Colorado Offensive Lineman Yahya Attia Reveals Thoughts on Buffaloes' New Offense

In years past, the Colorado Buffaloes have struggled to find a consistent way to move the ball on the ground with a struggling offensive line that constantly behind the sticks and forced to pass protect. Colorado coach Deion Sanders has seemingly addressed the offense, making a change at offensive coordinator.

Under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, it seems that Colorado is headed in a direction that could prioritize the run a lot more. Offensive lineman Yahya Attia spoke on why he thinks that could be great for the offensive line.

Colorado Buffaloes Offensive Lineman Yahya Attia Loves Emphasis on Offense and Steps Into Leadership Role Coach Deion Sanders — Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos guard Yahya Attia (59) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dominance Up Front

“I love it. It’s just moving the man in front of you. I don’t know what it does, it does something with me. It just makes me feel good. I love that pain,” said Attia.

For an offensive lineman, the aspect of run blocking is where they can put their strengths on full display with their raw power and ability to reset the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, Colorado has not had the luxury of being able to rely on the offensive line as a unit. The Buffaloes have had a few players who were solid, but as a collective, they have not found the right combination.

Attia showed some flashes in 2025, when he played in 10 games and started in four of them. In the reps he received last season, Attia allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and 10 quarterback hurries.

Additionally, in Attia’s Week 11 start, he was named PFF's Big 12 Player of the Week. This achievement showcased that Attia has the talent to compete against opposing defenses in the Big 12 as well as play his best football later in the season. If Attia can continue to play at this level consistently, he could become one of the Buffaloes best linemen and could make a name as one of the better interior linemen in the Big 12.

Finding players who can be relied upon to protect the quarterback is crucial, especially up the middle. With his experience during 2025 in Boulder, Attia may have the inside track to become one of Colorado’s starting guards for 2026.

Yahya Attia’s Leadership

Attia has also stepped into more of a leadership role to help the new players get acclimated to Colorado, as well as build chemistry with the entire team.

“If I would be at a new job, no matter what, I would like the vets that have been here to help me out. It’s the worst thing if you’re with new guys and don’t know what’s going on. Also, keep that part aside. Also like finding friends if people can talk to me. I like to talk with everybody. This is my family here, so I need to be cool with everybody. So if they come to me, I really feel appreciated, and that’s very important to me,” added Attia.

Attia is heading into his third year, and his desire to help Colorado go closer together shows how much he cares for the players as people, but also how much he wants to win. Teams that do not have any chemistry, while they could have a lot of talent, will not get very far because when adversity strikes, they will begin to point fingers.

Attia has seen what that looks like with Colorado experiencing inconsistent success the past few seasons. Attia has the desire to be successful as an individual while he continues to work on his craft, but he also wants to help find team success. For an offensive lineman, he does not get the glory of great statistics, but when his quarterback doesn’t get hit, and the running backs have open lanes to run through, he knows he has done his job.

Following the tragic passing of quarterback Dominiq Ponder, Attia has been vocal that he will do everything he can to protect his quarterbacks both on and off the field. Colorado is a lot more than just an opportunity to play football for Attia. He has talked about the community in Boulder being like a family for him.

It is very hard for players from other countries, like Attia, to find a home away from home, but the Buffaloes have been able to provide that. This is why Attia is doing his best to help others feel comfortable. Attia wants everybody to feel that Boulder is almost like a second home.

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