The Colorado-Born Star Deion Sanders Should Pursue In Transfer Portal

Northern Colorado Bears safety Cam Chapa, a two-time FCS All-American, is a hot-button target to replenish the Colorado Buffaloes' losses at defensive back. Members of the Buffs community rallied to get him on coach Deion Sanders' radar this past week.

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the second half against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

With transfer portal season running them dry, there's no place for the Colorado Buffaloes to go like home.

They could have their eyes on Northern Colorado Bears safety Cam Chapa, who has been in the portal since early December. The native of Aurora, Colorado, is a two-time Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-American who tackles in his sleep.

To address a back line that's lost key pieces in safeties Tawfiq Byard and John Slaughter over the past week, coach Deion Sanders may make an in-state splash. Chapa would instantly compete for a starting job and jolt a reeling Buffs secondary into the future.

Buffs Community Endorses Northern Colorado's Cam Chapa

Sep 7, 2024; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Northern Colorado head coach Ed Lamb on the sidelines in the first half at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. | Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Over two seasons in Greeley, Chapa became one of the most productive all-around defenders in the FCS. He has totaled 171 tackles, tallied eight interceptions, broken up 12 passes and forced two fumbles through 23 games, standing out from the jump and consistently wreaking havoc.

Chapa recorded double-digit tackles in six contests and eight or more on 12 occasions. He only missed eight tackles and was just the second player in Northern Colorado history to log back-to-back seasons with four or more interceptions.

Now a rising junior, Chapa was a Freshman All-American Defensive Team selection in 2024 before earning First Team All-Big Sky honors with a conference-leading 63 solo tackles this past fall. FCS Football Central also named him a Second Team All-American.

His stellar play has continued against FBS competition. Across two matchups with the Colorado State Rams, he's made 20 stops and intercepted a pass last September.

At Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, Chapa was named All-Conference on the gridiron three times while playing three different sports. He also crossed paths with former Colorado defensive end Arden Walker, who attended nearby Cherry Creek.

The three-year Buff known for social media recruiting co-signed Chapa's abilities on Monday.

Young bull can play 🔥🫡 https://t.co/vCtvDt1M9Z

— Arden Walker 🎉 (@walker_arden) December 22, 2025

Many Colorado fans have highlighted his talent in recent days, even catching the attention of his father, Domonic. He commented that if Chapa elects Boulder, he'd have full parental support.

We are truly hopeful as you can see
Mom and Dad would love him in Boulder

— Domonic Chapa (@ChapaDomon48577) December 22, 2025

MORE: Deion Sanders Reportedly Hires Familiar Name As Colorado Running Backs Coach

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MORE: Insider Reveals Biggest Reason Behind Colorado's Transfer Portal Mass Exodus 

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In-State Recruiting Key To Buffs' Bounce-Back?

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Ben Finneseth (28) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

If the Buffaloes land Chapa, he'd join a safety room that already hosts an in-state product. Ben Finneseth will return for a graduate season after starting six games in 2025, during which he collected 17 tackles and a forced fumble that he recovered.

Particularly on defense, more in-state recruiting could be a valuable tool. The transfer portal has depleted several position groups, such as defensive line and cornerback, so adding one would be a key step in the right direction.

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Sanders has largely overlooked the Centennial State when bringing in transfers, but a player of Chapa's caliber should be pursued regardless of origin. While there will likely be an understandable drop due to the jump from FCS to Power Four competition, even two-thirds of the production he had with the Bears would make him a star in black and gold.

He's sure to get a healthy dose of Power Four interest, but Colorado's need for a ball-hawking safety plus family ties could equal a marquee addition at safety. Chapa has two seasons of eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt.