The Colorado Buffaloes soon have 22 starting positions to figure out. That includes facing this decision: which freshman should coach Deion Sanders and the staff play out of the gate? Colorado already has four freshmen capable of cracking the starting lineup. But one has a strong chance of turning heads this fall, especially amid one major offseason development. The Colorado Freshman Capable of Surprising Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders speaks to reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe trenches are filled with potential freshmen starters. But one true freshman could take on a larger role than anticipated. That's where defensive tackle signing for the 2026 class Josiah Manu enters the picture. Manu brings impressive length for a still-growing prospect at 6-5, 295 pounds. But it's what he does with his size that should intrigue Colorado fans. Manu broke out as a national recruit in compiling 55 tackles with nine behind the line of scrimmage. He performed his damage lining head up over the center or sliding toward the right guard. Manu brought a quick first step that immediately put centers and guards on their heels. He then finished off blocks with powerful arm extension, shoving his blockers out of the play. Colorado earns another benefit of Manu's presence. He became a two-way star on both the defensive and offensive line at Thompson Valley High in Loveland, Colorado. He lured his quick feet over to the guard position and emerged as a go-to option on pull blocks. But his knowledge of blocking schemes and how offensive linemen tick comes in handy down the road for future Colorado defensive lines. Manu's natural traits aren't the only reason why he could play right away. There's another situation that sparks the theory of Manu running onto the field with the defensive starters on game days. Colorado, NCAA Situation Could Lead into Josiah Manu Playing Aggie defensive lineman Ezra Christensen tackles the Bearkat quarterback for loss during Thursday night game against Sam Houston State at Aggie Memorial. | Jaime Guzman/Special to the Sun-NewsColorado got hit with an early pre-fall camp obstacle involving defensive tackle Ezra Christensen. The former New Mexico State and Fresno State defender is facing an NCAA case involving his 2026 playing eligibility. Christensen hired attorney Darren Heitner to lead his eligibility efforts. But again, Christensen's case going to court (the defender and his attorney are suing the NCAA) alters the projected starting defensive line lineup for the fall. All the more reason why Manu could end up playing right away. MSU defensive run game coordinator Chris Marve speaks to reporters at Media Day on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Leo Seal Complex. Photo by Keith Warren