Colorado Daily

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Colorado Daily – Spring Practices

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April 18th

… CU in a few minutes … 

ESPN: What to Watch For At CU Spring Game

From ESPN … As spring practices continue to wind down with an assortment of fan fests and spring showcases, some programs are sticking with tradition and hosting spring games.

Among those hosting games this weekend are Michigan, which features ballyhooed quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood, and Colorado, where coach Deion Sanders remains but his biggest stars from last season, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, will be stepping onto a much bigger stage at next week’s NFL draft.

Here’s a look at the power-conference programs hosting spring games this weekend, including positions of intrigue and players to watch for each team.

Colorado Buffaloes

Game time: Saturday, 4:30 p.m., ESPN2/ESPN+

2024 record: 9-4

Position of intrigue: Wide receiver. Between the departures of Hunter and fellow pass catchers LaJohntay Wester, Will Sheppard and Jimmy Horn, Colorado entered the spring down 255 receptions, 3,251 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns of production from a year ago. Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller remain the program’s only returning receivers who hit double-digit receptions in 2024. Tulsa transfer Joseph Williams — the reigning AAC Freshman of the Year — should be in position to produce, and spring portal transfer commit Sincere Brown (Campbell) presents another intriguing option for the fall.

Player to watch: Alabama defensive tackle transfer Jeheim Oatis started 13 games and recorded 52 tackles, five pass breakups and 1.5 sacks in two-plus seasons with the Crimson Tide. He could emerge as a key piece at the heart of a new-look interior defensive line unit at Colorado this fall. — Lederman

… Read full story here …

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Coach Prime/AD Rick George speak out on retired number pushback from former players

From the Daily Camera … Jersey retirement decisions have been at the discretion of head coaches for decades, but past coaches haven’t wanted to take numbers out of circulation. Legendary coach Bill McCartney mentored many of the great players in program history, but did not believe in retiring numbers.

In 1998, in fact, CU made the decision to no longer retire numbers. Instead, the department chose to have “honored jerseys” for all sports. That year, 15 football greats had their name and jersey number displayed on the west side of Folsom Field. Since then, 13 others have joined them.

CU came up with criteria for honored jerseys, including those who win major national awards, unanimous All-Americans and those who had certain all-conference recognition, including conference player of the year distinctions.

Tackle Nate Solder (2006-10) was the last player to have his jersey honored at Folsom, with a ceremony during the 2011 spring game. Shedeur and Hunter are CU’s most decorated players since Solder.

“The extraordinary passion and loyalty displayed by CU football fans, university alumni and former players is just one reason why Colorado football is different,” athletic director Rick George told BuffZone. “As someone who was a part of a past great era of CU football and who now has the privilege of being a part of the current one, I recognize that being a Buff is an honor and a privilege. Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are both great Buffs and exceptional talents who have been tremendous representatives of our program and of our university and led our team back to national prominence.

“Recognizing the accomplishments of a Heisman Trophy winner and record-setting quarterback who ushered in this new era of CU football now does not detract from accomplishments of the past. Rather, it adds to the rich legacy of CU football that has been passed down over the years by everyone who has worn a CU uniform.”

Many of the alums who have been outspoken have said they understand Hunter having his number retired, since he won the Heisman Trophy. There’s been pushback about Shedeur, and Coach Prime said, “Let’s get the elephant out the room. … We’re talking about Shedeur; we ain’t talking about nobody else. If his last name wasn’t Sanders we wouldn’t have this type of discussion. Only reason we are having this discussion is his last name is Sanders. That’s it.”

George and Coach Prime have pointed out, however, that Shedeur sparked the resurgence of the program. CU was 1-11 in 2022 before Shedeur and Coach Prime arrived, became one of the most talked about teams in the country and went 9-4 last fall. He also shattered just about every single-season passing record in CU’s history.

Despite the disappointment by alums, CU is hoping fans will take the opportunity to celebrate Hunter and Shedeur for what they’ve done for the Buffs the past two years.

“It’s been so many things accomplished at this university expeditiously, it’s been unbelievable,” Coach Prime said. “And I think we should be appreciative. We should be thankful.”

George added, “Ultimately, we’re all Buffs and we support each other’s excellence because that’s the standard of CU football. I look forward to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Buff Nation on Saturday as we honor these young men together and welcome two more great stewards of our program to our long list of Colorado football legends.”

… Read full story here …

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April 17th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Coach Prime’s Pre-Spring Game Press Conference**

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffsTV …

Highlights … A total of 87 players achieved a 3.0 GPA or better … The highest cumulative GPA for the football team in school history … Spring Game at 2:30 p.m., MT, ESPN2 … Over 15,000 tickets sold … On contract extension: Wanted to get other coaches taken care of first. “I told y’all I wasn’t going nowhere … I love it here, I adore it here. I’ve never been a hold out” … “I think we know the Portal really good. We have some tremendous guys identified in the Portal. We don’t do any tampering. The Portal is going to be good to us. We have some good players coming in this weekend” … On quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Julian Lewis: “They are getting better each day. They are learning the system. It’s tougher on Pat Shurmur and his coaches because we have two different kinds of quarterbacks” … On retiring Shedeur’s numbers: “If his name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t be having this discussion” …

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April 16th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Both of CU’s spring transfers on ESPN’s Top 15 Spring Transfer list

From ESPN … More than 2,600 FBS scholarship players have entered the NCAA transfer portal this offseason in search of better opportunities. Now it’s time for the second frenzied round of transfer transactions.

During the spring transfer window from Wednesday through April 25, underclassmen have one more opportunity to decide whether they’re switching teams ahead of the 2025 season. It’s the last chance for teams to resolve their remaining needs and the last chance for players to cash in before the House settlement — if approved — establishes revenue sharing and a salary cap.

Who are the most coveted players available this spring? Here are ESPN’s rankings of the top talent in the spring transfer portal. The following players have entered the portal or have announced intentions to transfer.

10. Xavier Hill, OG

Transferring from: Memphis | Transferring to: Colorado
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-4 | WT: 318 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: After a three-year stint at LSU in which he played sparingly, Hill moved on to Memphis and developed into a first-team All-AAC performer for the Tigers. He started 26 consecutive games and brought valuable versatility to Memphis’ offensive line with his ability to switch between left guard and right tackle. It’s not easy to find experienced offensive line help in the spring portal, so Hill should get plenty of attention as a proven starter who has played more than 2,000 career snaps. — Olson

Scout’s take: Massive offensive tackle who will likely be recruited to play guard when transitioning to the P4 level. He’s got a powerful base and is a great run blocker on down blocks and pulls. He dominates when he gets his hands locked on and will wash defenders down really effectively on inside runs. When uncovered, Hill looks for work and is active in the second level. He will absorb power rushers and eat them up with his wide base in pass protection. While he graded well, the American Athletic Conference star shows some lack of agility in pass pro, which is a concern if he remains at tackle. — Tucker

What he brings to Colorado: The Buffaloes had already brought in four transfer offensive linemen this offseason in their efforts to reload a unit that features Freshman All-American left tackle Jordan Seaton but should depend on several newcomers yet again this fall. A big get for this group, Hill can play multiple roles but likely starts off at left guard. — Olson

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14. Sincere Brown, WR

Transferring from: Campbell | Transferring to: Colorado
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-5 | WT: 190 | Class: Redshirt senior

Background: Brown played sparingly over three seasons at USF but finally put it all together in 2024 at Campbell, catching 61 passes for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns. He put up five 100-yard performances, including 126 yards in the season opener against Liberty, and earned first-team All-CAA honors. Brown is looking to move back up to FBS ball and has picked up more than a dozen offers, including Colorado, Cal, North Carolina, Texas A&M and Michigan. — Olson

Scout’s take: Brown is a tall, rangy receiver with a versatile skill set. He possesses a large catch radius and has great ball skills. He’s quick and an easy mover given his lanky frame. He can turn a short pass or screen into a big gain with shiftiness and top-level acceleration. Brown excels on 50-50 balls and will consistently make contested catches. He has soft hands and good body control to elevate and high point the ball. No verified speed times, but he can get behind coverage with his stride despite not being a burner. His catch radius is a real weapon in the red zone. — Tucker

What he brings to Colorado: Brown has No. 1 receiver upside and will get plenty of opportunities in Boulder in an offense that must replace its top four receivers from 2024. The Buffs are counting on Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller to step up this year and also brought in Tulsa’s Joseph Williams, the reigning AAC Freshman of the Year. — Olson

… Read full story here …

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Letter from CU walk-on Camden Dempsey to the Judge in the House case 

