The announcement of Jon Embree's firing as head coach at Colorado came as a shock to most of the Buffaloes’ 2013 recruits. It wasn't enough for defensive end Marcus Loud (Houston/Wheatley) to decommit, but it was enough for him to consider taking visits elsewhere.

Loud, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end, said the news of Embree being let go after only two seasons was “heartbreaking.” Embree went 4-21 in two seasons, including 1-11 this season.

“I’m still committed, but I am definitely taking some more visits,” Loud said, “I was going to take some visits around this time anyway, though.”

Loud has several offers outside of Colorado, including Missouri, Arizona and Iowa State. Loud added his decision to stay at Colorado could depend ultimately on what will happen to his recruiting contact, defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Kanavis McGhee.

“I have a great chemistry with Coach McGhee,” Loud said. “If he would go, it’d be tough for me.”

Loud had 75 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his senior season. He was a defensive leader on a Wheatley team that finished a game away from making the Texas Class 4A playoffs.