Colorado Daily

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Colorado Daily – Fall Camp

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August 26th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Rooney: The Buffs are comin’, but not until 2024 (4-8 in ’23)

From the Daily Camera … The Colorado Buffaloes, indeed they’re comin’.

Much to the dismay of a faction of Buffs fans, however, the full brunt of the Prime Era stampede probably won’t be felt for another year.

Without a doubt, the start of the 2023 football season arrives with a level of optimism and excitement unseen in Boulder in decades. There’s good reason. Since CU announced the hiring of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as the program’s head coach on Dec. 3, an entirely different world has unfolded around Colorado football.

For the first time in four decades, CU sold tickets to its annual spring game. The exhibition sold out and aired live on ESPN. A roster overhaul that began with Sanders’ arrival continued even more dramatically after the spring, as 56 players joined the program over the summer. The talent level, overall, is in another stratosphere compared to what was on display during the Buffs’ miserable 1-11 campaign a year ago.

The hype and swift rebuild have been incredible to watch. Yet the Buffs remain an unfinished product.

The crystal ball in this corner says it will be a 4-8 season for Colorado. Fret not, Buffs fans. It will be a far more exciting product than the one that sloughed through last year’s disaster. And even more help surely is on the way. Sanders already has attracted some elite talent to Boulder. There is no reason to think that process won’t continue, and likely expand, going forward. But there will be growing pains in the transition along the way.

… Continue reading story here …

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Roster moves: ASU linebacker Juwan Mitchell joins Buffs; RB Wilkerson eligible; OL Brown appeal denied

From the Daily Camera …CU has added some big-time experience on defense. Former Texas, Tennessee and Arizona State linebacker Juwan Mitchell appeared on a YouTube video Friday wearing No. 90 at practice.

Mitchell, a sixth-year senior in his final year of eligibility, led Texas in tackles in 2020, with 62, including three against CU in the Alamo Bowl. He transferred to Tennessee in 2021 and recorded 43 tackles for the Volunteers last season.

In June, Mitchell transferred to ASU and was expected to be a starter, but was dismissed from the team on Aug. 8.

Mitchell began his collegiate career at Butler (Kan.) Community College, earning all-conference honors in 2018 before going to Texas in 2019.

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Friday brought good news for one new Colorado Buffalo and heartbreaking news for another.

Head coach Deion Sanders announced to the team that running back Sy’veon Wilkerson has been deemed eligible to play this season after transferring from Jackson State this summer.

Offensive lineman Tyler Brown, however, had his waiver request denied by the NCAA and he must sit out the 2023 season.

The NCAA allows athletes a one-time transfer exception without sitting out a year of competition. Second-time undergraduate transfers must submit a waiver request to avoid sitting out a season.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 25th

… CU in a few minutes … 

DL Shane Cokes: “I think the biggest thing for us was just truly learning how we play together”

From the Daily Camera … Developing a solid rotation in the front of the defense hasn’t been an easy task for the Colorado Buffaloes this summer, but there is progress being made.

CU opens its season on Sept. 2 at TCU (10 a.m. MT, Fox) and the Buffs are doing their best to be ready in the trenches of their defense.

“I think off the field we came together well,” junior defensive lineman Shane Cokes said. “I think the biggest thing for us was just truly learning how we play together.”

Cokes, a transfer from Dartmouth, and Leonard Payne, a transfer from Fresno State, both arrived at CU in January. Most the group didn’t get to Boulder until the summer, however, and they didn’t have their first practice together until earlier this month. But, Cokes said they’ve starting doing much better with the scheme and learning to stop the run.

“I think it’s been good,” he said. “I think it was a little bit rough early on, just kind of understanding gap responsibilities, checks and stuff like that. Today, especially, we’re starting to understand it better, call out plays that might happen and really run fit very well, especially up front and then linebackers filling in the holes better.

“I think it was just growing pains a little bit, but after that we just understood what we need to do, understood the concepts where the linebackers need to fill, how we need to be more disciplined up front.”

… Sunseri added that the Buffs “absolutely” have a rotation of pass rushers he’s comfortable with at this time.

“I think we have some athletic guys who can rush the passer,” Sunseri said. “I think we have guys that have learned to compete. I think we have guys who are learning and I think they’re going out there and they’re trying to apply techniques that we’re trying to get done. There’s been some positives and there’s been some negatives; we’ve just got to keep on developing them.”

