EXCLUSIVE: IMG Academy's Isreal Solomon ready for next level at Colorado

The Buffs keep stocking up and could be the next DBU

IMG Academy/Isreal Solomon

IMG Academy defensive back Isreal Solomon put his name into the conversation by committing to the Colorado Buffaloes last month. The 6-foot, 180-pounder is a speedster but loves to play very physically. A “monster” on game film who shows out time and time again.

The Dallas, Texas native with Jamaican roots, made his way to Florida as the only recruit to play in both the Trinity League (CA) and the high-level Division I feeder IMG. Two of the toughest at the high school level with a slew of NFL talent being produced from both. Solomon says it's a blessing to be coming to Colorado. 

"I was going to follow Coach Prime to Jackson State, and I ended up committing to Hawaii right before he was on the move to Colorado," Solomon said. "I heard about a camp they were doing and decided to go see what's out there. They said they were looking for dogs, and I'm a dog."

Solomon transferred to IMG Academy as a senior from Santa Margarita Catholic HS in Southern California. He torn his labrum in the first game of the 2021 season but staged a massive comeback down south. A six-time player of the week as IMG’s defensive captain, racking up 45 tackles, 4 INTs, 5 PDUs, and 2.5 sacks. It's part of his story and something that keeps him humble.    

"IMG has stiffer competition," Solomon admitted. "They're pretty equal, but I feel like down in Florida is a little bit different. The game is a lot faster. They're definitely going to hit you, and It's just a different energy." 

Solomon is a multi-sport athlete with a surprising background as a junior Olympic boxer. Not too many are built like him after training for about a decade inside the ropes. His father, Zurich, is the one who has pushed him toward excellence in anything that he takes on. 

"My dad has been training me in boxing since I was eight," Solomon said. "One thing that he instills in me, especially through sports, is being disciplined. Boxing teaching you hand eye coordination, along with being able to hit and knowing how to use your hands. It also teaches you how to take a punch and when you get knocked down to get back up."  

Boxing is a lot like playing in the secondary. Knowing spacial awareness and using it to your advantage, along with the difficulty of precise footwork, are keys for both of the respective sports. Imagine training with Floyd Mayweather and trying to work your way up the ranks. That's the equivalent of being a defensive back in Deion Sanders' system. 

"I feel like being able to have a coach like (Deion) is great to maximize my opportunities," said Solomon. "He knows the game and the ins and outs of everything. Besides him being in the Hall of Fame and all the work that he's done prior to being at Colorado, he's a great coach. He teaches us about what to do and what not to do on and off the field." 

He went on to say, "I've been playing football since I was four because it's like a religion in Texas. I grew up a Cowboys fan and played at AT&T Stadium. It's surreal to be coached by a Cowboys' legend." 

Outside of the hype, Solomon still doesn't feel he's receiving the recognition he deserves. A lot has happened in the world over the past three and a half years. For better or for worse, he is ready for his time to prove his worth to the Buffs coaching staff.    

"I feel like I was [overlooked] throughout high school," Solomon said. "I finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA and outworked others. But due to COVID and other factors, I feel that way. Coaches were talking to me but weren't pulling the trigger. I feel that's why I play with such an edge. I feel like I'm being slept on now, and not a lot of people know about me." 

Solomon is currently in Boulder working out prior to the start of the season. He comes to CU as a preferred walk-on, but you wouldn't know it otherwise. One of the most hungry competitors out on the field trying to make it all pay off. And for good reason, with Colorado being a recent target by one anonymous Pac-12 coach.  

"There's a lot of competition, and we brought in a lot of skill," Solomon said. "There isn't one guy on the team you can take a break on. Everybody is working with a chip on their shoulder."  

Colorado opens the 2023 season in Fort Worth against TCU. It's a bit of a homecoming for Solomon who'll make his Buffaloes debut with his Texas family in the stands at Amon G. Carter Stadium.