Elite EDGE Jovon Pulliam's Colorado Decision Showcases Recruiting Blueprint

The Colorado Buffaloes look like they're creating a Yellowhammer State following, thanks to adding a second star pass rusher from Alabama.

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

The Colorado Buffaloes are drawing in eyes and attention in the state of Alabama. To the point, residents in that state may have a reason to decorate their houses in Colorado colors, even in the shadow of the Auburn Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Colorado landed former Crimson Tide running back and past prized coach Nick Saban recruit Richard Young in the transfer portal. Then, coach Deion Sanders and Colorado pulled in a former Alabama commit in three-star linebacker/edge rusher Ba'Roc Willis during May to launch the Buffaloes' recruiting momentum.

Colorado now wants a future Yellowhammer State package when it rushes the passer, thanks to landing this three-star edge rusher to pair with the Pell City star Willis.

Colorado Lands Commitment from Jovon Pulliam

Sep 28, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Arden Walker (53) pursues UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey (7) during the second quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Colorado pulled in three different verbal commitments during the June 6 recruiting weekend. Three-star edge rusher from Hoover, Jovon Pulliam, came in the middle of the Buffaloes, grabbing three-star offensive linemen Jaiden Lindsay and Zaquan Linton.

The standout from Alabama state powerhouse Hoover High Pulliam shut his recruitment down by choosing the Buffaloes, announcing his decision during the Boulder visit via his social media pages.

The 6-3, 240-pounder arrives nearly a month after coach Deion Sanders and his coaching staff pulled off the official flip of Willis on May 18. Willis previously told Lorenzo Reyna of Colorado Buffaloes on SI that National Championship Game runner-up Miami was applying pressure to land him. But Colorado's defensive setup under new coordinator Chris Marve helped sell Willis to come over.

"Big selling points to me is it’s set up to make a play," Willis explained to Colorado Buffaloes on SI. "They need the trenches and someone who can play edge. Or fly around off the ball as well."

Now it looks like there could be a package called "Alabama," "Yellowhammer," or something catchy when Willis and Pulliam are paired together. Colorado fans, though, will grow energized about Pulliam's abilities when taking a deep dive into his skillset on the football field.

Impact of Colorado Landing Edge Rusher Jovon Pulliam

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Julian Lewis (10) and defensive end Arden Walker (53) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Colorado boosts the pass rush room in a big way here. Even after landing Willis.

Pulliam brings a game-changing burst that creates sacks, tackles for a loss, or even six points for the defense by causing a turnover. Hoover moves him around, too, in the name of creating mismatches and confusion.

Pulliam isn't just a plant. He's a hand-in-the-grass defender. He even lined up as an inside linebacker, but still blitzed through the gap to disrupt the pass. The speed and closing pursuits cause discomfort for quarterbacks and running backs. He's also strong at the point of attack and can shed blockers immediately before leaving destruction in the backfield.

Nov 8, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders walks along the sidelines late in the fourth quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

But like a true edge rusher, Pulliam rarely loses outside containment. Even if a running back thinks they can out-run him, Pulliam becomes the one winning that battle easily by catching up right away. Colorado earns a much-needed outside contain/pass rush artist here. Pulliam produced 11 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, plus forced three fumbles and even blocked five field goals in 2025.

Unlike Willis, Pulliam was never offered by Alabama or any SEC powerhouse. He turns down two ACC opportunities in Wake Forest and Boston College, though. Plus, he says no to playing for the 2025 College Football Playoff team, Tulane, to head to Colorado. But the trio of Pulliam, Willis and Young gives Alabama residents a new reason to watch the Buffaloes.

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