George Hegamin excited for new position with Coach Prime at Colorado

Former NFL teammates reunited in Boulder to help strengthen the Buffs

On Friday, we got our first chance to hear from George Hegamin, the new director of leadership and engagement on Coach Prime’s staff. Hegamin is a former NFL player who played seven seasons in the league. The NC State standout was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 and was part of the Super Bowl XXX team with Deion Sanders a year later 

Hegamin talked about what it was like meeting Sanders the first time. The two were bonded from the beginning and are working together again.

"On the first day we met, we basically hit it off from then,” he said. “When prime walks into a locker room, I know what you guys kind of see what he is now, but he's always been that guy." Hegamin added, "Prime, he has something about him, and I got to know that thing about him. Which was, he cares more than just what the average person thinks." 

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The instant connection that was made between Sanders and Hegamin close to three decades ago has led him to being in Boulder. “We knew that eventually we would be able to bring our forces together and be able to help young men be able to do what they’re doing,” Hegamin said. “So I’m glad to be here.” 

Hegamin was asked about his new role with the Buffs. He’ll strengthen CU’s Florida pipeline after coming over from IMG Academy where he was Jordan Seaton’s offensive line coach.  

“Our coaches do a great job of doing what they do on the field, but the thing about our kids is, most of them want to transition to be pros one day,” Hegamin said. “So with that being said, there’s a whole lot more than just what you know on the field. The difference between a player and a pro is a pro is going to attack his plan, have a plan every single day.” 

Hegamin might be one of the best hires for Coach Prime’s growing staff. He’s a great person to help these players achieve their dreams because he has lived that life. "Because I've made that transition from high school to college, college to pros, won a Super Bowl, then transitioned out. I'm one of the better people to be able to do that, not just because of what I know, but because who I’ve been mentoring.” Hegamin added that “at least” 15 players he has worked with have gone on to the NFL. That list includes San Francisco 49ers stud tackle Trent Williams and Alabama tackle JC Latham, who is projected as a first-round pick in this month’s draft. 

“These are all guys that I’ve helped mentor to get to where they want to go,” Hegamin noted. “So I’m gonna do the same thing here. This is something, this is my lifeblood. I love coaching. I love working with kids. I love working with young staff members. It matters when you have people in the building that not just know what they’re doing but love what they’re doing.” 

Hegamin's goal is to get as many players as possible to the NFL. Sanders now has another coach with vast experience to help his athletes. In fact, his staff has a total of 126 years of NFL experience. It's always a good feeling when you have trustworthy guys around you. Coach Prime and the Buffs are continuing to improve in all areas, and look to take a leap forward in this upcoming season.