Jordan Domineck ready to be the "Smiling Warrior" at Colorado

A force in the SEC will use Pac-12 play as a next-level stepping stone

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After pushing off a return to Arkansas along with NFL aspirations, Jordan Domineck heads to Colorado, looking to make an impact. The senior defensive end announced he'll use his extra year of eligibility for a run with Deion Sanders and Charles Kelly.

Domineck, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound force on the D-line, transferred from Georgia Tech to Arkansas for one season with a total of 34 tackles (9.5 for loss), 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Not to take away from a good run in the ACC and improving year-by-year with 73 tackles (14 for loss), 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a touchdown in two years with the Yellow Jackets.

"My decision was based on what would put me in the best possible position to get to the next level," Domineck told BuffsBeat.

"I've been in the SEC. I've been in the ACC, and I know how they play and operate. I love both programs and both conferences, but I ended up just wanting to come to Colorado because it just seemed like the perfect spot for me. I love the coaching staff here they're really big on interpersonal relationships, which is something huge for me."

Domineck is a quarterback disruptor who loves to bring pressure on every down. He was third in the SEC in sacks last season and second among Razorbacks’ in tackles for loss. Most mock boards had him as a mid-round pick in April's NFL Draft, but his stock will surely rise after a year with the Buffaloes.

A career in the NFL is the end goal for Domineck, but not the current focus. It starts with taking everything week-by-week and a road opener on Sept. 2 with national runner-up TCU. Everything is different for Domineck since the first time he stepped foot on campus. Being in Boulder with one of the best coaching staff led by Sanders is a godsend for the Florida native. Also, he admits going to Jackson State two years ago was a real possibility for him.

"I've actually met with Coach Prime once before. When he was over at Jackson State and before I entered the portal to leave Georgia Tech, I ended up going on an official visit at Jackson State," Domineck said. "I will say he's the realest you can get. (Prime) is definitely real. Everything that you see, every way that he portrayed, he's like that 100 percent of the time.

"It's truly an honor and a privilege to be able to come out here and play for him, and just seeing the energy that he brings to a program not even just his name but just the way he throws himself into his work and the way he strives for success. I knew I wanted to be a part of it as soon as I met him."

The connection to Sanders comes from growing up in Florida. Domineck's father competed in high school against the future Hall of Famer at North Fort Myers in the mid-80s.

"A little backstory is when coach Deion went to Florida State, my dad transferred to Florida from the NAIA school," Domineck said. "It's interesting how everything just goes around and comes around. You know, certain connections have always happened throughout life, and it was just amazing. Honestly, just be able to hear the stories of how they used to play."

Colorado's transfer class ended as the top in the nation going into 2023. Domineck is one piece to the Buffs' ever-changing defense. He's also one of the most experienced players coming into next season.