ARVADA — It appeared as if his chance to head up the road wouldn’t happen.
But Arvada West place-kicker and punter Justin Castor has committed to Colorado, the destination he sought all along.
All-Colorado by The Denver Post the past season, Castor earlier had committed to Kansas. But when the Buffaloes came calling, his local roots took over.
Castor, who also played wide receiver for the Wildcats, a 2009 state semifinalist, said the Jayhawks’ coaching change “didn’t necessarily” make him change his mind. “They’ve got a great thing going and they’ll do some big things,” he said. “But when you get an offer from your hometown, it does change things up a bit.”
As a senior, Castor made 45-of-47 conversion kicks and added 14 field goals with a long of 48 yards. He averaged 42.6 yards per punt and also was the ‘Cats leading receiver with 30 receptions and seven touchdowns.
“He’s an athlete and that will help him at CU,” A-West coach Casey Coons said.
Running back signs.
Colorado landed its second running back when Trea Jones of Wake Forest, N.C., committed to the Buffaloes, according to Rivals.com.
Jones, 5-feet-11 and 192 pounds, was named conference player of the year after rushing for 1,651 yards and 17 touchdowns last fall for Rolesville High School as a senior. Rolesville won its first 14 games before getting eliminated in the state semifinals.
Rivals.com reported that Jones has been clocked in 10.9 seconds for the 100 meters and that he drew interest from North Carolina, North Carolina and Wake Forest.
The fact Jones developed a relationship with CU running backs coach Darian Hagan was cited as a major reason for the player selecting the Buffaloes.
Signing day is Feb. 3.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
