Shilo Sanders’ status concerns Coach Prime as USC game looms
Colorado defensive back Shilo Sanders prepares to line up before a play in the third quarter against Nebraska Saturday September 9, 2023 at Folsom Field. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado is coming off a blowout loss at Oregon, and could potentially be without its’ second-leading tackler approaching the biggest game of the year.
There’s no denying Shilo Sanders is making a name for himself early on this season. His speed, athleticism and natural instincts makes him a ball hawk on the gridiron, and a general in the secondary. However, he sustained an undisclosed injury against the Ducks.
Sanders later went to the hospital after he found blood in his urine. Now Coach Prime is uncertain about the availability of his star safety, who happens to be one of his two sons on the team. Sanders’ health is in limbo, and the highest-ranked opponent on the schedule invades Folsom Field this Saturday.
The Pac-12 has a jaw-dropping, four teams in the AP top-10 this week, and USC is No. 8. That means all eyes will be on this matchup. So Coach Prime is hoping Sanders will be in the starting lineup.
“He’s doing much better, we’re praying that he heals, and he’s playing this weekend,” Coach Prime said. “He’s a viable part of our secondary, and our team defensively.”
Sanders has tallied 25 tackles, including 21 solo through four games. Not to mention he returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown in the victory over Colorado State. He’s a staple against the run, and a natural out in pass coverage, so his value to the defense is priceless through the lens of Coach Prime.
The Trojans are just as potent on offense as the Ducks. Not to mention USC has the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Caleb Williams, who leads the FBS in passing efficiency. Coach Prime knows it’s going to be a challenging task trying to contain Williams and the Trojans’ aerial attack. Which is why he desperately needs Sanders out there on the field against a dangerous group of receivers.
“He (Sanders) is one of the voices on the defense, and he plays with a certain physicality that we desire and want,” he said. “He’s giving me daily updates trust me.”
Sanders generated 10 tackles against TCU, and seven against Oregon. The safety is the tone-setter in the secondary, and the rest of Colorado’s defense builds off Sanders’ energy. Going up against wideouts that can take the top off defenses, means the secondary has to step up. Coach Prime doesn’t want the unit to be a liability to the team again, so defenders like Sanders will be vital in slowing down the Trojans’ explosive offense and keeping them on the sidelines.
“I’m praying that he can play as a father, and as a coach.”
