Colorado transfer signee returning to JUCO, reopening recruitment

In May, Zach Blackwood committed to transfer to Colorado. It was reported Thursday that he won’t be joining the team for 2023 and may no longer land in Boulder.

Allen Trieu of 247Sports reports that Blackwood is going back to Garden City Community College and will now be a Class of 2024 prospect. Blackwood told Trieu that his recruitment is open and he is no longer committed to the Buffaloes.

DL Zach Blackwood, who had signed with Colorado, is headed back to Garden City and will now be part of the 2024 class.

He says his recruitment is open as well.https://t.co/QktUgPPCVa pic.twitter.com/pQj8LKVXPS

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) August 3, 2023

Among JUCO prospects, Blackwood was rated the No. 1 defensive lineman and No. 4 player overall by the 247Sports Composite. Blackwood began his career at Northern Arizona, redshirting in 2021. In 2022, Blackwood totaled 42 tackles and 4 sacks as a 2nd-year freshman.

Blackwood’s change in status impacts Colorado’s depth. The Buffs are at 77 scholarship players with a total of 5 defensive tackles.

Without Zach Blackwood, Colorado has 77 scholarship players. Buffs have 5 defensive tackles on the roster. #cubuffs

— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) August 4, 2023

Colorado plays its first game under head coach Deion Sanders on Sept. 2 against TCU.