Most Important Buffaloes: #9 Mikial Onu

There were concerns about the Colorado Buffaloes’ depleted secondary, but at least one question was answered when Mikial Onu transferred to CU with immediate eligibility.

From 2018 to 2019, the Buffs had two safeties graduate and three cornerbacks transferred; only Delrick Abrams returns as starter. What the Buffs do at strong safety is still a question — it could be Trey Udoffia, Aaron Maddox or even true freshman Mark Perry — but it is safe to assume that Onu will start at free safety.

Onu is a graduate transfer from SMU, where he started as a sophomore and junior and saw action in all 12 games as a freshman. He’s not very big at 5’11, 205-lbs., but he’s stout and physical. He stands out against the run, where he’s a strong tackler in the box. Onu’s hitting ability causes drops, but he can also get to the ball himself, and he’s snagged 9 picks in his career.

He might not be Tedric Thompson, but the Buffs need someone consistent to hold down the secondary. Onu will be that guy.