Buffs Beat

Watch Colorado Buffaloes Freshman Make Wild Interception At Preseason Practice

True freshman defensive end London Merritt came up with an impressive interception during the Colorado Buffaloes' second preseason practice on Wednesday. If he continues to perform, Merritt could see immediate playing time on coach Deion Sanders' CU defense.
Jack Carlough|
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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Colorado Buffaloes

Navigating only his second preseason practice at the college level, Colorado Buffaloes true freshman defensive end London Merritt made his presence known with a wild interception on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound rookie found a hole in Colorado's offensive line during an 11-on-11 rep and wisely threw his arms up to tip a pass thrown by quarterback Ryan Staub. From there, Merritt showed off his hand-eye coordination by successfully hauling in the batted ball.

Colorado defenders on the sideline went berserk for Merritt's impressive pick, running out to celebrate the true freshman's big moment.

Watch Colorado Buffaloes Freshman Interception Preseason Practice London Merritt Deion Sanders Robert Livingston Big 12 Prime
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive coordinator Robert Livingston during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Darius Sanders of Reach The People Media captured the interception, which can be seen below:

Merritt is a former four-star prospect from Georgia who finished his high school football career at Florida's IMG Academy, the same prestigious program that produced fellow freshman defensive end Alexander McPherson and sophomore offensive tackle Jordan Seaton. During his senior season at IMG, Merritt totaled 23 total tackles, four TFLs, 15 quarterback hurries, seven pass breakups and one sack.

Colorado defensive ends coach George Helow spoke on the early development of both Merritt and McPherson at spring camp.

"You've got London Merritt and Alex (McPherson) that are young freshmen, and they've been doing a great job just in terms of attitude and effort," Helow said. "We're just looking to grow as a unit, just getting better each and every day and developing these guys to be the best version of themselves as men and football players."

Watch Colorado Buffaloes Freshman Interception Preseason Practice London Merritt Deion Sanders Robert Livingston Big 12 Prime
Oct 12, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks from the sidelines during the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Expectations are high for Merritt entering his first college season, although the former Ohio State Buckeyes commit must compete for playing time with McPherson and returning defensive ends Keaten Wade, Quency Wiggins, Arden Walker, Brandon Davis-Swain, Tristan Marois, Nikhil Webb Walker and Samuel Okunlola. Fortunately for Merritt, coach Deion Sanders hasn't shied away from giving true freshmen immediate opportunities.

"When we grab a freshman, we expect that guy to play," Sanders said last season. "We're not looking to just redshirt you and develop you. No, no, no. We're looking for you to come in and play some football."

Seaton, wide receiver Drelon Miller, running back Micah Welch and center Cash Cleveland each played big roles last season as true freshmen. It's still early in fall camp, but if Merritt continues to impress, he could become the next rookie to shine.

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Watch Colorado Buffaloes Freshman Interception Preseason Practice London Merritt Deion Sanders Robert Livingston Big 12 Prime
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Keaten Wade (27) and defensive end Quency Wiggins (49) reach for a forced fumble in the fourth quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Including Merritt, McPherson and five-star quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis, the Buffs have 12 class of 2025 signees navigating their first fall camp. Offensive lineman Jay Gardenhire and wide receiver Adrian Wilson were previously in the class but entered the transfer portal in April.

Colorado held its first preseason training camp practice on Tuesday and is now less than one month away from hosting the Georgie Tech Yellow Jackets on Aug. 29.

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Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough is lead reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI. Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack began covering Colorado athletics in 2018 and was the head sports editor of the CU Independent during his college career. More recently, he spent over three years as the managing editor of the USA Today Sports Network's Colorado Buffaloes Wire, where he covered Colorado's hiring of head football coach Deion Sanders. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report. In 2022, the Colorado Press Association awarded Jack second place in its annual Class 5 Best Sports Column Writing category.

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