Colorado Assistant Coach Pinpoints One Defender Expected to Play 'Huge Role'

This Colorado Buffaloes defensive back has flown under the radar, but one coach Deion Sanders assistant is raving about his potential.

Deion Sanders takes in the second day of Cleveland Browns training camp, July 30, 2026, in Berea, Ohio. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Buffaloes spent fall camp raving about the potential of defensive backs Cree Thomas and Boo Carter. Coach Deion Sanders and his assistants have hyped both up as NFL talents and valuable contributors to this revamped 2026 defense.

But cornerbacks coach Aaron Fletcher pinpointed a third transfer who's flown under the radar. One Fletcher proclaimed will have "a huge role" for Colorado too.

The Under-the-Radar Colorado Newcomer Earning Rave Reviews

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Delaware Fighting Blue Hens at Folsom Field. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Fletcher believes James Madison University transfer Justin Eaglin is ready for a breakout year.

Eaglin hasn't received as much attention during fall or even spring ball, as again the focus has centered on Thomas and Carter. But Fletcher's words after Friday's practice paint the picture the JMU transfer will be just as valuable as the Notre Dame and Tennessee transfer, respectively.

"He’s been great. He’s a really quiet guy by nature. He’s probably one of the most versatile guys we have also," Fletcher said, per DNVR Buffs' Jake Schwanitz.

Lastly, Fletcher adds that Eaglin isn't expected to become ignored in this defensive back room.

"He’s got a huge role for this team," Fletcher declared. "We're counting on him to help us big time."

Justin Eaglin Presents High Ceiling

Sep 21, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Christian Hamilton (7) makes a catch as James Madison Dukes cornerback Justin Eaglin (30) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Eaglin takes the huge leap from the Sun Belt Conference to the Big 12. However, he presents a high ceiling that backs what Fletcher has raved about him.

Eaglin started in 14 games for the Dukes, including earning snaps for the 2025 team that clinched a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoffs. Sanders, Fletcher and new defensive coordinator Chris Marve likely became drawn to Eaglin's cerebral side in identifying where the football is going. He's best known for showing a high level of patience in eyeing a red zone interception against Oregon.

He brings six career picks in tow to Boulder, signaling that Fletcher and the defensive coaches have a potential ballhawk upgrade here in this room.

Eaglin still faces an uphill battle to land one of the starting cornerback spots next to Thomas and Carter. Yet he hands Fletcher assurance that there's an additional experienced interception artist the CB coach can turn to. Eaglin likely will see an expanded role anyway considering who Colorado faces this season.

The Buffaloes tangle with their share of pass-happy offenses from Texas Tech, to Houston, plus Arizona State which features last season's leading Colorado wideout Omarion Miller. Even Week 1 foe Georgia Tech likely will try to test Colorado on the play action, even as a run-heavy team. So Eaglin comes in handy greatly for the biggest games on the Buffaloes' schedule.

Justin Eaglin Can Lean Into Notable College Football Trend

Oregon’s Dierre Hill Jr., left, outruns James Madison’s Justin Eaglin during the first quarter at Autzen Stadium in Eugene Dec. 20, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

James Madison suddenly has created a rare wave across college football. A wave that even Eaglin can aim to capitalize on.

JMU ended up producing multiple national champion winners last year; at Indiana with ex-coach Curt Cignetti and past Dukes talents igniting the Hoosiers' 16-0 season.

Even Eaglin's former JMU coach Bob Chesney landed in a higher playing field, accepting the UCLA gig as the Bruins aim to lean into the JMU trend.

Now Eaglin can rub off his past Dukes stardom in Boulder, with the intent to re-galvanize Colorado.

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