Tawfiq Byard was one of the few bright spots on Colorado’s defense in 2025

After losing “The Shark” Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders needed to find a replacement and quick for the NFL bound safety. 

With 89 tackles (73 solo), Silmon-Craig ranked second on the team in tackles only behind Nikhai Hill-Green with 93. His run defense grade was 80.7, according to Pro Football Focus.

Colorado found their Shark prototype with the University of South Florida transfer.

Tawfiq Byard, rated as a three-star transfer, committed to Colorado on Christmas Eve in 2024. He spent two years at South Florida, redshirting the first year after appearing in just four games.

Byard made 10 starts in 2024 for the Bulls, appearing in all 12 games. He finished fifth on the team in tackles with 54 (34 solo), collecting eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one interception.

Colorado's third game of the season was against Houston, and that’s when Byard started making a name for himself. Byard finished with an 83.7 defensive grade and an 85.3 tackling grade.  He recorded a team-high 14 tackles (8 solo), recording half of a sack and a pass deflection.

Tawfiq Byard played through injury to lead Colorado's defense

One of his signature moments of the season happened in the 24-17 upset win over Iowa State. The redshirt sophomore picked off Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht in front of the end zone on what appeared to be a promising drive.

His toughness is unquestionable after breaking his left hand earlier in the game and then coming back to make a huge play.

Byard is a leader for this defense

During Colorado's loss to TCU, in which the team surrendered 21 fourth quarter points, he criticized the team for doing the same old thing and mentioned the leaders of the team needed to do better in practice.

Considering the uncertainty of the transfer portal era in college sports, you never know what will happen in the future. However, Colorado will be well served with Byard manning the secondary.