Coach Prime and Andre Hart are on a recruiting role
Deion Sanders and linebackers coach Andre Hart are back at it again, snagging yet another commitment from a big-time linebacker recruit, this time from the likes of four-star standout Rodney Colton Jr.
With Colton’s commitment to Boulder, the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder from Newnan, Georgia, becomes the third linebacker from the 2026 recruiting class to become a Buffalo in the last month and the second in as many weeks.
Colton’s decision to come to Boulder is a huge boost for the Buffs, as he’s currently ranked as the 239th best overall player and 15th best linebacker in the Class of 2026 by 247 Sports. Colorado’s newest linebacker has the speed, size and athleticism to do whatever Hart calls upon him for, adding a dynamic presence to the defense.
Buffs fans witnessed what an elite linebacking corps can do for a program in 2024, as Nikhai Hill-Green and Lavonta Bentley were a major reason why CU had one of the Big 12’s best defenses. With more transfers like Jacksonville State’s Reginald Hughes and UTSA’s Martavius French filling in at linebacker for the Buffs during the 2025 season, homegrown players like Colton should be able to slide into that role in the coming years.
Along with safety commitment Preston Ashley, Colton becomes Colorado’s second four-star player to come to Colorado for next year’s class. 247 ranks Colton as the highest-ranked recruit that the Buffs have landed thus far.
Welcome to Boulder, Rodney! We’re glad to have you here!