Colorado will get an early shot at one of the top young pass rushers in the country when four-star edge rusher Jayden Bates visits Folsom Field for the Buffaloes’ Week 2 home game against Weber State on Sept. 12.
Bates, a 2029 prospect, is already drawing major attention despite still being an underclassman at the prep level. 247Sports has him ranked as the top recruit in the state and the nation’s No. 2 edge rusher in his class. The 6-4, 230-pound defender also carries strong local ties, having built his early reputation at Cherry Creek High in Englewood after previously starring in Minnesota.
247Sports analyst TJ Randall has been especially high on Bates, describing him as “big, long and strong” and pointing to the relentless motor he brings off the edge. Randall also singled out Bates’ hand power and strength, noting the kind of knock back power he already shows for a younger prospect.
The visit gives Colorado a chance to showcase a defense that made a loud statement in last week’s 14-13 upset of Georgia Tech. That game ended with cornerback Boo Carter blocking a field goal to seal the win, while tight end Charlie Williams delivered the go-ahead touchdown before Carter finished the job.
The Buffaloes’ performance on that night helped fuel a strong opening atmosphere around the program, with Colorado having sold more than 42,500 tickets as of Sept. 8, according to Brian Howell of On3/Rivals.
Bates is the highest-ranked underclassman set to attend Colorado’s Folsom Field opener, and he’ll see a defensive front that turned plenty of heads in Atlanta. Under new defensive coordinator Chris Marve, the Buffaloes came out with a clear plan: play with discipline, control gaps and shut down the run. The approach worked, as Georgia Tech’s usually dangerous ground game struggled to find room.
Colorado’s front was widely praised afterward, including a No. 1 ranking from Pro Football Network for Week 1. The Buffaloes rotated as many as seven defenders up front, and interior lineman Chauncey Gooden held up well in the run game after joining the rotation.
The edge rush was just as disruptive. Former Monmouth defender Lamont Lester Jr. exploded for three sacks in his Colorado debut, and that speed and energy will be on display when Bates makes his visit.
For Colorado, the hope is simple: make a strong first impression on one of the most coveted rising recruits in the region when he comes to Boulder on Sept. 12.
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