Colorado Lands Sunshine State Standout D’Montae Tims in Defensive Win for Coach Prime
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has done it again. In a major recruiting win that further cements his influence on the recruiting trail, the Colorado Buffaloes have landed a commitment from Florida defensive back D’Montae Tims, a rising senior out of Seffner (Fla.) Armwood High School.
Tims, a former Missouri commit, chose the Buffaloes over powerhouse programs including Georgia and Louisville, signaling yet another high-profile defensive victory for Sanders and his coaching staff. His decision comes after Colorado became the latest school to offer him on June 1st, quickly scheduling an official visit less than two weeks later. Now, Tims is officially a Buff.
“Colorado just separated from everybody else by how real and consistent they were with me,” Tims said in an interview with Rivals. “From the jump, they showed me how much I was needed, how I fit their vision, and that they could really develop me into the player and man I wanna be.”
Those sentiments reflect the growing narrative around the Colorado program under Sanders — one where authenticity, vision, and NFL-level mentorship are key selling points for top recruits. For Tims, the relationship felt genuine from the start. “It just felt genuine, and they made it clear this wasn’t just talk… They backed it up every time we talked. That energy just hit different than the others,” he added.
One of the biggest draws to Boulder, of course, is Sanders himself. As a Hall of Fame defensive back and one of the most electrifying athletes in football history, Sanders brings an unmatched legacy to the sideline. Tims acknowledged the unique opportunity to learn under such a figure.
“It’s special, for real,” Tims said about committing to play under Coach Prime. “Being committed to Coach Prime is different because you know you’re learning from one of the greatest to ever do it. He’s more than just a coach — he’s somebody who’s been where I’m trying to go and he keeps it real with you while still pushing you to be great. It’s a blessing to be able to play for a legend like that.”
Tims, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, brings versatility and athleticism to the Buffaloes’ secondary. His rise as a recruit has been relatively late, but explosive. After standout performances at camps earlier this year, he caught the attention of multiple top programs and reset his recruitment following his decommitment from Missouri. Interest from Georgia, Miami, and others followed quickly.
A dynamic playmaker, Tims has played both safety and man coverage in the slot, making him a perfect candidate for the nickel or hybrid safety role in Colorado’s defensive scheme. The coaching staff sees him fitting into the same role he plays at Armwood High, giving him a seamless transition into the college level.
“He’s been great,” Tims said of Sanders. “He really wants me at his school and he makes it clear. They see me playing nickel or safety… I fit perfectly, it’s the same role I play at my high school.”
Tims becomes the seventh verbal commitment for Colorado’s 2025 recruiting class and the first defensive commit from the talent-rich state of Florida. Earlier this week, fellow Floridian Xavier Payne joined the Buffs, highlighting Colorado’s growing pipeline into the Sunshine State — a region Coach Prime knows all too well from his own roots and deep connections.
With Sanders at the helm, the Buffaloes continue to attract national talent — and in Tims, they’ve landed a player with the potential to be an immediate contributor and long-term star.
As Tims confidently declared upon his commitment: “We comin’, SkoBuffs!”
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