Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes Closing In on Four-Star Recruit Johnnie Jones

Dante Williams | Ejsports

The Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders, have entered the final stages of recruiting one of the nation’s top offensive tackle prospects, Johnnie "DJ" Jones. A four-star recruit from Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, Jones is ranked among the top 10 offensive tackles in the class of 2026 and is a significant target for Colorado’s growing football program. According to Hayes Fawcett of On3, Colorado is one of six finalists competing for Jones’s commitment, alongside Penn State, Ole Miss, Florida State, UCLA, and Vanderbilt. Jones has reportedly declined offers from powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Michigan, and Florida in favor of continuing his recruitment with the Buffaloes and other leading schools. His recruitment marks an important step for Colorado as they seek to bolster their offensive line depth and overall competitiveness.

Jones visited Boulder officially in early April, describing his trip as a thorough and insightful experience. He praised the Buffaloes’ efforts to showcase not only the program but also the community surrounding it, providing a genuine feel beyond the cameras. “They helped me see the program and community beside the cameras and [get an] actual feel for how the city works,” Jones said in an interview with 247Sports.

He also appreciated the opportunity to meet the players and understand their unique practice and workout habits. The Buffaloes, led by Coach Prime, made a strong impression on the 6-foot-6, 305-pound tackle. Jones noted the team’s message of challenging players to be their best and highlighted the coaching staff’s emphasis on a strong work ethic. His build and skill set have drawn comparisons to Jordan Seaton, another talented offensive tackle who joined Colorado’s roster in 2023. With the offensive line still a work in progress, particularly on the right tackle spot, Jones’s arrival could be crucial. While Seaton holds the left tackle position, the right tackle role remains uncertain, with options including freshman Carde Smith and experienced player Phillip Houston, who is recovering from an ACL injury. Colorado has also added several transfers to strengthen the line, but Jones’s potential to compete immediately as a freshman is notable. Jones also spoke highly of his relationships with the coaching staff, especially offensive line coach Gunnar White, with whom he spent considerable time reviewing film and discussing the offensive scheme.

His familiarity with the staff and system may give Colorado an edge in securing his commitment, even as he plans visits to other finalist schools. If Jones commits to Colorado, it will be a significant recruiting win for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, who are rapidly elevating their program’s stature. His size, skill, and work ethic fit the vision Sanders has for his team, and he could become a cornerstone of Colorado’s offensive line for years to come.