Colorado State adds a P5 transfer on the defensive side

DENVER — Colorado State picked up a verbal commitment from a Big 10 transfer on Monday. CJ Onyechi, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound edge rusher out of Rutgers, announced he plans to transfer to Fort Collins for his final season of eligibility. 

Going back to 2017, his freshman season with the Scarlet Knights, Onyechi played in 43 total games for Rutgers. During that time he recorded 87 total tackles, 12.5 for loss, five sacks and a fumble recovery. 

Overly focused, it’s far from the time to rest now! @CSUFootball #RAMILY pic.twitter.com/bLJGx51K7J

— C.J. Onyechi (@0nyechi) January 17, 2022

Although primarily a rotational player, Onyechi did make one start for Rutgers this past fall against Temple on Sept. 4. He recorded three total tackles in that game. His best performance of the season, though, at least statistically, was against Delaware when he recorded four total tackles and a sack. In total he had 28 tackles in 11 games played in 2021. 

The Rams are losing a lot of experience when it comes to rushing the passer, with Scott Patchan, Manny Jones and Toby McBride having all wrapped up their collegiate careers this past fall. So adding a seasoned player like Onyechi to the fold could be beneficial. He’s not exactly been a superstar in his career, but he has been productive in a small role in a Power 5 conference. Maybe on a slightly smaller stage he’ll be able to really break out, similarly to the way that Patchan did after coming over from the University of Miami. 

With the addition of Onyechi — assuming he signs at least — the Rams are up to 16 Division 1 transfer additions in the Novell era. CSU signed 11 during the early period and have picked up five more commitments since late December. Between all of the college guys coming over and the prep players that Norvell and Co. are recruiting as well, it’s safe to say that the fans are going to have some studying up to do on the roster before the 2022 season begins.