Colorado Safeties Coach Vonn Bell Gets Candid on Secondary Competition

The Colorado Buffaloes possess a deep secondary for the 2026 season, and safety is one of its deepest positions. Colorado safeties coach Vonn Bell commented on the depth of the room in his Friday press conference.

While the depth provides security on the field in case of injuries, its impact off the field may be more important. Bell broke down how having depth in the safety room has built a brotherhood in the position group.

The Colorado Buffaloes’ Depth Building Chemistry

colorado buffaloes safety naeten mitchell cu buffs football deion sanders coach prime new mexico state aggies vonn bell ncaa — Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado defensive back Naeten Mitchell during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When asked about the benefits of having the depth Colorado’s safety room possesses, the first thing to Bell’s mind was the impact he’s seen it have on the closeness of the players in the room.

“It maximizes that brotherhood, for sure,” Bell said. “They can hold each other accountable. You can see guys out there competing every snap. And they’re really just putting their arms around each other.”

Sometimes, when position battles are as tight as Colorado’s, animosity can build within the room as the season approaches. However, Bell hasn’t seen that from the Buffs’ room, which bodes well for the unit's success in the long run of a grueling season in the Big 12.

The Colorado Buffaloes’ Depth Creating Competition

colorado buffaloes safety randon fontenette vanderbilt commodores cu buffs football deion sanders coach prime vonn bell ncaa — Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores defensive back Randon Fontenette (2) attempts to intercept a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The reason the competition is so tight is due to that same depth. Colorado’s depth isn’t comprised of a top-heavy room with a high volume of less-skilled players towards the bottom of the depth chart. Rather, it is a room full of legitimate competitors for starting jobs.

“At the end of the day, I always tell them, ‘We’re going to need everybody in this room at some point in the season,’” Bell said. “‘You’ve got to prepare like you’re the starter, you’ve got to prepare like you’re a pro, don’t ever take reps for granted. Everything else is going to play out like it’s supposed to play out.’”

Bell played in the NFL as recently as the 2024 season, so he still thinks like a player just as much as he does as a coach. He isn’t far removed from participating in those position battles at the highest level. So if anyone on this staff has a clear picture of what those players are experiencing in the modern game, it’s him. He’s been able to balance those two perspectives on the game and encourage the level of competition the Buffs have seen.

Who is Competing in the Safety Room

colorado buffaloes safety ben finneseth cu buffs football deion sanders coach prime ncaa big 12 vonn bell position battle cfb — Jul 7, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado defensive back Ben Finneseth speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As it stands, Vanderbilt Commodores and New Mexico State Aggies transfers Randon Fontenette and Naeten Mitchell lead the way in the battle for starting safety. They have been seeing the majority of the reps with the ones in fall camp and have shined in their roles.

But not far behind them are the likes of former walk-on Ben Finneseth, Indiana Hoosiers transfer Jah Jah Boyd and Lamar Cardinals transfer Paul Omodia, who was recently transitioned from cornerback to safety.

On top of that, safety Boo Carter was moved to cornerback during the spring. Although he’s found success in that role, coach Deion Sanders has made it clear that he wants him playing as many positions as possible. This will likely mean that he’ll be seeing playing time at safety as well.

The Buffs are loaded at the position, so it’s a good problem to have. But this competition won’t end at Week 1. While starters will be named, their jobs won’t be safe at any point in the year.

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