Colorado is hosting two secondary commits for Saturday’s “Rumble in the Rockies.”
The Buffs will welcome 2027 defensive backs Samari Howard (Fla.) and Will Rasmussen (Utah) as they take on No. 11 Utah. Rasmussen was in Boulder when CU lost to ranked Texas Tech. This time, he will see if the Black-and-Gold can bounce back against the top state school from his home state.
Additionally, Colorado has three names, including a Wyoming commit, that stand out among another wide weekend of visiting recruits.
Class of 2027
3-star S ◦ Samari Howard (COMMIT)
After committing shortly after his official visit in June, Howard is returning to Boulder on Oct. 17.
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound safety pursued an impressive senior campaign for undefeated St. Thomas Aquinas High (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.). Howard’s racked up 18 tackles (16 solo), made two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. He’s also recovered a fumble.
Other offers: West Virginia, Boston College, California, Florida State, etc.
3-star DB ◦ Will Rasmussen (COMMIT)
Rasmussen is back in Boulder for his second time in three weeks. And during CU’s bye week, he told BuffStampede that his commitment to Colorado is “strong.”
The 5-10, 180-pound DB has been crucial to Orem High’s (Orem, Utah) secondary by being versatile. Rasmussen has made 29 tackles, including one for a loss. He’s also broken up a pass.
The top-seeded Tigers finished 7-2 in the regular season, and now await the playoffs.
Other offers: Utah, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, etc.
3-star DB/ATH ◦ Karson McKenzie (WYOMING COMMIT)
Cherry Creek High (Greenwood Village, Colo.) star Karson McKenzie has been committed to the Wyoming Cowboys since April.
Yet, with CU recruiting several of his teammates, the three-star is on campus for Week 7.
After all, the 6-foot, 180-pound McKenzie captains the 6-1 Bruins’ defense. Playing safety and nickel, he’s recorded 61 tackles (35 solo), including 3.0 for a loss. He’s also picked off two passes, returning one for a touchdown, and caused a fumble.
Other offers: Wyoming, New Mexico, Toledo, etc.
Class of 2029
QB ◦ James Shumway
Nearly a month after Rasmussen committed to CU, the Buffs offered Orem teammate James Shumway.
Standing 6-1.5 and 180 pounds, Shumway has several intriguing tools for a quarterback. He can move well and has a solid arm.
While he hasn’t played many varsity snaps as an underclassman, he’s waiting for his time at one of Utah’s high school football powerhouses. Shumway also trains with several top quarterback coaches and has a relationship with current Colorado starting QB Isaac Wilson.
Other offers: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arizona, UCLA
Class of 2030
OT ◦ Devyn West
At 6-6, 300 pounds, Devyn West doesn’t look like a freshman. He’s already a varsity starting tackle.
Yet, with West competing right down the road at Fairview High (Boulder, Colo.), CU recruited him early, and the Black-and-Gold remain his only offer. Other in-state schools have had him at games or camps. He’s also been at camps at Nebraska and Kansas State.
Recruits Mentioned