The House settlement, if approved, would allow schools up to 105 football scholarships, but would all but do away with walk-on programs …

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April 15th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Final Spring press conferences: Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur; Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston**

From YouTube, courtesy of Buff Stampede.com …

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur … “We have a long way to go before we play Georgia Tech” … “All three quarterbacks on different stages of their journey” … “We need to get the ball across the goal line; that’s the challenge. With each team it’s going to be different” … “The running backs have improved each week. We’re all trying to get one percent better” … “I prefer tight ends who are first and foremost receivers, then somewhat efficient blockers” … “It’s a super healthy quarterback room. I’d like to see it come down to a coin flip as to who starts” …

Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston … “Some really good days, some days of struggle. We’re just looking for consistency” … “I can’t say enough about Arden Walker. He’s really taken a leadership role” … Also mentioned defensive backs Ben Finneseth and Carter Stoutmire as leaders … “Carter is a Swiss army knife, but we’re trying to find him a position to concentrate on. He’s a big guy who can run” … “We took the first six practices to see what we had. Who can rush; who can cover. The rest of the way, we’ve been seeing what they can do, trying to simple it down for our guys” … “Jaheim Oatis: One of the world’s largest men. Pleased with the way he works” … “With the green dot (one player on the field can have communication with coaches), you’d like to see a linebacker who can stay on the field for all three downs, and we’re working on that” …

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TE Coach Brett Bartolone on small room: “The best players are going to play”

From the Daily Camera … Playing without a productive tight end hardly is unique to CU, as the wide-open attacks fashionable in college football are making the tight end go the way of the fullback. And the lack of a credible tight end threat, or a run game, didn’t stop Shedeur Sanders from leading a prolific attack for the Buffs.

The tight end has been a focal point in blocking for CU’s run game, which would be a commendable contribution if not for the fact the Buffs have boasted the least productive rushing attack in the nation under coach Sanders. As it stands, tight end coach Brett Bartolone has a wealth of inexperience to work with.

CU’s most productive tight end last season, Sav’ell Smalls, finished with just nine catches for 68 yards in his first year at the position after converting from defensive end. Zach Atkins put together a solid career at Northwest Missouri State, but he’s also trying to make the jump from Division II. Walk-on Brady Kopetz is heading into his fourth year in the program having played all of 13 plays. Third-year sophomore Charlie Williams didn’t play at UNLV in 2023 or with the Buffs last year.

Besides Smalls, the only other reception made by a tight end last year was a catch for minus-1 yard by Sam Hart, the former Cherokee Trail standout and Ohio State transfer who left the team earlier this spring.

“We used Sav’ell last year in different types of ways,” Bartolone said. “He’s run blocking, he’s in protections, he’s outlets and stuff like that. But now you bring other guys to the mix that can do those things. If you demonstrate that you can run, and you can catch, and do everything that we’re asking a tight end to do on offense in all phases, then you’re going to make the personnel. The best players are going to play.”

… Read full story here …

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April 14th

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to have their numbers retired during Black and Gold Day**

Press release from CUBuffs.com … The Colorado Buffaloes will retire uniform numbers 2 and 12 to honor Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter at the annual Spring Game as part of Black & Gold Day Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Hunter became one of, if not the, most honored player in college football history last year being named the consensus national player of the year by winning the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award and both the AP and Sporting News Player of the Year honors.  He was also repeated as the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) while winning the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy as national defensive player of the year and the Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver regardless of position.

One of only three college football players to win eight major awards, he was also a unanimous first-team All-American, earning seven first-team (and eight overall) honors from the five publications the NCAA uses to determine unanimous and consensus honors.  He is the first player in the history of the Walter Camp All-America team, the nation’s oldest, to earn two first-team honors, and is the first known player to earn two first-team and three overall honors on the AP team.  The other publications three only allow mention at one position.

Also a high scholar athlete, he was named first-team Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators was named the Academic All-American of the Year, just the second in school history, for all of Division I Football.
He finished his junior season with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, setting new CU records for receiving touchdowns while finishing second in receptions and third in receiving yards.  He set a CU record with eight 100-yard games and led CU in scoring with 96 points, 16 touchdowns (one rushing).  On defense, he had 36 tackles, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups, leading the FBS with 1,483 snaps which included 86.8% of offensive and 82.9% of defensive snaps for CU.  PFF graded him at 89.7 for receivers, the best in the Power 4 with 500-plus snaps, and he was one of only two defensive players to grade out over 90 percent in coverage at the P4 level.

Hunter finished his CU career with 153 receptions for 1,989 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown for 21 total scores on offense, and with 67 tackles, seven interceptions, 16 pass breakups and a force fumble on defense.  He played an astonishing 2,625 snaps in two seasons despite missing what amounted to almost five games due to injury, leading the FBS in snaps in both 2023 and ’24.

Sanders won the Johnny Unitas award as the top quarterback in college football in 2024, when we was named first-team All-American by multiple publications and second-team by the AP.  He was the unanimous choice for the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and named first-team All-Big 12 by all the publications that pick the team.

He completed 353-of-477 passes (74.0%) for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with an NFL QB rating of 117.0 and college passer rating of 165.9.  In two seasons at CU, he completed 651-of-907 (71.8%) passes for 7,364 yards with 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.  One of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football history, he completed 1,267-of-1,808 (70.1%) for 14,353 yards with 134 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.  He threw a touchdown in an NCAA Division I record 49 straight games and is only one of two D1 quarterbacks to throw for 14,000 yards and complete 70 percent of his career passes.

Despite only playing two seasons in Boulder, he owns over 100 school records including career passing touchdowns, passer rating and completion percentage, the top two passing seasons for completion percentage and QB rating and two of the top three for passing yards, touchdowns, interception percentage, 300-yard games and games with 3-plus touchdown passes.

Four numbers have previously been retired in CU’s 135-year football history: No. 24 worn by quarterback/halfback Byron White in 1936-37 (he also wore No. 8 in 1935); No. 67 worn by guard/linebacker Joe Romig (1959-61); No. 11 worn by quarterback/tailback Bobby Anderson (1967-69); and No. 19 worn by Rashaan Salaam from 1993-94 (he also wore No. 3 as a freshman in 1992).

White’s jersey was retired on November 3, 1938, near the end of the following season, by being placed in a special university trophy case.  Romig’s 67 jersey was retired at halftime of the spring game on May 11, 1963 and Anderson’s 11 jersey was retired at halftime of the spring game on May 9, 1970.

Salaam’s jersey retirement was announced prior to the 2017 season and went into effect after that season, being honored at halftime of the CU-California game on October 28, 2017.

The ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the start of CU’s spring game, which will be aired nationally on ESPN2.

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CU selects Teamworks General Manager to handle roster management and NIL

Press release from Teamworks General Manager … Colorado Athletics continues to modernize its operations and invest in strategic innovation with the adoption of Teamworks General Manager (GM), the industry-leading platform for roster management, NIL oversight, and financial planning. This decision comes as college athletics navigates a transformative period with the NCAA House settlement, increasing the urgency for streamlined and transparent revenue share solutions.

As a long-time user of the Teamworks Operating System for Sports™, Colorado already leverages nearly a full suite of Teamworks products, including Compliance and Recruiting, Inventory Management, EMR + AMS, Nutrition, Influencer, Academics, and Hub. By adding General Manager to its technology ecosystem, Colorado unifies operational efforts across departments and equips its leadership with the tools needed for data-driven, strategic decision-making.

With this adoption, Colorado becomes the 11th of 16 Big 12 Conference programs to implement Teamworks General Manager, joining a growing movement of forward-thinking institutions investing in the future of athletic department management.

“We’re excited to expand upon our partnership with Teamworks by bringing GM on board,” said Alec Roussos, Deputy Athletics Director/Administration at Colorado. “GM will enhance the world class experience we provide for our student-athletes and allow Colorado to continue to position ourselves as leaders in the new world of College Athletics.”

Colorado Football has captured national attention with its recent resurgence, fueled by new leadership, elite talent acquisition, and a renewed commitment to competing at the highest level. The adoption of Teamworks General Manager is a strategic move that supports Colorado’s climb back to national prominence—delivering cutting-edge capabilities such as customizable player tags, advanced budgeting tools, and mock roster planning features. With GM, Colorado’s athletic leaders can make data-driven decisions that position the Buffaloes for sustained success both on the field and within an evolving collegiate landscape.

“Colorado’s adoption of General Manager reflects the momentum we are seeing across the Big 12 and across college athletics more broadly,” said Wes French, General Manager of Teamworks Personnel. “The Buffaloes continue to show a commitment to leadership in collegiate athletics, and we are thrilled to support them as they elevate their operations for long-term success.”

