Arden Walker didn’t choose to play football at Colorado the first time he had the chance.
The former Cherry Creek High School star has chosen the Buffaloes the second time around, though.
On Tuesday, Walker announced that he will transfer to CU after playing at Missouri the past two seasons. Former Garden City (Kan.) Community College defensive lineman Zach Blackwood also announced his commitment to the Buffs, who continue to beef up the front of their defense.
Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 5 overall prospect in the state in the class of 2021, Walker, who had a three-star rating, had 19 scholarship offers at the time, including from CU.
A 6-foot-2, 252-pound defensive end, Walker played in 16 games at Missouri, getting his first starts in the Tigers’ last two games last year, including the Gasparilla Bowl.
Last season, Walker finished with four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. He had five tackles in four games as a freshman in 2021.
Walker was on the SEC academic honor roll in both of his years at Missouri.
At Cherry Creek, Walker helped the Bruins win back-to-back state titles while earning Centennial League defensive MVP honors. He had 31 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior.
Walker’s father, Art, was a defensive tackle for the Buffs from 1986-89.
Blackwood racked up 42 tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks for Garden City last season, his first with the Broncbusters. He signed with Northern Arizona out of high school in 2021 and redshirted that year.
This spring, Blackwood, listed at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, had 21 offers this spring, with Colorado being his lone Power 5 opportunity. He also had offers from Coastal Carolina, Liberty and Utah State, among others.
CU has 74 players projected for scholarships for next season, leaving 11 open spots at the moment.
