4-star Michigan signee shares reaction as former USF safety Tawfiq Byard commits to Coach Prime's Colorado

Michigan’s latest signee, four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, took to social media to react to Tawfiq Byard's commitment to Colorado. The IMG Academy standout, who signed with the Wolverines on December 4, made his feelings clear with two fire emojis (“🔥🔥”) under a post by Hayes Fawcett of On3 announcing Byard’s decision.

Image via Ig@hayesfawcett3

Byard, a former safety for USF, had an impressive sophomore campaign in 2024. In 12 games, he tallied 54 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and one interception.

Still boasting three years of eligibility, Byard visited several programs, including Virginia Tech, LSU and Vanderbilt, before deciding on Colorado. His visit to Boulder included a meeting with coach Deion Sanders.

Speaking about his decision, Byard credited Colorado’s coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Rob Livingston.

"Time to win the Natty. The defensive coordinator Rob Livingston we speak the same language,” Byard told On3. “He's an NFL guy who coached a lot of good safeties. Also the staff Coach Prime hired. They make you feel welcomed and loved. From the academic people to Coach Prime himself, everyone was welcoming."

Byard’s addition strengthens the Buffaloes' secondary, which ranked sixth in pass defense within the Big 12 during the 2024 season.

While Colorado's transfer portal activity has dropped since the 2024 cycle, the Buffaloes' 2025 transfer class is ranked 14th nationally, according to 247Sports.

Coach Prime’s Colorado bolsters momentum with promising 2025 recruiting class

Under Deion Sanders, the Buffs football program continues its upward trajectory. With the early signing period underway, the Buffaloes have assembled a strong group of recruits, currently ranked No. 37 nationally on 247Sports’ composite rankings.

This class already includes 13 signees, headlined by four-star quarterback Julian Lewis. Other notable additions include four-star prospects Chauncey Gooden (interior offensive line), London Merritt (edge), Adrian Wilson (wide receiver), and Quanell Farrakhan Jr. (wide receiver). Three-star recruits such as offensive tackle Carde Smith and linebacker Mantrez Walker round out the balanced class.

Lewis, a promising signal-caller, steps into a program that has flourished under quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who led the Buffaloes to a 9-3 record in 2024 after a 4-8 finish the previous year.

Shedeur completed 74.2% of his passes for 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He is ranked the No. 2 quarterback for the 2025 NFL draft by B/R's scouting team. Moreover, his success may have inspired Lewis to choose Colorado.

With dynamic weapons like Wilson and Farrakhan Jr. joining the roster, alongside linemen Gooden and Jay Gardenhire, Buffs' future looks bright.