Teamworks General Manager is the only fully integrated operations platform purpose-built for collegiate athletics. Combining roster management, budgeting, compliance oversight, and NIL operations into a single solution, GM helps departments like Colorado streamline workflows, automate decision-making, and future-proof their organizations.

Additionally, General Manager integrates seamlessly with Teamworks Hub, ensuring rosters and athlete information remain synchronized across all systems. By automating updates and eliminating repetitive administrative tasks, Colorado’s staff can dedicate more time to strategic initiatives and student-athlete development.

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April 12th

… CU in a few minutes … 

O-Line transfer Zy Crisler: “I’m gonna dominate and work hard to make sure I’m the best one out there”

From the Daily Camera … After jumping into the transfer portal last winter, Zy Crisler began making visits to schools.

“I got tired real quick because I went from (California) to Colorado to somewhere else,” the former Illinois offensive lineman said. “So I started narrowing it down. I like the scenery right here, it looks nice, and why not? Why not Colorado? Let’s do it. With coach (Deion Sanders) here too. Coach Deion is doing something great here. Let’s keep pushing.”

Now this spring Crisler is one of the leaders and most experienced players on the Colorado offensive line, having started 30 games during his four seasons at Illinois.

“I just eased in and got to know everybody, and I feel like everybody looks up to me now as, like, a leader – me and (left tackle Jordan Seaton),” Crisler said. “Everybody on the line actually, starters or whatever, I feel like they look up to me going in the right direction.”

Crisler, listed as 6-foot-7, 340 pounds, made 28 of his starts at right guard and two at right tackle. He has played in both spots for CU this spring.

“I feel comfortable playing wherever you put me, to be honest,” he said. “Not trying to be cocky, but wherever you put me I’m gonna try my best and train at it. Inside, outside, wherever you put me, I’m gonna dominate and work hard to make sure I’m the best one out there.”

… Continue reading story here …

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April 11th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Spring Game activities include posing with the Heisman Trophy

From CUBuffs.com … Heisman Trophy to Make Appearance at Black & Gold Spring Game

… Franklin Field will play host to Children’s Hospital Colorado Field Day from 12:00 pm – 2 p.m. which includes inflatables and interactive games for kids of all ages. CU student-athletes from various teams will also be on hand to lead kids through various skill stations.

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WR Drelon Miller looking for time in the backfield: “Just put me back there. I’ll be happy”

From the Daily Camera … It wasn’t long ago that Drelon Miller first arrived at CU as a true freshman last summer. But, in that time, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound receiver has shown flashes of being a star.

With the ability to run the ball, Miller actually made two starts at running back last year. He ran the ball four times for 10 yards, but became a reliable threat as a receiver. Despite playing behind four NFL-bound seniors, Miller finished with 32 catches for 277 yards and three touchdowns in 2024.

“Just growing as a player,” he said of earning a role in 2024. “It’s way different from high school, just in attention to detail. Just listen to your coaches, quarterbacks, my receiver room. I listened to everything they had to say to me. And I feel like I had to pay attention to everything, that I had to soak up everything like a sponge.”

Now, despite being just a sophomore, Miller is a potential leader in the receiver room. He has more career catches than anyone in the room.

“I’m just coming out there now and showing all the new freshmen, the new transfers, how to do things like that,” he said.

“I feel like I’m doing very well so far (as a leader). This is my first spring, actually, because I came late May (last year). So just learning all the knowledge from the seniors last year, and just learning from LaJohntay (Wester), his leadership, and just taking over that role. Just trying to be a leader in the receiver room.”

Miller said he hopes to get chances in the backfield as a runner, as he did last year, but simply wants the ball in his hands.

“Just put me back there, I’ll be happy,” he said. “As long as I got the ball in my hand, I’m gonna have a smile on my face. So put me anywhere on the field, I’ll make something happen.”

In fact, he’s even excited making an impact without the ball as he blocks for teammates.

“Hopefully I get a couple pancakes this year,” he said.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 10th

… CU in a few minutes … 

*CU Cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis on his 11-man room*

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April 9th 

… CU in a few minutes …  

CU’s lone senior WR Terrell Timmons: “It’s been very important for him to accept the role as a leader”

From the Daily Camera … As the lone senior in the receivers room, it would stand to reason that Terrell Timmons Jr. could be in line for a leadership role with the Colorado Buffaloes.

That’s not what receivers coach Jason Phillips wants the most out of Timmons, however.

“It’s been very important for him to accept that role (as a leader), but what I would prefer he do is basically just work at being a better Terrell Timmons,” Phillips said Tuesday after the Buffs completed the 10th of 15 spring practices. “Just constantly focus on himself.

“He could have made some contributions to the group last year, but I just need to see him take that next step from a production standpoint.”

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Timmons has exceptional ability and is a big target for CU’s quarterbacks. Last year, however, he didn’t get a lot of playing time behind a quartet of NFL-bound receivers and dynamic youngsters Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 8th

… CU in a few minutes … 

WR coach Jason Phillips on young room: “I’m a fundamental, developmental guy. So I like developing guys”

From the Daily Camera … If working with the new-look receiver group remains fun when the footballs start flying around for real later this summer, that will be good news for the Colorado football team.

For now, though, Jason Phillips is enjoying the simple pleasures of teaching.

It is an entirely new situation this spring for Phillips, who is beginning his second season as CU’s receivers coach. The Buffaloes boasted one of the top receiver groups in the nation last year, with a talented quartet at the top that probably made Phillips’ job easy more often than not.

This year, it’s a younger and far more experienced group Phillips is trying to get up to speed, while CU’s receivers also adjust to life without Shedeur Sanders running the offense. For Phillips, so far it has been a challenging but completely welcome change as the Buffs begin hitting the stretch run of spring practice ahead of the April 19 spring game at Folsom Field.

“It’s actually fun, because you get to get back to the fundamentals and the basics and developing guys,” Phillips said. “Last year, we didn’t have that luxury. We had a lot of veteran guys in the room and we just kind of let them play the game. But now we’ve got to teach guys formations, alignments, and those types of things. So it’s been refreshing. It’s kind of bringing me back to who I am. That’s why I’m a fundamental, developmental guy. So I like developing guys.

“I don’t really care about the talent. We can get you to where you want to get to. You have to be willing to do the fundamentals and basics. And that’s all about the process. So that’s been refreshing. It’s been great.”

… Continue reading story here …

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*Sophomore WR Drelon Miller on participating at CU Pro Day; Wearing No. 1 Jersey*

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffStampede.com

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April 7th

… CU in a few minutes … 

*Video – CU’s first spring scrimmage*

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April 4th

... CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime: “The surest bets in this draft are those two young men, and I didn’t stutter or stammer when I said that”

From the Daily Camera … The stars came out in Boulder one last time on Friday.

Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and others worked out for NFL scouts at Colorado’s “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” at the indoor practice facility.

Overall, 16 draft hopefuls from CU performed in front of 70 scouts representing all 32 NFL teams, as well 250 credentialed media.

“Proud of each and every one of these young men for what they’re doing, what they’re accomplishing and what they’re doing for the program,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said. “This is phenomenal. Thank you all for coming. This is tremendous – a tremendous boost for our program, what we’re trying to accomplish here at CU.”

From the time he arrived as head coach in December of 2022, Sanders has brought unprecedented attention to the CU program – as well as a collection of talent that hasn’t been in Boulder in years.

That was all on display Friday, with the most hyped pro day CU’s had in many years, if not ever. The NFL Network broadcast part of the event live. ESPN was on hand, as were several other media members who traveled to Boulder from out of state.

The main draws, of course, were Shedeur and Hunter, both projected as potential top five picks in the NFL Draft, which takes place April 24-26.

“I think we have the most qualified guys in the draft,” said Coach Prime, who has often said he believes his son and Hunter should be the top two picks. “They’re not a risk. Shedeur has been doing it year after year after year after year. Shedeur has led college football in this, this, this, this. Travis, ain’t nobody like Travis.

“The surest bets in this draft are those two young men, and I didn’t stutter or stammer when I said that.”

… Continue reading story here …

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** Coach Prime addresses the media after CU’s Pro Timing Day **

From You Tube, courtesy of BuffStampede.com …

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Shedeur Sanders press conference

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CU NFL Pro Day broadcast featuring 16 Buffs on NFL Network

From CUBuffs.com … The Colorado Buffaloes will host an NFL Showcase on April 4, with 16 draft-eligible players participating in drills in front of NFL scouts and close family and friends. The NFL Network will cover the day-long event with a two-hour broadcast live from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. MT.

