D.J. Oats commits to Colorado Buffaloes

The Colorado Buffaloes might get a recruit from Texas in the 2019 football recruiting class after all. D.J. Oats, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound high-flying athlete from Grace Prep Academy (Arlington, TX) made it official by announcing his commitment to Mel Tucker’s new-look Buffs coaching staff on Sunday.

Oats had 127 carries for 1,155 yards and 14 touchdown, earning TAPPS Division III First Team All-State honors last year as a senior. He’ll come to Boulder as a cornerback for new defensive coordinator Tyson Summers. Oats will probably be the fastest defensive back at CU with a blazing time of 4.33-seconds in the 40-yard dash at a combine in Dallas last spring. His fastest time was 4.25-seconds unofficially. Here’s a look at D.J.’s senior highlights.

Oats had to overcome the lost of both his parents before the age of 15. In a time of struggle, football became his focus along with track, baseball and basketball. D.J.’s grandma, aunt and uncle helped raise him over the past four years, along with Coach Mill from Elite Football Talent. Mill’s relationship with Mel Tucker was key for Oat’s commitment.

“Coach Mel and I go back all the way to his days with the Chicago Bears, and when I moved to Georgia, we got close,” Mill told BuffStampede’s Adam Munsterteiger.

“Mel fell in love with D.J. after watching his tape but he wanted to get his staff in order first before they offered. Mel asked D.J. where he wants to play in college and D.J. said, ‘Wherever you need me.’ D.J. could of course play running back but he is a versatile freak athlete that could play slot and he is a heck of a defensive back as well. You could put him back at punt returner and with the right blocking scheme and D.J.’s speed, he is a house call.”

As of now, Oats is the only recruit from the state of Texas for the 2019 class after linebacker Kamryn Farrar and offensive lineman Cam’Ron Johnson decommited shortly before Tucker was hired to replace Mike MacIntyre on Dec. 5.

Oats will join southern California talents Mark Perry and K.J. Trujillio as the new “DB-U” class for the Buffs.