson...

Jake Shapiro

Buffs get chance at big upset but can’t cash, CU dashed from dance

CU Buffs had the opportunity in the Round of 32 against Marquette and oh boy did they have their chances to make the Sweet 16

4 days ago

A big-name commitment is a positive sign for the Buffs