Headlined by Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and top QB prospect Shedeur Sanders, the Showcase will also include LB LaVonta Bentley, DL Shane Cokes, DE BJ Green II, WR Jimmy Horn Jr., S Travis Jay, OL Justin Mayers, DL Chidozie Nwankwo, S Shilo Sanders, WR Will Sheppard, S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, S Herman Smith III, OL Kardell Thomas, P Mark Vassett, and WR LaJohntay Wester.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. with players reporting to the weight room for measurements and bench press before heading out to the IPF for vertical, broad jump, 40-yard dash, and pro-shuttle-L-drill. In the afternoon, position drills will commence with segments for linebackers, defensive line, offensive line, quarterback/wide receivers, defensive backs, and specialists.

The NFL Network will begin its PATH TO THE DRAFT/Colorado Showcase broadcast at 12:30 p.m. MT and broadcast live for two hours with Steve Wyche and Brian Baldinger on site and Rhett Lewis, Bucky Brooks, and Daniel Jeremiah in the studio.

The event will take place in CU’s Indoor Practice Facility and is not open to the public.

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April 3rd

… CU in a few minutes … 

New special teams coordinator Michael Pollock “excited for the opportunity” 

From the Daily Camera … For the past several years, Michael Pollock has been a trusted assistant coach for Deion Sanders, the head coach for Colorado.

In the offseason, Pollock was rewarded with a promotion, as he is now the Buffaloes’ special teams coordinator.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Pollock, who was a quality control analyst at CU the past two years. “Coach Prime, to be able to trust me with that position and put me in that role, which is a critical role for our football program, it lets me know my hard work is paying off. It lets me know that I’m developing that kind of trust from him to get the job done.”

Pollock has worked with Sanders for the past four years, including the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Jackson State. Now, the former Georgia long snapper is aiming to help the Buffs improve their special teams.

“I’ve embraced the role,” he said. “I’m excited to work with the guys I’m working with, the kickers and punters and snappers. We’ve got some talent coming back. Just excited to be able to be a part of that.”

CU returns placekicker Alejandro Mata and long snapper Kameron Hawkins. The Buffs have also added kicker Buck Buchanan (a transfer from Louisiana Tech) and punter Damon Greaves (Kansas).

… Continue reading story here …

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Colorado governor signs bill allowing payments to student athletes

From the Daily Camera … The University of Colorado and other in-state higher education institutions are now allowed to provide financial compensation for student-athletes.

Governor Jared Polis has signed into law House Bill 25-1041, regarding student-athlete name, image or likeness (NIL).

Co-sponsored by Rep. Lesley Smith, a former CU-Boulder regent, and senators James Coleman and Judy Amabile, the bill passed through the House and Senate by an overwhelming majority before being signed into law by Polis.

“As we enter a new era of collegiate athletics, House Bill 1041 gives Colorado universities the ability to meet the demands of a rapidly changing environment while providing essential protection for our student-athletes,” CU athletic director Rick George said in a statement provided to the Daily Camera. “My thanks to Representative Smith, Senate Leader Coleman, and Senator Amabile for their leadership on this important bill and to Governor Polis for keeping Colorado a national leader when it comes to Name, Image, and Likeness rights for student-athletes.”

Although NCAA rules have prohibited schools and athletic associations from directly paying student-athletes, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken granted preliminary approval of a settlement in the House vs. NCAA antitrust case in October. A final approval is expected from Wilken next week.

Once the House vs. NCAA settlement is approved, NCAA schools that opt in may distribute up to $20.5 million during the 2025-26 school year to their student-athletes through revenue sharing. The Big 12 Conference has mandated that all of its schools, including CU, opt in to the settlement. HB 1041 becoming a law allows CU to comply with the NCAA settlement.

… Continue reading story here …

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April 2nd

… CU in a few minutes …

Offensive line coach Andre Gurode happy to be back: “It’s always been a special place for me”

From the Daily Camera … Assistant offensive line coach Andre Gurode was thrilled to get hired by Sanders in February, giving him a chance to return to Boulder. A four-year starter at CU from 1998-2001, Gurode was a consensus All-American in 2001 and was inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.

“I did not think that it was going to happen the way that it happened, but God always has a plan of how he wants to work things out,” Gurode said. “It’s always been a special place for me. It was a school that I chose because it was the right school for me, and it’s continued to be the right place for me, even coming back to visit old teammates and things of that nature.

“It’s always been a special place for me, and that was because of what they did for me as a young graduate, and making sure that I went through the program and I became the man that I needed to be.”

After CU, Gurode was selected in the second round (37th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. A five-time Pro Bowler during his nine seasons in Dallas, Gurode also played with the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders.

… Read full story here …

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April 1st

… CU in a few minutes …

Linebackers coach Andre Hart likes the “intensity” of his new players

From YouTube, courtesy of BuffStampede.com … 

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Senior Edge rusher Arden Walker

Senior safety Ben Finneseth … 

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March 31st

… CU in a few minutes … 

Marshall Faulk on running backs: “The guys that I trust will play”

From the Daily Camera … There are some running backs coaches who prefer to have a lead back who can handle the bulk of the carries. Others like to have two they can lean on.

Colorado’s first-year running backs coach, Marshall Faulk, simply wants to trust as many backs as possible.

“The guys that I trust will play,” the Hall of Famer said.

Faulk, who starred in the NFL from 1994-2005, became one of the best running backs in history because he was reliable on every snap and could do everything the position required.

“I brought him in, first and foremost, because of his expertise of what he does,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said. “I feel like we’re better in the backfield, especially with addition of Marshall Faulk.”

To this point, in fact, Faulk is the only addition to the room.

All five scholarship running backs from last year have returned, including leading rusher Isaiah Augustave (85 carries for 384 yards). Dallan Hayden (64 carries for 196 yards), Micah Welch (43 for 186) and Charlie Offerdahl (26 for 119) also started at times. The other scholarship back, Brandon Hood, redshirted last year.

For the backs to be better and have a bigger role, Faulk is teaching the details that made him great.

“I’m gonna ask them to do certain things and I want to know what they like doing,” he said. “So I’m gonna try to put them in positions to win, but in practice, I’m gonna ask them to do some of the things that they dislike, because I need them to get better at that so they can grow if they want to go to the next level.”

… Read full story here …

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March 30th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Offensive line looking to be a strength in 2025: “We will impose our will when we want to”

From the Daily Camera … As the Colorado football team moves into a different era that no longer includes Shedeur Sanders starring at quarterback, there appears to be a different mindset offensively. Especially up front.

“We’re gonna run the ball every game, and we’re going to do it and impose our will this year,” sophomore tackle Jordan Seaton said after a recent spring practice.

That’s a bold statement considering the Buffs have been last in the country in rushing yards the past two years, averaging 68.9 yards per game in 2023 and 65.2 last year.

Then again, with Sanders, who was arguably the best quarterback in the country, and a group of receivers led by Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Seaton acknowledged, “Who doesn’t want to throw the ball that much?”

In preparing for the 2025 season, however, the offensive line is gearing up to make sure this year is different.

“We will run the ball, and we’ll impose our will when we want to – how we want to and when we want to,” Seaton said.

… Continue reading story here …

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March 29th

… CU in a few minutes … 

FBS Oversight Committee denies CU/Syracuse Spring Game

… Maybe next spring …

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March 28th

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Coach Prime Contract Extension Announced – Base Salary: $10 million/year**

Terms … From ESPN … Sanders’ base salary will increase to $10 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid football coach in the Big 12, and among the top-10 highest-paid head football coaches in the country. According to the contract, Sanders will earn another $10 million in 2026, $11 million in 2027, $11 million in 2028 and $12 million in 2029.

If Sanders accepts another coaching job before the end of the contract, his buyout would start at $12 million if he left on or before Dec. 31, 2025, followed by $10 million in 2026, $6 million in 2027, $4 million in 2028 and $3 million in 2029. He can retire from coaching, though, without having to pay damages to the university — as long as he doesn’t retire and then return to coaching somewhere else.

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Note … Incentive clauses for Coach Prime’s contract can be found at the end of the Press Release … 

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Press Release from CUBuffs.com … After a transformational two years, the University of Colorado Boulder has extended Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’s contract as head football coach through the 2029 season, CU Athletic Director Rick George announced today.

Coach Prime has orchestrated one of the biggest turnarounds in college football history, inheriting a team that went 1-11 and leading it to nine wins and a bowl berth in just two seasons. The Buffaloes under Coach Prime are also one of the most-watched teams in sports, attracting over 54 million viewers throughout the 2024 season, including 8 million who tuned in to watch CU take on BYU in the Alamo Bowl, the highest viewership in the 32-year history of the event.

