Rivals three-star safety Trajon Cotton had all but eliminated the Oregon Ducks earlier this year, as he watched the defense struggle to slow down Pac-12 offenses.
During that same stretch, he watched the Colorado Buffaloes win the Pac-12 South and establish themselves as a serious contender for his services.
But all of that was flipped on its ear Wednesday, as Oregon hired away defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt.
For the 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back, out of Inderkum High School (Sacramento, California), the move was a surprising development.
"Man, I can't lie it hurts, because Colorado was near the top of the board for me," he said.