Colorado football’s recruiting momentum continues with another major commitment as two-way athlete Colby Johnson officially joined the Buffaloes’ 2026 class. The Sammamish, Washington, linebacker recently opened up about his decision following what he described as a “fantastic” visit to Boulder.
Johnson’s commitment represents the fifth addition to Colorado’s 2026 recruiting class as Coach Prime continues building for the future. The athletic linebacker brings versatility and elite speed that could transform the Buffaloes’ defense in upcoming seasons.
NFL Coaching Experience Drives LB Colby Johnson’s Colorado Commitment
2026 LB Colby Johnson highlighted the coaching staff’s professional experience as a determining factor in his commitment to Colorado.
“Almost 200 years of NFL coaching experience and playing on the staff, and that’s something that you really know that they can develop you because they’ve been there, they’ve done it,” Johnson explained during his announcement.
The linebacker’s relationship with coach Andre Hart proved vital in his decision-making process. Johnson emphasized Hart’s unique coaching approach and personal connection, saying, “The way he coaches his players is definitely special and is not a way that I’ve seen from any other linebacker coaches, any of them.”
This extensive NFL background gives Colorado a recruiting advantage over programs with primarily college-level coaching experience. The staff’s professional credentials resonate with recruits who want direct pathways to the next level. Hart’s linebacker coaching philosophy particularly impressed Johnson during his evaluation process.
Elite Speed and Versatility Define Johnson’s Athletic Profile
Johnson brings exceptional athleticism to Colorado’s linebacker corps with a personal best 10.87-second 100-meter dash time from his track career. The 6’2″, 200-pound athlete explained how his speed translates to football success, stating, “At linebacker, I really like to play sideline to sideline, show off my 10.87 100-meter speed.”
His two-way capabilities extend beyond linebacker as Johnson also excels at running back where his speed becomes most apparent. “When you get in the open field, there’s just no one that’s catching me,” Johnson confidently said regarding his offensive contributions to his high school team.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 LB Colby Johnson has Committed to Colorado, he tells me for @rivals
The 6’3 210 LB from Sammamish, WA chose the Buffs over Arizona, San Diego State, & Washington State
“SkoBuffs! Can’t wait to join the family🦬”https://t.co/lUS9TnjCKL pic.twitter.com/X34DJTatIx
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 1, 2025
The Washington native models his game after NFL linebacker Luke Kuechly, whom he has studied extensively since childhood. Johnson’s dedication to film study and approach suggests he possesses the mental tools to complement his physical gifts at the collegiate level.
Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Robert Livingston’s simplified defensive scheme also attracted Johnson to Colorado. The recruit appreciated Livingston’s approach to making the defense “easier and more simple and just better for the players to understand” compared to previous complex systems.
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Johnson’s track speed places him among the fastest linebackers in his recruiting class. His 10.87-second 100-meter time would rank competitively even among college sprinters, giving him rare coverage ability for the position.
This speed allows him to match up against slot receivers and tight ends in passing situations while maintaining the size to stop running plays. His commitment strengthens Colorado’s youth movement at linebacker as the program transitions from veteran transfers to developing younger talent.
Johnson’s combination of elite speed, coverage ability, and run-stopping potential addresses multiple needs within the Buffaloes’ defensive framework moving forward. The addition gives Colorado flexibility in defensive packages and special teams coverage units where his speed becomes a major asset.