Deion Sanders is a difference maker, but don't forget about his players
When Deion Sanders made his transition for Jackson State, he strived to make a difference in Boulder. The fact that he has done more for CU football in ten months compared to the past ten years has overshadowed the accomplishments of his players.
We often forget this is a team built from virtually scratch during the course of an off-season with very little time to bond. It's actually amazing when you think about it and the logistics of bringing in a "melting pot" roster. Sanders has made this experience about his players from day one. When he missed Pac-12 Media Day, he made it clear it wasn't about him to begin with. Coach Prime is along for the ride and has the pleasure of coaching both of his sons in the process.
The college years can be some of the best. You meet new people, create memories, and discover new things about yourself. No one ever discusses what a student-athlete goes through in their college career. The grueling practices followed by study hall, or the pressures of learning your assignments for the game, while getting ready for a pop quiz that slipped your mind. It’s no different than what the Colorado Buffalo football team has to deal with.
Unfortunately, we don’t talk about them and their accomplishments. Instead, we hear about their Hall of Fame coach. Don’t get it twisted. It’s a dream to have Sanders and his caliber teaching the young kids, but the focus should be the kids, not their coach.
Buffaloes’ quarterback Shedeur Sanders is having a career year and is on the verge of breaking several CU records. The "Grown" passer has thrown for 2,420 yards with 21 touchdowns and three interceptions through seven games. Shedeur's nickname is very fitting because each year, he has improved his game, and no one has uttered a single word about it.
All we've heard from the naysayers is how he's flashy with his car and watch. Not to mention the angle of how many sacks he has taken. Did anyone applaud him for leading the country in passing yards before the bye week? Nope. Sanders' progression as a QB has improved; completion percentage, QBR, and yards per attempt have all improved in his third year.
Now let’s look at the other side of the ball, or should I say both sides of the ball. Colorado’s "Swiss Army Knife" Travis Hunter is the main attraction, and everyone is in awe at his passion for the game. Many have criticized him playing both sides, but who says that’s not his dream as a college player? Everyone is so worried about the next level, but no one is thinking about the here and now.
As a defensive back and wide receiver, his impact on the game is like no other. You can argue he's better on both sides of the ball than some of the legends who're enshrined in Canton. He might even be further along than his coach was at this point of his career. Hunter creates havoc for other teams, and he’s having fun while doing it. This is still a team full of young talent who are looking to carve out their own place in life.
Coach Prime has been vocal about uplifting his players and showing them that no one can control their destiny. It's not just in football, but the game of life. Sanders has lived this and understands how small the windows can be for opportunities.
It's the reason why NIL has been front and center at Colorado with entrepreneurial student-athletes. So, let’s focus on the players and not what shades their head coach wears to the field.
