After a strong season with the Kent State Golden Flashes, cornerback Jaire Rawlison is set to enter the college football transfer portal. This development has caught the eye of Colorado Buffaloes safety Tawfiq Byard, indicating a potential interest in Rawlison”s talents.
According to a report by ESPN”s Max Olson, Rawlison plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens next month. Byard responded to the news by quote-tweeting the announcement with the enthusiastic remark, “Dawg!!” This endorsement highlights the potential fit for Rawlison within Colorado”s program.
During his sophomore season at Kent State, Rawlison started all 12 games, accumulating 54 total tackles, including two tackles for loss, along with six pass breakups. His performance improved significantly from the previous year when he recorded 21 tackles and a pass breakup in just six games. The former two-star recruit from York, Pennsylvania, has drawn attention from various programs, including Central Michigan, Boston College, and Akron, before his time at Kent State.
As Colorado coach Deion Sanders continues to rebuild the team, the Buffaloes have recently secured commitments from three new players during the Early Signing Period. However, the squad still requires reinforcements at cornerback. With players like Noah King and Teon Parks set to transfer and Ivan Yates and Preston Hodge graduating, the team”s secondary will face significant changes. Returning players include RJ Johnson, Makari Vickers, and Isaiah Hardge, who also plays on both sides of the ball.
This past season, Colorado”s secondary, aside from Byard, did not meet expectations, allowing an average of 7.5 yards per completion and managing only six interceptions throughout the season. Sanders commented on the need for improvement, stating, “You”re going to do what you”re capable of doing to heal some woes that you have, and a lot of that is up front. A lot of that is on the defensive side of the ball… We”ve got some youngsters coming in the secondary that I can”t wait to see. So, we know what direction we wanna go, and we”re gonna get there.”
Byard has emerged as a key player for Colorado, leading the team in total tackles with 79, including 7.5 tackles for loss. He is projected to be a foundational piece for Sanders moving forward. “I”m just out there playing with more confidence this season,” Byard remarked. “The defense goes as I go — I like to say it, it”s something coaches like to say. If I”m out there making plays, I”m out there being communicative, and I”m talking.”
Byard”s leadership on the field has a ripple effect on the team. “Going back to the offense, the other guys on the team are lifted up, and they want to fight now because they see there”s a guy out there fighting. It”s my job to come in and make plays and give this defense, this team, something to fight for,” he added.
With the transfer portal opening soon, it will be interesting to see if Colorado extends an offer to Rawlison, especially after the positive acknowledgment from Byard.
