Coach Prime enjoying Colorado’s execution throughout fall camp

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders is back on the sidelines after dealing with health complications during the offseason, and feeling better than ever navigating the Buffaloes through fall camp.

No doubt Coach Prime showed his team strength and determination with the way he persevered through a cancerous tumor. Now the players are willing to run through a brick wall for him as they dive deeper into practice. Despite having 49 new players to the roster, the chemistry and communication is going smoothly, and there’s a positive vibe on the gridiron in Coach Prime’s eyes.

His presence on the field give the players inspiration, and everything appears to be coming full circle as Coach Prime approaches year three in Boulder.

“I’m good, I’m healthy, I’m vibrant, I’m my old self, we walk around campus at least a mile everyday after practice,” Sanders said. “I’m loving life right now, I’m trying my best to live it to the fullest, considering what transpired.”

Although this will be Coach Prime’s first season at Colorado without Travis Hunter, and sons Shedeur and Shilo, he’s ready for whatever comes with the territory. With some key additions to his staff like Marshall Faulk and Byron Leftwich, Coach Prime feels the transition is going smoothly, and the team will have a different approach to the fall.

The Buffaloes are going to have more of a balanced attack on offense, instead of being finesse. Getting stronger in trenches remains a priority. All eyes are on the quarterback position, but Coach Prime is confident the team can win with Kaidon Salter or Julian Lewis behind center. He doesn’t plan on naming a starter until later this month. Everything is in place for Colorado to make improvement, regardless of losing four players to the 2025 NFL Draft.

“We have a tremendous amount of personnel at the running back position, at the coaching positions and the offensive line positions that will impact the running game,” he said. “The commitment we’ll have to the running game this year, we’re going to run the ball and we’re going to be tremendously physical.”

There are several areas that Coach Prime anticipates will be a team strength, including wide receiver, special teams, and the offensive line. Hunter and Jimmy Horne Jr., are gone, but there are some new playmakers at wideout that are ready to emerge from the shadows, and make an instant impact. The kickers are clutch, the punting is superb, and there’s a lot of depth with the big boys up front. Those are impactful units that don’t jump out on stat sheets, but will be vital when Colorado enters Big 12 play.

Coach Prime is high on the offensive line this time around, and he’s eager to watch them maul defenders at the point of attack. Having great hand placement, flexibility and lower body strength will go a long way in the trenches. Which is why Coach Prime anticipates a bunch of pancakes, and believes the offensive line is just starting to crack the surface of their potential.

“They probably have nine guys that can start and contribute mightily, that we don’t fear is going to get in there and mess it up,” the 58-year old said. “That group is physical, they’re smart, tough and truly disciplined.”

However, there are some concerns Coach Prime has midway through fall camp. Cornerback DJ McKinney is a ballhawk, but most of the secondary is unproven and not as deep as other units. Despite the defensive line being full of unknowns, competition is fierce, and eventually the cream will rise to the top. Bottom line, Coach Prime trusts that his players are making strides, and they all have the same mentality when it comes to striving for success.

“The next phase is we’re going to win differently, but we’re going to win.”