Deion Sanders says "I can't do the things other coaches can do" in response to report on home visits
Deion Sanders held his first press conference of the Spring Practice session on Wednesday. It was the first time the Colorado Buffaloes coach sat down with the media since the end of last season.
Out of the 25 minutes at the podium, Sanders answered questions and took time at the end to address an article written by USA TODAY’S Brett Schrotenboer that provided very little context why he made no home visits on the recruiting trail.
“There was an article that came out that said I don’t go on visits,” Sanders said. “My approach is totally different than any coach’s approach. I’m a business man as well. So, I try to say our University money every darn chance I get. For me to go to… Let’s saying I’m going to Florida and I’m visiting IMG. You don’t think those coaches are going to be a little upset, if I don’t come by the school down the street? You don’t think it’s going to be pandemonium, or I’m going to get nay-sayed if I don’t go another 45 minutes? Then if I go to that one why I didn’t go to that school.”
He went on to say no recruit has ever made a decision because of a home visit and “I can’t do the things other coaches can do. You know why? Because I’m Coach Prime.”
Sanders is absolutely correct. He’s not like other coaches and his contributions to the game are unprecedented. There are several layers as to why he doesn't make home visits beyond everything that he listed.
Last year, Coach Prime said he receives a high volume of death threats. First off, knowing that factor, It wouldn’t seem right to have an uncontrolled environment for him to step into. Sure, Officer Rose and his security detail can handle situations if things escalated, but why even allow it to be?
Sanders has become a trailblazer in college football because he doesn’t go about his business like his peers. Also, being able to use the backdrop of Boulder to sell the program is the biggest asset. How can you explain to a recruit from Florida or Georgia why the Flatirons are one of the best sights in the world, if they can see if for themselves? You can’t.
The reason why Coach Prime hasn’t relied on using private air travel to pull in recruits is because he doesn’t need to. Boulder is worth the visit for the “Prime Effect” alone. It’s a dynamic that puts him in his element and is the best tactic for recruiting.
Colorado’s assistant coaches put in time on the road, with over 90 off-campus meetings during the past year, according to the report. But that’s common with any setup in recruiting. It's still less travel than other programs.
Sanders addressed the report but remains unfazed by how people may perceive the way he goes about recruiting. And by the numbers, its working successfully. The Buffs wrapped up this year’s official recruiting class with the 21st combined ranked class, according to 247Sports. A total of 24 players have come to Boulder from the transfer portal with another window opening before the start of the 2024 football season.