… Continue reading story here …

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RB Alton McCaskill anxious to take the field: “I feel really good. I feel really confident”

From the Daily Camera … Alton McCaskill IV is itching to break free and show what he can do on the football field, but the Colorado running back first has to shed the non-contact jersey he’s been wearing throughout preseason camp.

“When can I get out of this?” he asked head coach Deion Sanders during practice on Monday.

The Buffs’ head coach responded with some valuable advice and insight as to why McCaskill continues to wear the yellow jersey every day.

“Do I need you for practice or do I need you for a game?” Sanders said to McCaskill. “You’re trying to shoot a commercial; I want to see a movie.”

Sanders added: “I know you feel good right now, but after you feel good, you’ve got to give it more time. … I want you to feel good like that for a week straight, how you feel right now. I believe in you.”

The only disappointment so far has been his inability to showcase his full talent in practice, but he said he is ready to roll whenever the coaches turn him loose.

“I feel really good. I feel really confident,” he said. “I’m feeling explosive. I’m just taking things day by day right now. That’s why I’m still in this yellow. I’m just taking things day by day, but mentally I feel pretty good. I’m just excited, honestly. It’s been so long since I’ve been in a football atmosphere.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 24th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Dylan Edwards turning heads: “We plan on getting him the ball as much as possible”

From the Daily Camera … At 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 170 pounds, Dylan Edwards is the smallest running back on the Colorado roster.

The dynamic true freshman certainly doesn’t view himself as a small back, however, and he doesn’t play small.

“Yeah, I mean, I don’t know if 5-9 is too small,” he said. “I guess it’s small. I try not to play small. That’s just not what I think about going on the field. … I’m going out there with a fierce mentality to go and ball.”

CU will open its season on Sept. 2 at TCU (10 a.m. MT, Fox) and Edwards is one of the most intriguing players on an offense filled with intriguing playmakers.

“Dylan Edwards is a phenomenal, electrifying player,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said early in preseason camp. “We plan on having him returning kicks as well as getting the ball to him as much as possible.”

A four-star recruit coming out of Derby (Kan.) High School this year, Edwards played for Sanders in youth football years ago before the family moved to Kansas. He then starred at Derby and received three dozen scholarship offers from schools around the country.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 23rd

… CU in a few minutes … 

*A Must Listen: Dan Carlin on the Solid Verbal*

… The Solid Verbal is an excellent podcast which I listen to on a regular basis (even though one of the hosts is an Oregon alumnus). And Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is also a must-listen to podcast (which is great for off-season listening). It’s also great that Carlin, despite living in Eugene at this point, is a proud CU alumnus.

A great combination, and a must-listen to podcast as Carlin talks about CU and its move back to the Big 12 …

The Hardcore History Crossover Episode 2.0 – Dan Carlin talks Coach Prime, Conference Realignment, and Hated Rivals

Ty and Dan invite Dan Carlin from Hardcore History back on the podcast to discuss his deep love for all things Colorado Buffaloes and college football. How does he feel about the unorthodox nature of Deion Sanders’ new regime? What’s the historical comp for Colorado leaving the Pac-12 and rejoining its old conference? What happens to rivalries in the wake of widespread conference realignment? What are his gameday antics when the Buffaloes square off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers?

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Freshmen cornerbacks stepping up: “Carter (Stoutmire) is a dawg” 

From the Daily Camera … The Buffs have exceptional talent among their veteran cornerbacks, but their two true freshmen are having good camps, as well.

Cormani McClain came to CU as a five-star prospect who was rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 cornerback in the 2023 class.

“He’s doing good,” Shilo Sanders said. “In the summer, he was getting tired and stuff, but he’s getting more in shape right now. He’s doing better and better every week. He’s gonna be a great player.”

Carter Stoutmire was a three-star prospect whose father, Omar, played 11 years in the NFL, including his first two seasons with Coach Prime in Dallas.

“Carter’s a dawg,” Shilo Sanders said. “He’s always here competing. He’s always going hard. He’s always finishing every play. He’s always coming and meeting with us out there after practice on off days and he’s a guy that definitely wants to be great.”

