Detroit Cass Tech two-way stud Corey "CJ" Sadler to announce his college decision Aug. 15 between Michigan, North Carolina, Colorado, Maryland.
Detroit Cass Tech wide receiver and defensive back Corey "C.J." Sadler Jr. plans to play both ways at the next level, no matter the college he ends up attending.
"Yes, sir," Sadler said when asked if he plans on playing both receiver and cornerback in college.
Sadler, the top football recruit in Michigan in the 2026 class, will make his college decision Aug. 15. Sadler has narrowed down his list of choices to Michigan football, North Carolina, Colorado and Maryland. He is rated as the 118th recruit in the country for 2026 according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
"I'm very excited," Sadler told the Free Press at Detroit Public School League football media day Monday, July 28, in Detroit. "It's the next stage of my life. I've been waiting for college. First, gotta get through the season healthy and win a championship. But, I'm ready for college for sure."
He plays both ways for Cass Tech as the team's top receiver and cornerback. He finished with a spot on the 2024 Free Press Dream Team after helping lead the Technicians to the Division 1 state championship in November with two touchdowns in the 42-20 win over Hudsonville. He finished the season with more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns at receiver.
Sadler serves as the vocal leader on Cass Tech, as well as leading by example as one of the top athletes across the country.
"He's done a great job of trying to work with (the young guys) with the mental aspect, the effort and the competition we expect," Cass Tech coach Marvin Rushing said. "Because that's the one thing he demands is effort and competition in practice from everyone. No one is more competitive on the team than him."
Sadler noted the healthy culture, pro-style systems and amount of attention all four schools have shown him throughout his high school career as why they are his finalists.
"Those four schools, the culture and they've been on me," Sadler said. "I know I can go and impact each any one of those programs immediately."
Sadler cited the chance to play close to home as a reason he is considering Michigan.
"When I go to Michigan, it's just like home," Sadler said.
North Carolina and Colorado are led by two NFL legends — first-year coach Bill Belichick at North Carolina and third-year coach Deion Sanders at Colorado. The chance to potentially work with those two coaches plus the pro-style systems they run are part of the selling points.
"You are going to get developed at Colorado or UNC," Sadler said. "Just the system that they have there — that pro-style system. Coach Belichick, he's in his first year down at UNC. I went down there just to see the way they were moving. Also with Colorado with coach Prime, the first couple of seasons were okay and I'm excited to see what they do this year."
Sadler will announce his commitment during the first week of padded practice in the state of Michigan, which begins Aug. 11. He is focused on preparing himself and his teammates for the challenge of trying to repeat as city and state champions, but this time doing it with a target on their backs as the top team.
"I'm making sure I get on my guys," Sadler said. "I'm making sure my guys get on me any time we slack or not doing something right. Just being accountable right now. Right now, we are building those really good relationships and getting ready for camp."
The high school football season starts Aug. 29 with Cass Tech playing Toledo Central Catholic, which has made three straight state championships in Ohio, in the Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State.
Jared Ramsey covers high school sports for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]; Follow Jared on X or Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: C.J. Sadler has Michigan football in final 4, to announce Aug. 15
Category: General Sports
