Priority #1: In-State Recruiting

The Dan Hawkins era began with a firm commitment to recruit the state of Colorado much more heavily than in the past. Gary Barnett consistently missed out on some of the top talent in that state (Calais Campbell, Jeff Byers, Zach Latimer, LenDale White). The arrival of Hawkins to Boulder was greeted with an immediate impact in in-state recruiting. Hawk was able to sign top Colorado recruit Ryan Miller in 2007. Miller was not only top in Colorado but was the second best offensive tackle in the country. In 2008, Hawkins even furthered his pipeline in Colorado by inking Bryce Givens, Jon Major, and Curtis Cunningham, three of the top four recruits in the state of Colorado.

2009 presents a new list of fresh talent that the Buffs need to get to keep their momentum going. On top of the list is Nick Kasa (right). The 6 foot 7 inch Defensive End from Legacy High School is a 5* recruit on Scout and boasts scholarships from nearly every high-major school except Southern Cal. He was an All-Colorado performer in his junior season and runs a 4.6 forty at 232 pounds. He had 22 tackles and 9 sacks his junior year. His stats fell from his sophomore year when he tallied 59 tackles and 10 sacks. The decline is no cause for concern; Kasa was constantly facing double and triple teams last year. He currently favors Colorado and Florida above all but offers from Notre Dame and Miami have to be attractive as well.

The second biggest target on CU's radar from Colorado is Jeremiah Sirles. Sirles is a 270 pound offensive tackle from Bear Creek High School. He was recently promoted to 4* by Scout. Like Kasa, Sirles was an All-Colorado performer and at 6 fett 8 inches, he is a load but quick on his feet, running a five second forty his junior year of high school. One cause for concern with Sirles is a torn ACL suffered in week 9 of his junior year but he is expected to have a full recovery by the start of his senior campaign. Sirles currently lists CU, Texas Tech, and Michigan as his top 3. He hasn't been offered yet by Michigan but it seems that they are his dream school.

Other major recruits on CU's radar not from Colorado include Manti Te'o, Cliff Harris, and Shaquelle Evans who are all 5* prospects. Look for CU's first commitment to come from Jarrod Darden (left), a receiver out of Keller, TX. He visited CU during their Spring Game and spent plenty of time with Darrell Scott. Darden holds eight scholarship offers but it seems like it will be CU or Texas Tech for 6 foot 5 inch receiver.