Notable

Outside linebacker Jordan Domineck and defensive back Jahquez Robinson, who missed all of last week, have returned to practice. … Outside linebacker Deeve Harris, who has also been out, returned as well. … Kelly said he’s been impressed with senior safety Rodrick Ward, a transfer from Southern Utah. “He’s a physical guy. He will come up and hit you,” Kelly said. “He’s got good, long speed. He has improved doing some things in the deep part of the field, whether it be in playing half field coverage or middle of the field coverage. I think the speed of the game he’s caught up with that. But he’s very instinctive and you can coach him hard. I love him.”

… Read full story here …

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August 22nd

… CU in a few minutes … 

DL Chance Main transferring out, CU down to 76 scholarship players

From the Daily Camera … Senior defensive end Chance Main has left the Buffaloes and on Monday  night was announced as a new signee at Texas State.

Main, who began his career at Independence (Kan.) Community College and then Incarnate Word, transferred to CU a year ago. He played all 12 games for the Buffs a year ago, recording 28 tackles.

After the 2022 season, he submitted a waver request to the NCAA to get another year of eligibility and was granted an extra year this spring. In the summer, he rejoined the Buffs. He went through the entire summer of workouts and the first several practice of preseason camp with CU. He was most recently seen in a YouTube video participating in practice on Aug. 11.

With Main’s departure, the Buffs are down to 76 scholarship players for the upcoming season, nine below the NCAA maximum of 85.

Stepping up

In a star-studded true freshman class recruited by the Buffs’ staff, Taje McCoy wasn’t among the highest-rated prospects. The outside linebacker from Oklahoma City keeps turning heads in camp, though.

McCoy has been praised several times recently, including Monday by Kelly.

“I’ve really been impressed with these young outside linebackers,” Kelly said. “Taje McCoy, as a freshman, I mean, he’s still got a long way to go, but he knows how to play the game. He plays fast. He plays hard.”

Kelly also singled out Khairi Manns, a fifth-year junior transfer from Maine.

“He just bought into everything and plays really fast,” Kelly said.

… Continue reading story here …

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Details disclosed on Coach Prime’s documentary deal

From the USA Today … On the day he was introduced as the new football coach at Colorado, Deion Sanders announced that he was going to run his program a little differently than others in the marketing department.

“I want you to get ready to start seeing cameras because we film documentaries,” he said Dec. 4.

The University of Colorado since has entered into a contract with Sanders’ business manager that shows just how differently things will be run behind the scenes as Sanders plans another documentary series to follow the “Coach Prime” series he did previously as coach at Jackson State.

USA TODAY Sports obtained the contract, which was signed this month by Colorado chancellor Phil DiStefano and Sanders’ business manager, Constance Schwartz-Morini, the co-founder of SMAC Productions and SMAC Entertainment in Los Angeles.

What does contract with Colorado say?

In exchange for filming on campus in Boulder and the publicity that will flow from it, Colorado agreed to give SMAC Productions certain rights and terms, which include highlights described below. No cash compensation for Colorado is mentioned, unlike similar arrangements in college sports in recent years, including at Michigan, which got $2.25 million for access and licensing tied to its football show on Amazon in 2017.

A Colorado spokesman confirmed the university did not ask for financial compensation and noted the advantages the university will get from being featured on Amazon Prime in an unscripted series about Sanders in his role as Colorado’s coach.

“The exposure of hiring Coach Prime has already paid dividends in the form of record-breaking ticket and merchandise sales, and we are confident the documentary will only increase these ‘Prime Effect’ impacts throughout the university,” said the spokesman, Steve Hurlbert.

Editorial control

The contract gives Colorado input on editing, but not final control, and says the producer “shall defer” to the regulatory experts employed by CU on issues involving compliance with NCAA rules and laws.

It states Colorado has the right to request removal of any footage “that a reasonable person would deem portrays CU, its students, faculty, and/or staff in an extremely negative manner and is damaging to the value of the university brand.”

In turn, the producer “shall give meaningful consideration to CU’s reasonable concerns of the content prior to the initial commercial release of such episode.”

Hurlbert of CU said there has been a “positive, collaborative working partnership between SMAC and CU Boulder on this project” from the start.

CU player involvement

The contract gives the producer a wide range of filming opportunities with cameras on campus property.

