After his official visit to Colorado, 4-star DL Emanuel Ruffin commits to Coach Prime

Colorado has made a major addition in the 2026 class, landing a commitment from four-star defensive lineman Emanuel Ruffin out of Bessemer (Ala.) Bessemer City.

The 6-foot-3.5, 290-pounder, ranked No. 196 overall in the Rivals Industry Ranking, had long been trending toward the SEC or Ohio State. The Buffaloes were an early player in his recruitment after offering back in February, but their chances seemed to fade in the spring.

That changed when Ruffin decided not to announce a commitment in July and extend his recruitment into the season. Colorado jumped back in, quickly gained momentum, and secured an official visit. That trip sealed the deal.

“The environment was like no other,” Ruffin told Rivals. “Everything felt like a big family and they made me feel like home. The culture is rich and it’s something I want to be a part of.”

In the end, Ruffin said the people, the way they coach, and how he feels at home led him to commit to Colorado.

Deion Sanders and Warren Sapp were factors as well.

“Coach Prime was really straightforward, forward, and one of the most real coaches I have met. Coach Sapp was the same way. He is very detail-oriented and wants the best out of his players. He has a lot of experience playing the position and coaches hard. I’m excited to be a part of the journey and eager to be coached by the Hall of Famer.”

Colorado is getting a disruptive DL in Ruffin

Ruffin has been training with Leonard Stephens, better known as Coach L, since the ninth grade. Stephens has had a close-up view of Ruffin’s development and growth.

“Emanuel has great size and length,” Stephens said. “He is disruptive with his hands and he is athletic. As he has gotten older, he has improved body control and technique too.”

While Ruffin is quiet off the field, he is known for transforming into a loud, disruptive force once the game begins.

“He has great manners off the field,” Stephens added. “But on the field, he is very disruptive. From Warren Sapp at Colorado, he thinks Emanuel is an NFL guy. That is what Colorado is getting.”

Connections also played a role. Coach L previously trained defensive back Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, who went on to play for Deion Sanders at Jackson State and Colorado before reaching the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That bond helped reinforce trust in Sanders’ program and staff.

Ruffin becomes another key piece for Colorado’s defensive front and marks an important recruiting win for Coach Prime in the Southeast.