Colorado Receives Unexpected Recruiting News Amid Coach Prime's Absence
Colorado Strikes Again: Deion Sanders Flips Maurice Williams Jr. From Liberty in Recruiting Shock
When it comes to flipping top recruits, Deion Sanders doesn't wait, he acts. And today, he did it again.
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In a move that signals Colorado's growing national recruiting power, 2026 three-star cornerback Maurice Williams Jr. has flipped his commitment from Liberty to the University of Colorado, according to Sam Spiegelman of Rivals.com. Williams, a 5-foot-11, 172-pound standout from Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, announced his commitment shortly after an official visit to Boulder that, by all accounts, left a lasting impression.
This marks the second defensive back commitment of the week for Colorado following 4-star CB Preston Ashley's commitment, and the fourth overall commit in its 2026 class, which is quietly building momentum behind the scenes.
Deion Sanders' NFL Blueprint Is Still Working
Williams made no secret of what drew him to Boulder: preparation for the next level.
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'Playing at Colorado is a source of league preparation,' Williams told 247Sports.
In a college landscape where recruiting pitches can sound repetitive, Sanders' message resonates, because he's lived it. Williams, like many others before him, sees Colorado as more than just a Power Four stop. It's a launching pad to the NFL. That appeal, combined with the presence of a coaching staff that Williams described as 'glued together', was enough to spark a quick change of heart.
A Smart Fit at a Position of Need
With Travis Hunter off to the NFL and Colton Hood gone via the transfer portal, Colorado's cornerback room is in flux. Williams, who starred on an undefeated state championship team in Louisiana, fits a key schematic need. He excels in press and off-man coverage and shows uncommon awareness for a junior prospect.
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His physicality also jumps off the tape, and while he's not the biggest corner in the class, his downhill tackling and tenacity make up for any size questions. The Buffs need dependable depth behind DJ McKinney, and Williams offers just that, plus long-term upside. Colorado has brought in eight defensive backs for the upcoming season to try and replace Travis Hunter and Cameron-Silmon Craig.
Nov 16, 2024 Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis HunterRon Chenoy Imagn Images
Another Win Over Group of Five Programs and the Clock
The timing is just as important as the flip itself. Williams recommitted to visiting Liberty earlier this month and was expected to hold firm heading into the recruiting dead period. Instead, Colorado turned one weekend into a commitment, beating out programs like Ole Miss, Georgia Tech and Washington for a player who continues to rise on recruiting boards.
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It's also another example of Colorado turning late interest into early impact. Coach Prime and staff didn't extend an offer to Williams until late May. One month later, he's theirs.
Final Word: Coach Prime Isn't Slowing Down
The addition of Maurice Williams is more than just another commit, it's a symbol of how quickly Deion Sanders can reshape a recruiting narrative. From flipping Power Four targets to finding diamonds from Group of Five pipelines, the Buffs are doing more than competing, they're winning.
If this is what Colorado's 2026 class looks like in June, imagine what's coming in December.
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Related: Deion Sanders' Powerful Message Ignites Colorado Fans
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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