“Coach Prime has revolutionized college football and in doing so, has restored CU football to our rightful place as a national power,” said George. “This extension not only recognizes Coach’s incredible accomplishments transforming our program on and off the field, it keeps him in Boulder to compete for conference and national championships in the years to come.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue building something special here at Colorado,” said Coach Prime. “We’ve just scratched the surface of what this program can be. It’s not just about football; it’s about developing young men who are ready to take on the world. I’m committed to bringing greatness to this university, on and off the field. We’ve got work to do, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here, making history with these incredible players and this passionate fan base. Lastly, anybody got at least a five-bedroom home with acreage for sale?”

Coach Prime’s impact on the university and Boulder community has been remarkable. Due in part to Coach Prime’s engagement and the visibility he’s created, applications to attend CU Boulder increased 20% from a year ago to over 67,000, including a 18% increase in applications from out-of-state. Applications from prospective students who identify as Black/African American increased 50.5%, and applications from prospective students who identify as non-white increased 29.3%.

Meanwhile, CU sold out all but two home games during the 2024 season, marking the first time the Buffs have sold out four or more games in back-to-back seasons since 1995-96. This past season, home football games brought a combined $93.9 million in direct economic impact to the City of Boulder and $146.5 million in total regional economic impact.

Under Coach Prime’s leadership, the football team has also been excellent in the classroom, posting its best term GPA in program history last fall semester with a mark of 3.011, the first time in program history they’ve recorded above a GPA of 3.0.

“CU Boulder is one of the most innovative campuses in the country, so it’s only natural and appropriate that we have the most innovative coach as well,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Coach Prime has done a masterful job transforming CU Boulder’s football program into the must-watch matchup nationwide, week after week, and I’m excited to see what the team will accomplish under his leadership in the next five years. He is also committed to a program with the highest level of integrity that emphasizes our student-athletes’ academic performance and helps them achieve their post-football career goals. Thank you to the University of Colorado Board of Regents, President Todd Saliman, and Athletic Director Rick George for their leadership on what is a great day for CU.”

Coach Prime has also immersed himself in the campus community well beyond his role as football coach, serving as a guest lecturer for a class in the university’s College of Media, Communication, and Information, serving as the keynote speaker at the Conference on World Affairs, and speaking to students at both the Leeds School of Business and Colorado Law School. He also attended the grand opening of the university’s Center for African & African American Studies located on campus.

The extension increases Coach Prime’s yearly base salary to $10 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid football coach in the Big 12 and among the top 10 highest-paid head football coaches in the country.  

CU Boulder is a non-profit, public institution, and no tuition or state funding dollars are being utilized in this contract. Coach Prime’s extension is paid for exclusively from the Athletic Department budget, which comprises media rights, ticket and merchandise sales, donations and sponsorships.

With Coach Prime’s commitment to the University of Colorado Boulder now set, fans are encouraged to show their commitment to Coach and CU football by donating to the CU Buff Club.

Coach Prime is represented by SMAC Entertainment, who was instrumental in the extension of this agreement.

Coach Prime contract  incentive clauses … 

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March 27th

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Folsom Field going back to an artificial surface**

From the Daily Camera … Folsom Field is getting a makeover.

The University of Colorado is replacing its natural grass turf and going to an artificial surface at Folsom Field for the first time since 1998.

Installed by AstroTurf, CU’s new field will be similar to the artificial surfaces that are used around the country at all levels of athletics. The project will start shortly after the Bolder Boulder, which takes place May 26, and is expected to be completed before July 1 – weather permitting. Folsom Field is hosting three Phish concerts July 3-5.

“I think putting turf down there gives us flexibility, certainly with the change in the College Football Playoff,” CU athletic director Rick George told BuffZone. “Being a northern school, you don’t grow grass after October, and having a game in December (for the CFP) was a big part of that consideration. Plus, it gives us another field that we can practice on daily that will benefit our football program.”

Concerts played a role in the decision, as well, because now Folsom can host non-football events during the fall or other times of the year. With a grass field, concerts have been limited to summer months because of the process of keeping the field in good shape for football game days.

“It gives you flexibility on timing on when you could host an event, and it’ll give us an opportunity to potentially host an event in the fall that we wouldn’t ever be able to do because with grass,” George said. “And, look, we’re one of the few schools in the north that have had grass this long. So I think the timing is right for us to do that.”

Last year, 69.4% (93 of 134) of the schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision played on artificial surfaces. Of the 41 schools that used natural grass, 31 are located in the South, California or Arizona. (North Carolina has been using an artificial turf but announced in January it is going back to natural grass this year.)

CU played five of its seven away games on artificial surfaces last year. Folsom Field will become the 11th football stadium in the Big 12 with artificial turf.

… Continue reading story here …

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Unknown offensive line coach Gunnar White: “He’s passionate about what he does, and deserves the opportunity”

From the Daily Camera … When he got to Jackson State University in 2022, Gunnar White needed time to get used to working for hall of famer Deion Sanders, the Tigers’ head football coach at the time.

“I was a little star struck, a little bit,” he said. “It took me about two to three months to actually go into the office and not walk past and say, ‘Oh, he’s on the couch, I better keep going.’ I was just trying to keep my head down and just work.”

Sanders is now in his third year as the head coach at Colorado. He has built a star-studded staff that included fellow hall of famers Marshall Faulk and Warren Sapp, as well as several other NFL veterans.

White doesn’t fit into that same mold, but he was promoted from his analyst job this offseason to become the Buffaloes’ new offensive line coach. And he earned it by keeping his head down and working, particularly over the last three years with Sanders.

“He’s a workaholic, first of all. He works his butt off,” Sanders said of White. “You talk about a man that’s passionate about what he does, and deserves the opportunity.”

White’s own playing career brief and unheralded. He was an all-state lineman at Terry (Miss.) High School and played two seasons at Hinds Community College before transferring to Texas Tech, where he didn’t play.

Instead, he found a different path to get to where he wanted to go.

“I didn’t play a lot of ball – a little JUCO, had a cup of coffee in D-I,” he said. “After that, I got into student equipment managing at Jackson State, and I worked my tail off.”

For two years (2014-15) he worked as a student assistant at JSU before graduating. He continued to make an impression, though, earning coaching opportunities at Belhaven University, Nevada and back to JSU in 2022.

Along the way, he worked for Timmy Chang, who is now the head coach at Hawaii; Hal Mumme, who was one of the founders of the air raid offense; and Jay Norvell, now the head coach at Colorado State.

… Continue reading story here …

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March 26th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime: ‘I’m like a DJ. Just because we change the song, we’ve gotta keep playing”

From Sports Illustrated … The Colorado Buffaloes will be without Deion Sanders’s two sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, along with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter next season as the trio departed for the NFL draft, but Deion believes his Buffaloes team will be even better without them in 2025.

Though Shedeur won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and solidified himself as a top quarterback prospect in the draft while Hunter won the Heisman and countless other awards as a two-way star, the Buffaloes coach believes Colorado will be even better without them thanks to the team they have built.

“I’m like a DJ, The record keep playing, baby,” Deion said on NFL Network. “Just because we change the song, we’ve gotta keep playing. … We’ve got some young men, they might not be Shedeur, Shilo, or Travis, or any of the guys that played phenomenal for us, especially those receivers, but I don’t think, I know, we’re gonna have a better team.

“We won’t have two players like that this year, but we will have a better team,” Deion continued. “We have some corners that can lock down. They should be ranked high in the draft going into next season. The linebackers I think are more agile, we have more depth in the front, offensive and defensive line. Marshall Faulk is coaching the backs, so you’re gonna see an influx of talent there as well.”

… Continue reading story here …

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March 25th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU’s new safeties ready for challenge of replacing Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig 

From the Daily Camera … CU has two big holes to fill in the back of the defense, with Silmon-Craig and Shilo graduating.

Although Shilo missed three games due to injury, that duo combined for 160 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception and four fumble recoveries. Silmon-Craig led the team in tackles (93) and was third in TFLs (10).

There is a lot of confidence in the group of safeties the Buffs have this year, though.

“One of the first things I noticed is that they all love the game,” cornerback DJ McKinney said. “They just love being out there, love working, just running around, going after the ball and everything.”

Junior Carter Stoutmire might be the best of the group. He was the top backup last year, while making three starts when Sanders was out. He finished with 42 tackles and seven pass breakups.

“Carter Stoutmire is a guy that plays a variety of roles for us,” defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said. “He kind of embodies what we want to be, having a tribe mentality. It’s not about himself, it’s about the team and what’s best. To go from playing post safety to nickel to corner is rare, and he’s obviously a genetic freak, so excited for him.”

