Mel Tucker believes 2020 recruiting class is something special
Feb 7, 2020, 7:00 AM | Updated: Mar 8, 2023, 9:40 am
During the Colorado University Football Signing Day Celebration, one line from head coach Mel Tucker echoed throughout the packed bar that sent a rush of cheers through the crowd — “I was brought here to win a championship.”
With his second recruiting class in the books, Tucker believes he and his staff are another step closer to building an elite program. The 2020 recruiting class now features players from 11 states.
The three new standouts were locked in on Wednesday for the Buffs — running back Ashaad Clayton (New Orleans), defensive back Will Anglen (Ohio) and running back Jayle Stacks (Colorado).
Tucker said on Wednesday night that his newest signing class is filled with a great group of young men that are all-in on CU.
“Every guy that we signed were guys that we targeted, players that we identified that could help us build towards a championship football team. We recruited them really hard and they all fell in love with CU. They’re all guys that are on a mission. They want to be part of the build, and so it’s a really exciting time.”
It’s no secret that any freshman joining Tucker’s program could get the chance at making a significant impact early. During the 2019 season, 14 first-year freshmen got playing time with the Buffs. Tucker explained that it is very important for the new class to make an impact right away.
“The guys that we have coming in, I’m expecting them to come in and compete for playing time right away. I told each and every one of them to come in, be in shape and be ready to help us right away. We have already proven we aren’t afraid to play freshman, so theres going to be plenty of opportunity for our newcomers to come in and get playing time and have a significant role.”
In his second recruiting class, Tucker inked 24 recruits and three transfers. When breaking down all the talent the head coach beamed with optimism that this upcoming season would see a new wave of competition.
“We will have more competition on our roster this season than we had last. Competition brings out the best in everyone and the cream rises to the top.”
Tucker spoke about the importance of casting a wide net during recruitment, saying that it’s important to make some states and players a big priority.
“We have to go to where the players are, and Rick George (CU Athletic Director) has done a great job. He provides the resources for us and he gave me the green light to go wherever I needed to go to sign the person that we needed.”
As for the local recruiting, Tucker expressed how important it is to focus on Colorado high schools and that signing recruits from schools like Cherry Creek has a huge impact on the program.
“We want to do a better job in our state to prove to the players in our state that we can have a winning football team and can compete for championships. So to get guys from Cherry Creek is huge because it’s a championship program. They have a really good pedigree, and they understand what winning is all about. When you get good players from programs like that, I think that sends a message and a signal to the rest of the players in the state that maybe they should take a look at CU.”
With his 2020 class officially complete, Tucker believes with his coaching staff, philosophy and roster that he will most definitely help to bring a championship to CU. After all, that’s why he was brought here.
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