Alex McPherson was already making a good impression on his new teammates when he got a chance to practice with them before the Alamo Bowl in December.

Now, the true freshman defensive end is making an impression on game days for the Colorado Buffaloes.

“Oh, it’s felt great personally,” McPherson said after practice on Tuesday, “but at the end of the day, it’s all about the team. It’s not great to start 1-2, but I’m confident that we’re going to bounce back this week.”

For CU (1-2) to bounce back this week against Wyoming (2-1) on Saturday at Folsom Field (8:15 p.m., ESPN), McPherson could play a key role.

After playing only on special teams in the season opener, McPherson played 12 defensive snaps on Week 2 against Delaware. He had a tackle, a quarterback hurry and a blocked punt.

During Friday’s 36-20 loss at Houston, McPherson was on the field for 25 defensive snaps. He recorded two tackles, half a sack and two QB hurries.

McPherson has taken advantage of an opportunity with Samuel Okunlola missing the past two games, but said, “What’s best for the team and being ready for your opportunity is what’s best for the team.”

At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, McPherson, who played at IMG Academy in Florida last year, came in physically really. And CU head coach Deion Sanders said he never looks at players by their age or class.

“I don’t give a darn how old you are or what year you are,” he said. “You’re expected to do a job, and we’re going to hold you accountable for it.”

McPherson has been doing his job since joining the Buffs in December, fresh off his senior year at IMG. Teammates were impressed with his motor and ability immediately.

“It’s always great to earn the trust of your teammates early,” he said. “That’s the benefit of coming in the spring and early, even to the bowl game. Now, going into the season, you have their trust, hopefully. That was my main goal.”

Being in Boulder for the past nine months has also helped McPherson learn the playbook and be mentally ready.

“It’s really helped me with the scheme, playing fast,” he said. “Going into fall camp, it really helped me.”

Secondary youth

CU has relied upon seniors Ben Finneseth and Preston Hodge, junior DJ McKinney and third-year sophomore Carter Stoutmire as leaders in the secondary. The Buffs are playing a lot of youth, too.

Sophomores RJ Johnson and Makari Vickers have combined for three starts and 193 snaps at cornerback. Sophomore Tawfiq Byard, as well as John Slaughter, a junior with minimal game experience, have played a lot at safety.

“I feel like everybody just locked in, trying to learn as much as they can in this defense, because it’s always opportunity,” McKinney said. “You never know when your time is up, so you just gotta be ready at all times. I feel like the young guys in our secondary are ready and built for it.”

Backing the QBs

Tight end Zach Atkins said he and his teammates will support any quarterback that plays, as the staff is still trying to figure out whether Kaidon Salter, Ryan Staub or JuJu Lewis gives the team the best chance to win.

“I believe in the quarterback 100%,” Atkins said. “I know whoever plays this week is gonna ball out.”

Atkins has caught four passes this season – three of them from Salter.

“I love getting the ball in space and I think me and Salt have a great connection,” he said. “But whoever plays this week, man, I’m excited to go out there and do whatever I can to help.”

Originally Published: September 17, 2025 at 4:31 PM MDT