Colorado Cornerbacks Coach Breaks Down Top Contenders for Nickel Position

Colorado Buffaloes cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis broke down the depth of his position group and who has stood out at the nickel position.

Jul 30, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) talks with his father Deion Sanders during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Buffaloes' position battles in the secondary seem to be winding down as Week 1 approaches. During his Friday press conference, Buffs cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis named a few players who have stuck out in the competition for the starting nickel.

Additionally, he broke down how cornerbacks Cree Thomas and Boo Carter are looking as they take over the secondary. Here's a look at everything Mathis said during his fall camp presser.

Who has stood out at nickel

Oklahoma defensive back Makari Vickers speaks to media during a press conference in Norman, Okla., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Ou Sooners Football | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

“Makari [Vickers] really, really stepped up. We've moved him around, as I talked about the versatility part of it, but he's really stepped up. He's been that leader in that room. Then you've got the young guys like Preston [Ashley] and some things like that. But all those guys are really, really making improvements, and I feel confident with any of those guys when it's time on game day,” Mathis said.

“I mean, because different types of players can play in the slot, right? We're more like a safety type, a corner type, linebacker type. And that's where- when you look at that position and what it's going to be used for in this defense, you've got to have a guy that's gritty, a guy that's smart, a guy that also can play coverage, and I think Makari, he fits that bill. He's built like a safety, he runs like a corner and he's really, really tough,” Mathis said.

“And one thing that you don't know about him is how smart he is. That's why we're able to move him around, but he's a nickel at the next level. You know what I'm saying? If you look at his body type and the way he approaches the game, that's kind of what we look for in there,” Mathis said. 

The versatility of the defensive backs

“What I really like is the versatility of the group. Those guys are able to not only play the pass but also be effective in the run game. Being able to play multiple positions is key for us, and I think we're doing a good job with that,” Mathis said.

Chris Marve putting his players in positions to succeed

FSU linebackers coach Chris Marve at the FSU National Signing Day Party on Feb. 5, 2020. Img 4547 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

“Well, getting these guys in, I think we've done a great job of understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and what Marve has done is get those guys in position to make plays using their strengths, but also knowing their weaknesses and not putting them in situations where they're not great. Putting them in situations where they can make plays and get the confidence,” Mathis said.

Boo Carter’s adjustment to playing cornerback

Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) pulls on his jersey during Tennessee football preseason practice, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Aug. 6, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

“He's done a great job out there making plays. He's a playmaker, and you look at all the plays that he makes, and he's also a smart guy. That's why we're able to move him out there and feel confident. If something happens inside, we can move him back inside. He's a very versatile guy. He understands what we expect, and he understands the defense, and I'm excited to see these guys keep progressing, because they're eager to learn, to be more effective in their craft,” Mathis said.

Boo Carter and Cree Thomas taking over at cornerback

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Ethan Long (22) celebrates an interception with cornerback Cree Thomas, right, during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Yeah, I think we'll be able to be more versatile, do different stuff. With those guys on the outside when we got a chance to lock them down. I feel confident those guys can lock them down. But if you want to play some zone, which we didn't do a lot in 2024, we're able to do that because these guys are students of the game and they want to understand the ins and outs of the defense, and that's what makes them so good on the outside,” Mathis said.

The depth of the defensive back room

“Like I said, I'm confident, and that's the great thing about this secondary. And this secondary is so versatile, from the safety, from the nickels to the corners. Man, we can move them around, and the versatility is really going to be key for this defense, and the good thing about it is they are all students of the game. So moving around and them getting adjusted to what we need them to do on the field is not going to be a problem,” Mathis said.

“There have been some times in the past where a guy goes down here, and I'm saying now we got to change the defense. It's not like that now. I'm saying with the versatility of the guys that we have, the trust that we have with the guys and the trust they have for each other, I'm saying to really apply themselves on each and every play. I feel good about it,” Mathis said.

How Chris Marve has bought into the defensive backs

MSU defensive run game coordinator Chris Marve speaks to reporters at Media Day on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Leo Seal Complex. Photo by Keith Warren Msu Football Media Day | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

“Marve’s done a good job of trusting us as coaches to really dig in and understand what he wants from the defense and really apply that to our guys. He's done a good job of listening to some of the things that we want to see out there, and being able to change and be fluid with his defense to allow our guys to play at their best and play fast and play with confidence. He's done a good job at that,” Mathis said.

“Those guys are still progressing. I'm saying it's getting closer to the game. So as freshmen, there's a lot going on. I think they've taken the time to come in and get the extra work and really understand what we need from them on a consistent daily basis, with the conditioning, with the knowledge of the game,” Mathis said.

“It's really hard for a freshman to come in and be a standout guy, especially in this back end. But they are progressing each day, each and every day, man, and we're getting confidence in that, and we want to make sure they continue to have confidence where they are able to produce on the football field,” Mathis said.

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