Buffs quarterback target adds two more power conference offers

Just a week removed from signing day for the Class of 2016, there are already 19 quarterback recruits from the 2017 class that have verbally committed to an FBS program. Peoria (Ariz.) Sunrise Mountain junior Chase Cord said he does not feel the need to pull the trigger yet, but he realizes most programs will only take one quarterback.

“I definitely want to take some visits to the schools that are recruiting me so I know what I like before I make a decision. I have definitely noticed how many quarterbacks around the country have already decided, though,” said Cord, who stands 6-foot-3, 180-pounds.

Colorado was the first program to offer him last October and Cord recently received offers from two more power conference programs.

“I talked to Indiana on the phone about two weeks ago and they offered. Then I talked to Iowa State the following night and they offered as well,” he recapped. “It is definitely exciting to me. Two big offers in two days is a blessing.

“It is super exciting transitioning from growing up, then playing freshman ball, getting better and now I am talking to college coaches. It is something I always dreamed of and it is definitely exciting. The thing I hear a lot from these coaches is they love my film and they see that I am a hard worker because my film reflects that. It only motivates me to want to get better.”

Boise State, Arizona State, Utah and Memphis are some of the other programs Cord has been hearing from on a regular basis. Has he had a chance to line up any unofficial visits yet?

“No, not yet. But I have been talking to [offensive line] coach [Gary] Bernardi at Colorado and I know they have a spring game coming up in April,” Cord said. “I am going to talk to my parents to see if I can go up there on an unofficial visit then to watch their spring game and check out their facilities.

“Colorado was my first offer and they are always coming out so I feel like they are really interested in me. Coach Bernardi does a good job of checking up on me. I definitely appreciate him for that. I know Colorado just recently had a new weight room and facilities put in. That is something I am definitely looking forward to seeing in the future.”

Playing at the Division III level in Arizona, Cord dominated during his junior season. He completed 71 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,173 yards with 52 touchdowns and six interceptions. Cord also gained 1,059 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on the ground while leading Sunrise Mountain to 11 wins. He was named the Peoria District Player of the Year and the West Valley Preps Offensive Player of the Year.

“I have been playing quarterback since I was really young so I feel I have good poise, good awareness,” Cord said. “I can make throws in the pocket but if I get pressured, I can tuck it and run and make moves. I feel like that is something colleges look for, a dual-threat that can be a force through the air and on the ground.”