Colby Johnson is heading to Boulder, and he’s bringing a little Pacific Northwest flair with him. The Colorado Buffaloes just landed their northernmost recruit in this year’s class, as Johnson hails from Sammamish, Washington-a town that might not be Arctic, but definitely sits well above the Buffs’ usual recruiting range.
What makes Johnson’s commitment especially interesting is how rare it is under Deion Sanders’ tenure to see Colorado dip into the Northwest for talent. Coach Prime has largely focused his recruiting closer to home or in traditional hotbeds, so when a player from Washington ends up on the radar, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Johnson first caught CU’s attention during the offseason camp circuit, a refreshing nod to the old-school way of getting noticed-lace up, show out, and earn it in person. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Johnson brings good length and a frame that should fill out nicely once he gets into a college weight program. He may be a bit lean right now for the physicality of the next level, but the tools are clearly there.
He’s not just a football player-he’s a full-on athlete. Johnson lines up at running back and linebacker, and he also competes in track, specifically the 110-meter dash.
That’s the kind of versatility that jumps off the page. He’s got that smooth, natural speed you typically see in defensive backs or wide receivers-guys who can glide through space and turn on the jets when they hit the open field.
His offer list backs up his potential. Regional programs like Arizona, Washington State, and San Diego State have all shown interest, which tells you he’s not just some under-the-radar flyer. He’s a legitimate prospect with the kind of athletic profile that fits in multiple systems.
For Colorado, this is more than just a geographic outlier. It’s a sign that the Buffs’ recruiting net is expanding, and that Coach Prime and his staff are willing to go wherever the talent is-even if it means heading north to a place like Sammamish. And if Johnson’s development matches his raw athleticism, this could end up being one of the sneakier-good pickups in Colorado’s 2025 class.