Athlete brings versatility
Cornelius Buford (6-3, 235, 4.75) from Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) Los Osos is a versatile athlete who will get the chance to play both ways this coming fall as a defensive end/tight end.
Buford is coming off a junior campaign that saw him earn all-league honors as a defensive end after racking up 50 tackles, five sacks and two fumble recoveries.
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Buford didn't get a chance to play much tight end as a junior but look for that to change for his senior season.
"Cornelius played primarily defensive end for us last year, but will play both ways as a senior," Los Osos coach Tom Martinez said. "We will also line him up as a tight end.
"Cornelius did really well for as a tight end during passing league last summer, but we didn't want to play him both ways, but when the season came around we used him mainly as a defensive end," Martinez said. "I think he could end playing on either side of the ball on the D-I level.
"Cornelius is very quick off the ball and has excellent hands," Martinez said. "He is very strong and has been our strongest player for the last two years.
In the weight room, Buford currently benches 310-pounds, cleans 295-pounds and squats a very impressive 540-pounds.
Buford is also maturing in other ways that will help his team this fall.
"Cornelius is stepping up to the leader role as a senior," Martinez said. "He knows this is going to be his senior season and wants to take care of business."
The scouting report on Buford is very quick and has a good motor. He's very coachable and good upside.