Working with little time to recruit after first assembling a staff as the new coach at Colorado, Jon Embree wasn't bashful about where he turned for prospects.

Eight of the 19 players who comprise his first class were once committed to play for other programs, including Boise State, Washington, UCLA and Arizona State.

Embree and his staff worked just 13 days on off-campus recruiting. The salesmanship certainly is a bright spot for Colorado moving forward, and could even help the Buffaloes become more competitive in 2011 as Embree takes over for Dan Hawkins, who was fired with three games remaining in 2010 after going 19-39 in five seasons.

"We have some pretty good coaches," said Embree, who played at Colorado and joined the Buffs after coaching as an NFL assistant for the Washington Redskins. "We have some coaches that know how to recruit. We've got some coaches that are relentless. That's important in recruiting. You can't take no."

Considering the class contains just one four-star prospect, offensive lineman Paulay Asiata of Honolulu, it did not rank high nationally. Rivals.com pegged the Buffs 11th in the Pac-12 ahead of only Washington State. In addition, the class did not cover all the needs Colorado wanted to address considering Embree wanted more defensive lineman and another wide receiver.

Still, he approved more recruits than what he originally sought after estimating Colorado would attract 12-15 prospects in his first class. And, since these are Embree's recruits, they will be expected to compete for playing time. The most interesting situation from the outset will be at quarterback, where juco transfer Brent Burnette is already enrolled and will participate in spring camp.

TOP OF THE CLASS

OL Pauley Asiata (St. Louis High, Honolulu) -- Considered the top prospect out of Hawaii after playing one season for St. Louis High School after his previous school closed. His brother, Johan, just completed his rookie season as an offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears. A cousin, Matt Asiata, just completed his collegiate career at Utah as a running back.

QB Brent Burnette (Western Arizona CC, Maryville, Tenn.) -- Played seven games this past season and threw for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns before suffering an injury. He originally signed with Middle Tennessee State, playing as a redshirt freshman in 2009, mostly as a backup. Completed 13 of 25 passes in a New Orleans Bowl victory.

OT Marc Mustoe (Arvada West High, Broomfield, Colo.) -- Ranked as high as No. 2 among in-state prospects and at 6-7, 280 pounds, continues a trend of tall linemen who have played for the Buffaloes. One of two in-state recruits Colorado landed.

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