With the spotlight shining brightly on Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, it’s easy to overlook the contributions of the rest of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. Under the guidance of Coach Deion Sanders, affectionately known as Coach Prime, the program has made significant strides this season.
Coach Prime’s Heartfelt Tribute
On Saturday afternoon, Coach Prime took to Instagram to celebrate his players ahead of their participation in the Hula Bowl, a prestigious college all-star game held in Orlando. In a touching post, he tagged six players: BJ Green II, Chidozie Nwankwo, Shane Cokes, Mark Vassett, LaVonta Bentley, and Justin Mayers.
Coach Prime expressed his pride and admiration, stating,
“This is so Beautiful. I love each and every one of these young men. I’m so Darn proud of y’all man!”
Such heartfelt words from a coach can inspire players, reminding them that their hard work does not go unnoticed.
Player Performances Worth Noting
As the Buffaloes gear up for the NFL Draft in April, many players are aiming to hear their names called. While Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are expected to be top picks, the contributions of other players cannot be ignored. Defensive end BJ Green II had an impressive season, totaling 33 tackles, a career-high 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, according to ESPN statistics.
Chidozie Nwankwo, a defensive tackle, also made his mark with 32 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Shane Cokes contributed significantly on the defensive front with 19 total tackles. Meanwhile, LaVonta Bentley emerged as a key player at linebacker, finishing as the team’s fifth-leading tackler with 55 total tackles and forcing two fumbles. On the offensive side, Justin Mayers played a crucial role on the offensive line, helping to protect the quarterback and create running lanes.
Adding to the team’s special teams prowess, Mark Vassett, a native of Australia, had a standout season, averaging 43.7 yards on 53 punts. These performances highlight the depth and talent within the Buffaloes’ roster, showcasing that while the spotlight may be on a few, many players are making significant contributions to the team’s success.
Buffaloes’ Season Recap
In Deion Sanders’s second year at the helm in Boulder, the Buffaloes showed remarkable improvement, bouncing back from a 4-8 record in 2023 to a commendable 9-4 this season. The team was in contention for the Big 12 championship late in the season but faced a setback against Kansas in late November. Prior to that, the Buffaloes enjoyed a thrilling four-game winning streak, which included victories over notable opponents like Arizona, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, and Utah.
Despite their strong season, Colorado concluded their campaign in the Alamo Bowl, where they fell to No. 17 BYU with a score of 14-36. This game served as a bittersweet end to a season filled with promise and growth.
Looking Ahead: NFL Draft and Future Prospects
As the Buffaloes’ Class of 2024 sets its sights on the NFL Draft, there are whispers that Coach Prime might be considering a jump to the professional ranks, potentially coaching the Las Vegas Raiders. If this transition occurs, it raises questions about how many of his current players would join him at the next level.
Coach Prime has indicated that for him to take an NFL job, he would want to sign his sons—Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. He mentioned this during an appearance on “Good Morning America,” adding an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative surrounding the Buffaloes. The coming months will be pivotal, not only for the players hoping to make it to the NFL but also for the future of the Colorado football program under Coach Prime.
The Impact of Coach Prime
Deion Sanders’s influence on the Colorado program has been profound. His charismatic leadership and ability to attract talent have transformed the Buffaloes into a competitive force in college football. The excitement surrounding the program has grown exponentially, with fans eager to see how the team will evolve in the coming seasons.
As the Buffaloes continue to build on their success, the contributions of players beyond the marquee names will be crucial. The depth of talent in the roster, combined with Coach Prime’s vision, sets the stage for an exciting future for Colorado football.
In a sport where teamwork is paramount, the Buffaloes exemplify the spirit of unity and resilience. As they prepare for the next chapter, both players and fans alike are filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. Will Coach Prime remain in Boulder, or will he take his talents to the NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Colorado Buffaloes are on the rise, and the college football world is watching closely.