McKinney said he can “always depend on” Stoutmire, but added that newcomer Tawfiq Byard is a “dawg” and a student of the game. A transfer from South Florida, Byard is the younger brother of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard of the Chicago Bears.

RJ Johnson, Savion Riley and Antonio Branch are competing this spring, as well, while senior walk-on Ben Finneseth can’t be counted out. He’s making his presence felt this spring.

“Ben’s done a great job in the weight room, and he brings a lot of great energy and juice and we’ll see where it falls out after that,” Livingston said.

… Read full story here …

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March 24th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU Pro Day to be televised by NFL Network (April 4th, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., MT)

Press release from CUBuffs.com …

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March 23rd

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU/Syracuse file paperwork with NCAA asking permission for a joint Spring Game

From The Athletic … Four days after head coach Deion Sanders floated the idea of Colorado finding an opponent for its annual spring game, Syracuse and the Buffaloes filed paperwork with the NCAA to make it happen.

“For us to be the first to do it at two historic schools would mean a lot,” Syracuse coach Fran Brown said Friday at a news conference, per Syracuse.com. “Two African-American men, too. To have the opportunity of doing that means a lot. Especially with (Deion Sanders) being an icon.”

College football programs are allowed 15 practices during a 35-day window in the spring. Colorado’s spring game, which is scheduled to be an intrasquad scrimmage, is on April 19, the same day as Syracuse’s final spring practice.

The NCAA FBS oversight committee meets next on April 10, when it could approve or deny Syracuse’s and Colorado’s request.

Monday, Sanders said he wants to follow the NFL and have joint practices with an opponent for a few days near the end of the practice window, culminating with a game between the teams.

“That’s what I’m trying to do right now, to have it competitive. Playing against your own guys kind of gets monotonous, and you really can’t tell the levels of your guys,” Sanders said. “It’s the same old, same old. Everybody kind of knows each other.”

Later Monday, Brown responded to Sanders in a post on X and said Syracuse would be willing to spend three days in Boulder.

A joint spring game or practice has never happened in college, despite coaches lobbying for it. However, major programs have begun eschewing the tradition of spring games. Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, USC and Florida State are among those not hosting one in 2025.

… Continue reading story here …

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March 22nd

… CU in a few minutes … 

Syracuse at CU for Spring Game picking up momentum?

From the Daily Camera … Colorado’s Black & Gold spring football game next month could become the Black & Orange game.

The Post-Standard in Syracuse reported Friday that CU and Syracuse have both filed paperwork with the NCAA to allow joint practices, followed by a scrimmage at Folsom Field on April 19. Through a source, BuffZone has been able to confirm the report.

Although it’s possible to happen, a lot of work would have to be done in a short period of time to pull it off, even if the NCAA grants a waiver. Current NCAA rules prohibit teams from playing offseason scrimmages against each other.

However, CU head coach Deion Sanders said Monday that rather than an intrasquad scrimmage, he wants to play another team for the spring game, slated for April 19 (2:30 p.m., ESPN2).

The idea has gained some steam this week.

Syracuse opened spring practices on Friday and Brown told reporters, “It’s in the hands of the NCAA right now. We are locked in. Me and Coach Prime, we’re excited. … We’re hoping this happens. This would be good, us to be the first to do it. At two historical schools that would mean a lot, and two African American men, too, to have the opportunity of doing that, that means a lot.”

Also on Friday, Sanders was at Big 12 pro days and said during an interview on the NFL Network, “I’m praying that (Brown) is the guy that’s going to make that jump. His university, we’ve already communicated. Fran, I love you and I appreciate you and I’m praying that it happens.”

If the NCAA were to allow it, there would be several logistical hurdles to clear, including Syracuse working around its own spring game, currently scheduled for April 12 (it is not slated for television). And the Orange would have to figure costs and details for traveling to Boulder less than four weeks from now.

… Read full story here …

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Buffs improve draft stock at Big 12 Pro Days

From the Daily Camera … Former CU receiver Will Sheppard put up some good numbers at Big 12 pro days in Frisco, Texas, this week.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound Sheppard isn’t known as a speedster, but made an impact in college for his athleticism in getting to the ball. He showed that off with his jumping ability, while also running a solid 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Sheppard’s 38 ½-inch vertical leap ranked third out of 31 receivers at pro days. Sheppard also posted a 10-foot, 6-inch broad jump that ranked sixth. Both marks would have ranked favorably among the top receivers at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis.

Defensive lineman BJ Green also did well, posting a 4.7-second 40 and 30 inches in the vertical jump. Defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo had a 5.6-second 40 and 23-inch vertical and 26 reps on the 225-pound bench press – a number that ranked eighth in the Big 12.

Shane Cokes, ranked 13th among nearly 40 defensive linemen in the vertical leap (31 inches) and broad jump (9-4). Linebacker LaVonta Bentley had 25 reps on the bench, which was second among the 16 linebackers at pro days. Only two linebackers at the NFL Combine had more.

Receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., offensive lineman Kardell Thomas and defensive backs Travis Jay and Herman Smith III also participated.

CU will hold its own pro day on April 4.

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March 21st 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Marshall Faulk: “Arguably the greatest running back to ever play the game – and a bona fide leader”

From the Daily Camera … There’s no question why Colorado head coach Deion Sanders wanted Marshall Faulk on his coaching staff.

“I brought him in, first and foremost, because of his expertise of what he does,” Sanders said of his new running backs coach. “He was one of the greatest, arguably the greatest, running back to ever play the game. I’m talking about in all phases: blocking, running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield – and a bona fide leader.”

A Pro Football Hall of Famer, College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL offensive player of the year, Faulk’s credentials speak for themselves. He’s the only player in NFL history with a least 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards, starring for both the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams in his 12-year career.

Beyond his football knowledge, however, Faulk brings a unique area of expertise to the table. Prior to being hired by CU last month, Faulk has spent the past seven years teaching financial literacy – a topic of importance for Sanders as players are now making NIL money.

“It is part of the dynamic that I bring,” Faulk said. “I’ve spent the past seven years working in the financial sector, and what we want to do. This is what I love about the man (Sanders) and the person. … When these kids leave here, the most important thing that he cares about is who they become as a young man. That is the most important thing, and making sure, because he knows in sports – not just football, in sports – when a lot of athletes leave their sport, financially they’re not in good standing. And he wants to educate you on the field. He wants to educate you in life.

“He wants to make sure you’re educated in finances. Making sure that these young men take the values of football and go be great in football, but make sure you’re great in life as well. And that’s the idea.”

… Continue reading story here …

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March 20th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Robert Livingston on DJ McKinney: “When you watch DJ walk in the room, your like ‘Oh my God, that a (top) guy'”

From the Daily Camera … Before DJ McKinney even steps foot on the field, he makes a good impression.

“When you watch DJ walk in the room, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, that’s a (top) guy,’” Colorado defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said.

Watch McKinney play and there’s no doubt.

A rising junior, McKinney is aiming to be a leader for the Buffaloes this season in a cornerback room that has to replace the best player in the country from the 2024 season.

Last season, McKinney started all 13 games at cornerback for the Buffs (9-4). Although overshadowed by Heisman Trophy winner and Big 12 defensive player of the year Travis Hunter, McKinney had an exceptional season, posting 62 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups.

“One of the biggest things I learned about myself is I gotta always stay on myself more,” said McKinney, who transferred to CU from Oklahoma State a year ago. “I’m my biggest critic, so I just want to make sure that I keep stacking every day, each day, getting better and everything.

“Another thing is just don’t get too high on the highs, don’t get too low in the lows. Like I said, just got to keep a constant mindset, a pro mindset, really, every day.”

… Continue reading story here …

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March 18th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Warren Sapp: “Oh my God, do I love it and the babies react to it. And we’re having fun”

From the Daily Camera … Long hours required in coaching aren’t for everyone, and Warren Sapp certainly didn’t think it would suit him.

A year into his coaching career, however, the Pro Football Hall of Famer said he is “addicted” to this new phase of life.

“I never thought I wanted this job,” said Sapp, 52, an assistant defensive line coach with the Colorado Buffaloes. “I never thought I’d want to be here the amount of hours I’m here, but oh my God, do I love it and the babies react to it. And we’re having fun.

“Trust me, I wake up every morning and drive over Table Mesa and look at them mountains and I get my motivation. It’s magical to me every morning I get to drive over that thing and come in and do what I do. I’m enjoying it.”

Coaching was never on his radar, though, until CU head coach Deion Sanders – also a Hall of Famer – enticed him to join the staff last year. Now, Sapp is fully enjoying mentoring the young men in CU’s program.

