Shedeur Sanders embracing leadership role at start of Colorado's Fall Camp
With less than a month before the start of the 2023 football season, Shedeur Sanders is ready for war. The junior transfer from Jackson State fielded an array of questions from the media following Thursday's practice session.
One thing became clear while he described the progress of CU's offense, this was a different Shedeur from when he arrived in Boulder. An upgraded version who was embracing his role as a leader of the Buffaloes.
Sanders was asked about Sean Lewis’ offense and where he currently stood with recognition of the playbook. His answer was honest and direct, saying he's about "80 percent" to where he wants to be from a “mastery of the offense” perspective. Now, it's not perfect by a longshot. But this has been an eight-month process with no real hiccups. Sanders added that he is now starting to see the thought process behind the play calls. Further improving the QB-OC relationship.
Sanders was asked how he's doing with the other Buffs QBs. Shedeur maintains that Colorado's QB room has made strides since the Spring. With a huge grin on his face, Shedeur slipped in that the quarterbacks have completion percentage battles daily.
Colorado's QB1 has spent time perfecting his craft leading up to Fall Camp with a pair of Denver Broncos throwing sessions. One with QB Russell Wilson and the other connecting with WR Cortland Sutton. Sanders was understandably tight-lipped about those conversations, suggesting that for advantageous reasons, he'll keep that information to himself. The one player he mentioned after being directly asked was his older brother, Shilo Sanders. Shedeur brought this back to the competitive nature and trash talking involved. Adding that it’s a good thing the team has a Sanders on either side of the ball, creating a competitive balance.
One odd question was asked about the practice jerseys with social media handles. Whether he knew it or not, Sanders channeled his inner Coach Herb Brooks (from the 1980 Miracle on Ice) when he said, “I’m not really too worried about the name on the back, I'm more interested in the name on the front”. In both cases, they mildly suggested any questions surrounding the names on the back of the jerseys might be a question better suited for Coach Prime or Smitty and the equipment staff.
When Shedeur was asked what prepared him this he said very simply, “the last 2 years of my life”. He went on to explain, and he added things to his routine. Some things work, and some things don't. Keep the ones that work. Get rid of the ones that don't.
Don't sleep on Sanders' ability to be a game changer. There's a reason why he threw for 70 TDs over the past two years. He was also presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy last year for his efforts. Neither one came by accident.
The Buffs trek back to Sanders' old stomping grounds for a Sept. 2 meeting with TCU. It's a Big 12 preview of sorts. Also, the back end of a home-and-home series between the two schools. It's a great opener set for FOX's Big Noon Kickoff.
