Howard running back Eden James, 5, takes on Florida A&M linebacker Johnny Chaney Jr., 28, during the first half of the Celebration Bowl on Dec. 16 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Colorado State football head coach Deion Sanders got specific last month when asked what he and his staff were targeting in the transfer portal.
Depth was the main key, but he also mentioned specific spots the Buffaloes would like to fill, such as the middle of the defense.
“We're going to have some linebackers coming in,” he said on April 18, with an emphasis on making it plural.
Since Coach Prime's comments today, CU has added two linebackers.
On Tuesday, former Florida A&M standout Johnny Chaney Jr. announced his commitment to the Buffs. He joins former Charlotte starter Nikai Hill-Green, who committed on April 27, as newcomers in the linebacker room.
“Let's work!” Cheney wrote in announcing his commitment to X.
Chaney, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior with one year of eligibility remaining, was All-Star last season with 73 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one fumble recovery. Earned Southwestern Athletic Conference second-team honors. Chaney helped FAMU go 12-1 with the SWAC title and Celebrate his bowl win.
In three seasons at Florida A&M, Chaney played in 34 games and helped the Rattlers go 30-6, including 21-1 in their final 22 games. During his time with the Rattlers, he recorded 141 tackles, 12 TFL and 3.5 sacks.
Despite a successful high school career, Chaney was recruited lightly. In his final two seasons at Wekiva High School in Apopka, Florida, he totaled 95 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks.
At CU, Chaney joins an inside linebacker competition that includes Hill Green, returning starter LaVonta Bentley and senior safety-turned-linebacker Trevor Woods.
Also on the roster are seniors Jeremiah Brown and Brendan Gant, juniors Keaten Wade and Jalen Wester, and freshman Kieran Garcia.
Chaney is the Buffs' 13th transfer in the past 18 days, seven of which have been on defense.
Unofficially, CU is scheduled to have 78 scholarship players next season, with seven spots available.
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