Back in December of 2019, Colorado became the third, and first Power Five and Pac-12 program, to offer Playa Del Ray (St. Bernard) Calif. tailback Jaylen Thompson.
Obviously much has changed since then, for both Thompson and Colorado.
On the Buffs' side of things, the changes that have occurred in Boulder could not appear more plainly. Thompson picked up an offer almost exactly two months before Mel Tucker departed CU for Michigan State, leaving the Buffs in a state of limbo before Rick George ultimately hired Karl Dorrell.
For Thompson, back in December of 2019, the Buffs, Florida Atlantic and Southern Miss made up his offer sheet.
Now, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound all-purpose back has offers from half the Pac-12 (CU plus Arizona, ASU, Oregon, Oregon State and Southern Cal) as well as Cincinnati, Penn State and Texas.
Thompson recently took a visit to San Jose State and followed it up with an unofficial visit to Colorado this past weekend.
"The recent trip to Colorado was amazing," he said. "They showed a tremendous amount of love and i can definitely see myself there!"
Already, Thompson is making movs in coordination with Darian Hagan to pencil in an official visit. Late in July after the current recruiting dead period ends is an option and if that doesn't work out, he said he'll shoot for Sept. 11, when the Buffaloes will collide with Texas A&M in Denver.
While the Buffs currently hold a verbal pledge from fellow three-star tailback Victor Venn, the recent failed attempt to land De'Anthony Gatson suggests they have their eyes on landing one more for the Class of 2022.
Thompson fits the bill as a candidate, especially given that he and Hagan have maintained a relationship even through a coaching change and a pandemic.
Honestly, he reminds me a lot of my uncle," Thompson said of him. "Me and Hagan have been building a tight relationship for a while now."
Speaking with Dorrell also played a part in Thompson wanting to schedule an official visit with the Buffs.
"He is super down to earth and just a great coach overall," Thompson said. "(Dorrell) mentioned that i reminded him of a back he used to coach at UCLA, Maurice Jones-Drew."
.....
Thompson would be a welcomed addition if the Buffs do indeed go for two tailbacks this cycle. Telling that he seemed to be so impressed on his unofficial as to want to quickly get something planned officially. If he's gonna visit CU in September, that might indicate that he's not a guy who will commit this summer but we'll have to see how that all shakes down. Good-looking prospect either way.
Obviously much has changed since then, for both Thompson and Colorado.
On the Buffs' side of things, the changes that have occurred in Boulder could not appear more plainly. Thompson picked up an offer almost exactly two months before Mel Tucker departed CU for Michigan State, leaving the Buffs in a state of limbo before Rick George ultimately hired Karl Dorrell.
For Thompson, back in December of 2019, the Buffs, Florida Atlantic and Southern Miss made up his offer sheet.
Now, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound all-purpose back has offers from half the Pac-12 (CU plus Arizona, ASU, Oregon, Oregon State and Southern Cal) as well as Cincinnati, Penn State and Texas.
Thompson recently took a visit to San Jose State and followed it up with an unofficial visit to Colorado this past weekend.
"The recent trip to Colorado was amazing," he said. "They showed a tremendous amount of love and i can definitely see myself there!"
Already, Thompson is making movs in coordination with Darian Hagan to pencil in an official visit. Late in July after the current recruiting dead period ends is an option and if that doesn't work out, he said he'll shoot for Sept. 11, when the Buffaloes will collide with Texas A&M in Denver.
While the Buffs currently hold a verbal pledge from fellow three-star tailback Victor Venn, the recent failed attempt to land De'Anthony Gatson suggests they have their eyes on landing one more for the Class of 2022.
Thompson fits the bill as a candidate, especially given that he and Hagan have maintained a relationship even through a coaching change and a pandemic.
Honestly, he reminds me a lot of my uncle," Thompson said of him. "Me and Hagan have been building a tight relationship for a while now."
Speaking with Dorrell also played a part in Thompson wanting to schedule an official visit with the Buffs.
"He is super down to earth and just a great coach overall," Thompson said. "(Dorrell) mentioned that i reminded him of a back he used to coach at UCLA, Maurice Jones-Drew."
.....
Thompson would be a welcomed addition if the Buffs do indeed go for two tailbacks this cycle. Telling that he seemed to be so impressed on his unofficial as to want to quickly get something planned officially. If he's gonna visit CU in September, that might indicate that he's not a guy who will commit this summer but we'll have to see how that all shakes down. Good-looking prospect either way.
