Five-star pass rusher Zion Elee, the freakishly gifted 6-foot-3.5, 220-pound nightmare from St. Frances Academy (Baltimore), announced late Tuesday that he’s received an offer from Colorado. And just like that, another recruiting firestorm is brewing in Boulder.
Elee, a Maryland commit since December, has long said he was “shutting it down.” But in the wild world of modern recruiting, “shut down” doesn’t always mean shut off.
Now it’s Colorado’s turn to make some noise.
The Jordan Seaton effect
One of the first people you’ll see in Zion’s corner during this process is Buffs offensive tackle Jordan Seaton.
Seaton, if you can remeber is also a DMV product, and shocked the college football world when he picked Colorado over Maryland last year. Now, he’s looking to pay it forward. The two apparently trained together earlier this week, and Buffs Director of Player Personnel Corey Phillips all but confirmed a FaceTime recruiting session happened with the two.
Make no mistake, I'm sure Seaton is recruiting hard.
He’s not just a leader on the offensive line. He’s becoming a recruiting extension of Coach Prime himself. If Elee ends up flipping to the Buffs, you’ll be able to trace the trail right back to Seaton.
Why Elee would be a game-changer in Boulder
Zion Elee just looks different.
He’s been described as a “lab-built edge rusher” with terrifying burst, NFL-level bend, and the motor of a psycho ex chasing you with a frying pan. Think Von Miller.
He put up double-digit sacks last season against a national schedule and has already balled out at both the Under Armour All-America Game and Polynesian Bowl.
Colorado already led the Big 12 in sacks in 2024, so imagine adding Elee to the mix? It’s the kind of talent upgrade this pass rush into a terrifying one.
Plus, under a staff loaded with NFL experience, Boulder is becoming the most attractive landing spot in the country for elite defenders.
But can the Buffs flip him?
Flipping Elee won’t be easy.
He’s got nearly 40 offers. Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn, Penn State, Texas, FSU—you name it. Everyone wants him. And the hometown Terps are still fighting hard to keep him close.
But Seaton knows this game. And more importantly, Elee’s recent visit to Auburn and reengagement with schools across the country tell us one thing: He’s listening again.
Colorado just stepped into the ring, and with Seaton leading the charge, don’t be surprised if Coach Prime makes another headline-stealing move before the summer’s out.
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