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

On November 30, 2024By Littum

Colorado football has kicked off the holiday season with a group of commitments that are 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 passed on their announcements Nightcap with former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson.

A four-star recruit out of Williamson High School in Mobile, Ala., Smith recently decommitted from USC and has decided to return 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-6, 290-pound Smith, who has 23 scholarship offers, was also previously committed to Auburn.

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

Merritt is a four-star recruit who originally committed to Ohio State in March, but he committed Tuesday to return to the Buffs. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound edge rusher has 39 scholarship offers, according to 247Sports, including from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Texas and USC.

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 Sept. 22, 2024. (From Carde Smith social media)

Merritt previously attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., 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 from 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 with their staff.”

McPherson is a three-star recruit who originally committed to Oklahoma State in June. He decommitted from the Cowboys — who CU will play Saturday at Folsom Field — on Tuesday. 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 said he believes he could be more productive as a defensive tackle. He looks forward to working with CU’s collection of NFL-experienced coaches, including Hall of Famer Warren Sapp.

“The obvious (reason) is it’s hard to miss out on all the guys that have been where you want to go,” he said. “I think it’s the best thing to help me get there. They know what it takes.”

Gibson is a three-star receiver from North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas. The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder has 26 scholarships and chose CU over Mississippi State, Kansas State and others.

A late bloomer who didn’t get his first offer until April 29 (from Army), Gibson entered this season with just three offers. Since September, however, he has received nearly two dozen offers.

“What went into my decision was that I wanted to be brought into a school that was like family,” he said. “I bring the ability to turn the tide wherever we are. If you need a third-down conversion, throw the ball to me. I hope to fill the shoes of LaJohntay West and Jimmy Horn.”

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