“The kids are really attentive, because they understand that what we’re teaching is for the betterment of them,” Sapp said. “We want them at the next level, because that’s our reputation. I tell them all the time, my (Hall of Fame) bust in Ohio doesn’t get chipped, my gold jacket don’t get dirty. None of that happens to any of that. No, I’m here for you. So whatever you need me to do for you, I’m willing to do for you and meet you more than halfway.”

If players – Sapp calls them his “babies” want to meet and watch film at 6 a.m., Sapp said he’ll show up at 5:45.

“I think my babies understand I’m just here for them,” he said. “I’m here strictly for them and Prime (Sanders) over the top of it. So let’s go.”

… Continue reading story here …

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** Warren Sapp and Andre Gurode talk with the media **

Women’s basketball coach JR Payne, defensive line coach Warren Sapp, special teams coordinator Michael Pollock, offensive line coach Andre Gurode, offensive line coach George Hegamin, and men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle … (If you only have a few minutes, watch Warren Sapp’s talk – from 11:00 to 22:30 on the video – definitely worth your time!) …

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March 17th

… CU in a few minutes … 

**Coach Prime’s first spring press conference**

Quotable quotes …

On coaching updates: “We have a couple more huge moves this week or next week that you are really going to appreciate”

On coaching without his kids: “I love it because I only have to wear one hat”

On running backs coach Marshall Faulk: “He was one of the best running backs to play the game. He’s not just a friend, that’s my dog”

On CU’s Pro Day in April possible being televised by the NFL Network: “All 32 teams will be represented here”

On retaining Robert Livingston as defensive coordinator: “Rob was on everyone’s list. … We still lost a lot of great coaches.”

On the status of his contract extension: “I don’t know .. Let’s get everyone straight first. I’m good”

On Isaiah Hardge potentially playing both ways: “I love this young man. … He is coming into his own and he’s playing slot receiver”

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Offensive lineman Jordan Seaton … 

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Defensive back DJ McKinney … 

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March 16th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Denzel Washington to team: “You are going to the national championship”

From ESPN … The Colorado Buffaloes received words of wisdom from an impressive speaker Wednesday: legendary actor and director Denzel Washington.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders boasting an impressive Rolodex of A-list talent is nothing new. But Washington offered the Buffaloes squad plenty of insight as spring practices get underway.

“When you pray for rain, you got to deal with the mud too,” he says to start off the video clip. “But eventually, good things grow out of that mud.”

Washington ended the speaking session with a bold request — for the team to invite him to the national championship game when it reaches it.

“I’m going to say this now, if y’all don’t send me a ticket to the national championship when you get there, then don’t ever go to none of my movies ever again,” he said. “I don’t want to know you. Because I know you [are] going to be there.

“Now you remember that Denzel Washington said it: ‘You are going to the national championship.'”

The actor clarified further that even if the players never necessarily ended up in the College Football Playoff national title game, they will be “going to the national championship in life anyway.”

… Continue reading story here …

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March 13th

… CU in a few minutes …

RB coach Marshall Faulk: “We’re going to be better. I can guarantee you we are going to be better”

From the Daily Camera … Opportunities to jump into coaching have come up in the past for Marshall Faulk.

Every time, the Hall of Fame running back would say no. When Colorado head coach Deion Sanders came calling this winter, however, Faulk was finally ready.

Now, he’s in his first week of spring practices as the running backs coach for the Buffaloes.

“I’ve been saying no to coaching since I left football,” said Faulk, who retired after the 2005 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, along with Sanders. “For the past, like, three, maybe four years, coach (Sanders) has been grooming me. He’ll call me and ask me certain stuff. He’ll ask me about a player, and we’ll talk about this and that. ‘Hey, come up and watch us practice.’ So he’s been grooming me.”

In the past, Faulk often rejected coaching opportunities in part because he didn’t want to miss his kids’ activities. Now that his kids are older, the timing is right.

Hired last month, Faulk is brand new to being a coach but is leaning on his tremendous wealth of knowledge, as well as his history with coaches.

“The reality is realizing the age gap between myself and these kids,” said Faulk, 52. “That’s the difference. Because, I mean, I still remember myself as a player sitting in the room, and for me, it’s good, because I think about how I wanted to be coached, the things I liked about coaches, the kind of coach I wish I had. Now I’m trying to be that for them.”

… Continue reading story here …

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**Press Conference: New Coaches**

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March 11th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

**First Spring Press Conference**

Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, and CU’s quarterbacks expected …

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March 10th

… CU in a few minutes … 

The Athletic: Confirmation from recruits that they turned down extra money to play for Coach Prime

From The Athletic … The Buffaloes’ overall class ranked second in the Big 12 and 27th nationally, per 247Sports. The high school class ranked fourth in the Big 12 and 37th nationally, per the 247Sports Composite. The top two prospects behind Lewis are offensive linemen. Carde Smith of Mobile, Ala., was committed to Auburn and then USC before flipping to Colorado a week before the early signing period. Fellow four-star Chauncey Gooden, from Nashville, Tenn., committed to the Buffaloes on the same day.

The Buffaloes’ class features six four-star high school prospects, more than any other Big 12 team but Texas Tech. That’s up from four high school recruits four-stars or better in each of CU’s previous two classes. The 2025 class featured prospects from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Texas and Michigan.

How is Colorado doing it, beyond coming off a 9-4 season?

While Sanders hasn’t changed his stance on taking visits — “I don’t go to nobody’s school or nobody’s house. I’m not doing that. I’m too old to be going to somebody’s school, somebody’s house,” Sanders, 57, told talk show host Tamron Hall in December — that strategy doesn’t extend to his staff.

Sanders left untouched a $200,000 allowance in his contract for private air travel for recruiting purposes, per USA Today, but the Buffaloes spent $943,504 on recruiting in the 2024 fiscal year, according to Colorado’s NCAA financial forms obtained by The Athletic, which puts Colorado in the same ballpark as what is reported by many of its peers.

Former Colorado offensive line coach Phil Loadholt, who left for Mississippi State after last season, visited Smith in person four or five times, according to Smith’s high school coach, Antonio Coleman.

“(Loadholt) was always in constant contact with Carde, and they built a relationship that made him feel like he was at home,” Coleman said. “If (Sanders) showed up on campus, he’d probably get bum-rushed. Safety is a big deal in that also. Nick Saban came to campus, but he was always well-protected and well-surrounded.”

Sanders began his second season at Colorado with new coordinators. This year, both offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston are back. They have been fixtures on the road in recruiting, high school coaches said.

Many coaching staffs around the sport assign assistant coaches to build relationships in specific geographic areas and later put prospects in touch with the program’s position coaches. Colorado largely leaves position coaches to recruit their position, wherever the players may be.

And though Sanders doesn’t travel to recruit, he does frequently FaceTime prospects, usually from his office in Boulder. Players — and more importantly in some cases, players’ parents — are familiar with Sanders’ persona and playing days, which can allow Sanders to make an impression on prospects’ families long before he makes contact.

“These days, you’re dealing with a lot more people and kids where NIL is the biggest thing, and it’s the biggest topic of conversation,” said Jamie Graham, who coached Gooden at Lipscomb Academy. “Colorado didn’t forget about NIL but understood the relationship part of this and what is going to make Colorado special and stand out to someone like Chauncey.”

Coleman said Smith and his mother kept private the amount of an NIL offer Smith had been promised by Colorado but said it was less than what USC had offered.

Willie Gaston, who coached four-star wide receiver Quanell X Farrakhan Jr. at Galena North Shore in Texas, said Farrakhan — who signed with Colorado in December and enrolled last month — didn’t take the highest offer given to him by other schools.

“I know that for a fact. It was a pretty big gap. But he was going somewhere he felt comfortable,” Gaston said. “All these kids want to play at the next level, and the biggest thing for him was who could develop him to play on Sundays. That was the biggest thing for him.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Tickets for Black and Gold game on sale

From CUBuffs.com … Be there as Coach Prime and the Buffaloes take the field for the first time in 2025 at our annual Black and Gold Day event. All seating will be general admission. Please note that seating in the club areas does not include complimentary food and beverage for this event.

Tickets can be purchased here.

For information on premium seating options for Black & Gold Day in the Loge and East Side Suites, fill out our interest form by clicking here!

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March 8th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Julian Lewis named National High School Quarterback of the Year

From Sports Illustrated … Colorado Buffaloes quarterback JuJu Lewis had been named High School Quarterback of the Year by the National Quarterback Club. Lewis joins legends like Texas Longhorns’ Vince Young, Florida Gators’ Tim Tebow, Alabama Crimson Tide’s Bryce Young, Oregon Ducks’ Bo Nix and various others to have won the prestigious award.

