The Colorado Buffaloes face a major challenge in the secondary this season after losing Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig to graduation. That duo combined for 160 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception, and four fumble recoveries in 2024. Now, the question is: Who's going to step up and fill that void?
Enter Carter Stoutmire.
Stoutmire played in all 13 games last season, starting seven while splitting time between safety and nickel. He filled in for Sanders early in the year before transitioning to nickel for the final four games. His stat line? 42 tackles, seven pass breakups, six third-down stops, two QB hurries, and a forced fumble. That’s solid production for a guy who wasn’t even a full-time starter.
What makes Stoutmire so intriguing? Versatility. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston called him a “genetic freak” and praised his ability to shift between multiple positions, saying he embodies the Buffs' “tribe mentality". That’s exactly the kind of player Colorado needs to anchor the back end of the defense.
But Stoutmire isn’t the only guy looking to make an impact. Tawfiq Byard, a transfer from South Florida and younger brother of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, is making waves in spring practice. DJ McKinney even called him a “dawg". And let’s not forget about RJ Johnson, Savion Riley, and Antonio Branch Jr., who are all competing for reps.
Last season, the Buffs’ secondary struggled, ranking ninth in the Big 12 in passing yards allowed. If Stoutmire can take his game to the next level in 2025, Colorado’s defense could go from liability to playmaker in a hurry.