… National Quarterback Club list of high school national award winners …

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March 7th

… CU in a few minutes …

CU raises $463,793 during “Buffs All In” fundraising campaign

From CUBuffs.com … A total of 636 donors gave $463,793 (including the $200,000 from the anonymous donor, who agreed to kick in $200K if CU reached 200 new donors).

The big winners … 

— Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund … 61 donors … $214,209 donated

— Student-Athlete Excellence Fund … 117 donors … $68,983 donated

— Football Excellence Fund … 144 donors … $45,677 donated

Lagging behind … 

— Ski Excellence Fund … 7 donors … $412 donated

— Women’s Golf Excellence … 9 donors … $1,246 donated

— Lacrosse Excellence Fund … 9 donors … $1,630 donated

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Two CU games moved to Friday night

Press release from CUBuffs.com …

Two Colorado Football games will be moved to Friday, the Big 12 Conference and its television partners ESPN and FOX jointly announced Friday morning.

The Buffaloes season opener against Georgia Tech will move to Friday, August 29, while CU’s conference opener at Houston two weeks later will move to Friday, September 12.

The Buffs and Yellow Jackets will meet on the football field for the first time, but the two are forever linked by a split national championship in 1990, when CU was named champions by the AP, FWAA, NFF and USA Today/CNN and the Yellow Jackets were named champions by the UPI Coaches poll.  The game is the first of a home-and-home that will see the Buffs head to Atlanta on Sept. 5, 2026.

Originally a non-conference game, the Buffs and Cougars will meet for the first time as Big 12 foes in Week 3.  The two have previously met once in football in the 1971 Bluebonnet Bowl when the seventh-ranked Buffaloes beat the No. 15 Cougars 29-17 on Dec. 31 at the Astrodome in Houston, to cap a 10-2 season.  The win propelled the Buffaloes to a final ranking of No. 3 in the AP poll behind No. 1 Nebraska and No. 2 Oklahoma, the first time one conference has occupied the top three spot in the poll.

The two games were part of 10 games league wide that were announced in conjunction with television partners. Network designations and kick-off times for these games will be announced at a later date.

CU has already signed 31 players via high school (14) and the transfer portal (17) for the 2025 season, headlined by a CU record 13 players who were either 4- or 5-star recruits. Headliners include 5-star QB Julian Lewis, MaxPreps National Player of the Year WR Quentin Gibson and transfers QB Kaidon Salter and DL Jehiem Oatis, among others.

That class will join a talented list of key returners that include four true freshmen who started on offense including OT Jordan Seaton, C Cash Cleveland, WR Drelon Miller and RB Micah Welch.  The Buffs also return key contributors to a big-play defense including DBs Preston Hodge, DJ McKinney, Carter Stoutmire and Colton Hood and edge players Taje McCoy, Samuel Okunlola, Keaten Wade and Arden Walker, among others.

Times and television for the first three weeks will be announced in late May or early June when FOX and ESPN announce their initial TV selections.  After the third week, times and television will be selected 12 days ahead of gameday with the exception of four six-day selections the TV partners can engage contractually.

2025 Big 12 Football Friday Night Selections
Friday, Aug. 29 – Georgia Tech at Colorado
Friday, Aug. 29 – Auburn at Baylor
Friday, Sept. 12 – Colorado at Houston
Friday, Sept. 12 – Kansas State at Arizona
Friday, Sept. 19 – Tulsa at Oklahoma State
Friday, Sept. 26 – TCU at Arizona State
Friday, Oct. 3 – West Virginia at BYU
Friday, Nov. 7 – Houston at UCF
Friday, Nov. 28 – Arizona at Arizona State
Friday, Nov. 28 – Utah at Kansas

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March 6th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Julian Lewis NIL valuation over $1 million (but still one-sixth of Shedeur’s valuation)

From Sports Illustrated … Four-star quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis was the highest-rated commit of the Colorado Buffaloes’ 2025 recruiting class, and according to On3, Lewis’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation of $1.1 million is the highest of any Colorado signee.

Clearly, the quarterback position at Colorado has become one of the most lucrative roles in all of college sports as Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders led the country with a $6.5 million NIL valuation in 2024, according to On3. Per the same rankings, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter had the second-highest NIL valuation at $5.7 million.

As a high school athlete, Lewis signed NIL deals with multiple companies, including athletic apparel brand Alo and men’s jewelry brand Jaxxon. Lewis became Alo Yoga’s first high school athlete, joining stars J.J. McCarthy and Caleb Williams as ambassadors for the brand. Lewis is repped by Athletes First with one of the quickest-rising marketable players.

Most recently, Lewis inked an NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards that was reported six-figure deal. Lewis joins an elite group of college athletes who have also worked with Leaf including: USC Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and UConn basketball star Paige Bueckers.

… Read full story here …

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March 4th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime delivers message to team about discipline; penalties

From USA Today … Colorado football coach Deion Sanders delivered a stern message to his team Monday about penalties, Band-Aids and earrings – a lecture designed to grab his players’ attention about something they’ve sometimes lacked in his first two seasons.

Discipline.

The Buffaloes committed the third-most penalties in the nation in 2023 (107) and the most in the Big 12 Conference in 2024 (100). He reminded his team about it Monday after returning to campus in Boulder following some time away in Texas.

“Last in the conference in penalties, right?” Sanders said to his team, as documented on Well Off Media, a YouTube channel run by his eldest son Deion Jr. “So that means no discipline, right?”

Sanders then singled out an unidentified player who apparently had showed up for the team workout wearing bandages over his earrings. Sanders has prohibited earrings while in uniform and during meetings.

FIXING ANOTHER PROBLEM: Colorado increases investment in offensive line coaching under Deion Sanders

“We got one cat out here with Band-Aids over his ears,” Sanders said. “What that mean? That means `I’m gonna wear my earrings, but I’m gonna put a Band-Aid over them, because I ain’t gonna listen to y’all because I ain’t got no discipline.’ Does that mean that? What that mean? What that mean? That mean you gonna do you right? Forget us. Anybody else out here with earrings in? Anybody else besides one dude?”

Sanders gave the player a warning, telling him he’d be on the “first thing smoking” if he did it again – a reference to transportation out of town.

“Come out here like that again, please,” Sanders told him. “I promise you you’ll be on the first thing smoking. You got that?”

“Yes sir,” the player replied.

… Continue reading story here …

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Current NFL stars see Travis playing both ways: “Be a better Deion Sanders!”

From The Athletic … It should come as no surprise then that he ranks as the No. 1 prospect on our draft guru Dane Brugler’s top 100 big board.

As he prepares to join the NFL ranks, Hunter’s unparalleled two-way success has captured the imagination of more than just fans; NFL players spent the season watching him in awe and wondering how he would best be deployed in the NFL. Should he play cornerback? Wide receiver? Could he possibly keep playing both at a high level in the NFL?

While none of the players we spoke with outright dismissed the notion of the 6-foot, 181-pound Hunter trying to play both ways in the NFL  — Hunter is officially attending the combine as a defensive back, but that doesn’t preclude him from working out as wide receiver, too, if he chooses — the consensus among the group was that cornerback should be Hunter’s primary position

Why?

“His ceiling as a corner is a lot more rare than his ceiling as a receiver,” Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton told The Athletic.

While Slayton thinks Hunter could thrive at both positions, he pointed to the chasm between what it takes to be an elite receiver and an elite cornerback.

“There’s a big gap between the first corner in the league and the 20th corner in the league, a massive gap,” Slayton said. “So, (on) ball skills alone, Travis Hunter would probably automatically become one of the 1-2-3 most dangerous DBs in the league, just off his ability to pick the ball up. Most corners can’t even track the ball and pick it up. I think he’d be really, really rare as a corner.”

Just about every player we spoke with highlighted Hunter’s elite ball skills as what will make him a special NFL defensive back.

“The fact that he can turn his head real quick and can locate the ball — he picked off an in-cut this year … and I was just like, ‘There’s not too many NFL DBs who are making that play.’” Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson said. “That’s really special to see, especially out of a college corner.

“I don’t think you see DBs with his ball skills in the league very much. There are probably three. Like (Houston Texans CB Derek) Stingley. Somebody that has like really, really good ball skills. But I even think (Hunter) probably has better ball skills than him. (Hunter) is really unique, and especially having the perspective of a wideout and then going over to that side of the ball, I think would do him justice. … At DB, he would be one of one for sure.”

… Continue reading story here …

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This post, about the Spring Practices game, from the 2025 Season, is filed under Article.
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