The “producer shall have the right to include, without limitation, any and all artwork, designs, photographs, third party vendors and other materials which appear on or about the Property (and) to use the name, trademark, signs and identifying features of CU,” it states.

Colorado also agreed to provide the producer with a “reasonable amount” of CU-owned footage and archive material related to CU with the perpetual right to use such material on a royalty-free basis in connection with the series.

Additionally, the contract says the producer has the right “to use the name, voice, likeness and/or any biographical information of all of CU’s players, coaches, staff, students and other individuals associated with CU in, and/or in connection with the Series and in conjunction with the exploitation, publicity, promotion and advertising thereof throughout the universe, in all media and in perpetuity.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 21st

… CU in a few minutes … 

Travis Hunter one of five Pac-12 First-Team Preseason AP All-Americans

From ESPN … The Big Ten led all conferences with 12 players on the first team, and the Southeastern Conference was next with seven.

The Pac-12 had five first-team selections, led by Williams and including Colorado two-way threat Travis Hunter, who is expected to play both receiver and cornerback for coach Deion Sanders.

FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE

Quarterback — Caleb Williams, third year, Southern California.

Running backs — Blake Corum, fourth year, Michigan; Quinshon Judkins, second year, Mississippi.

Tackles — Joe Alt, third year, Notre Dame; Olu Fashanu, fourth year, Penn State.

Guards — Cooper Beebe, fifth year, Kansas State; Zak Zinter, fourth year, Michigan.

Center — Sedrick Van Pran, fourth year, Georgia.

Tight end — Brock Bowers, third year, Georgia.

Wide receivers — Marvin Harrison Jr., third year, Ohio State; Rome Odunze, fourth year, Washington; Emeka Egbuka, third year, Ohio State.

All-purpose player — Travis Hunter, second year, Colorado.

Kicker — Joshua Karty, fourth year, Stanford.

DEFENSE

Edge rushers — Jared Verse, fourth year, Florida State; Bralen Trice, fifth year, Washington.

Interior linemen — Jer’Zhan Newton, fifth year, Illinois; Dontay Corleone, third year, Cincinnati.

Linebackers — Harold Perkins, second year, LSU; Jamon Dumas-Johnson, third year, Georgia; Tommy Eichenberg, fourth year, Ohio State.

Cornerbacks — Kool-Aid McKinstry, third year, Alabama; Kalen King, third year, Penn State.

Safeties — Kam Kinchens, third year, Miami; Malaki Starks, second year, Georgia.

Defensive back — Cooper DeJean, third year, Iowa.

Punter — Tory Taylor, fourth year, Iowa.

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE

Quarterback — Drake Maye, third year, North Carolina.

Running backs — Raheim Sanders, third year, Arkansas; Braelon Allen, third year, Wisconsin.

Tackles — JC Latham, third year, Alabama; Kelvin Banks Jr., second year, Texas.

Guards — Donovan Jackson, third year, Ohio State; Christian Mahogany, fifth year, Boston College.

Center — Zach Frazier, fourth year, West Virginia.

Tight end — Oronde Gadsden, third year, Syracuse.

Wide receivers — Xavier Worthy, third year, Texas; Malik Nabers, third year, LSU; Jacob Cowing, fifth year, Arizona.

All-purpose player — Will Shipley, third year, Clemson.

Kicker — John Hoyland, third year, Wyoming.

DEFENSE

Interior linemen — Tyler Davis, fifth year, Clemson; Mekhi Wingo, third year, LSU.

Linebackers — Jeremiah Trotter Jr., third year, Clemson; Barrett Carter, third year, Clemson; Cedric Gray, fourth year, North Carolina.

Cornerbacks — Josh Newton, sixth year, TCU; Ben Morrison, second year, Notre Dame.

Safeties — Calen Bullock, third year, Southern California; Javon Bullard, third year, Georgia.

Defensive back — Will Johnson, second year, Michigan.

Punter — Kai Kroeger, fourth year, South Carolina.

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August 20th

… CU in a few minutes …

Neill Woelk: Impact players will make the difference for CU in 2023

From CUBuffs.com … Impact players. Difference makers. Playmakers.

Every team needs them to be successful.

Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes won’t be any different when they open the season Sept. 2 at TCU.

No doubt, every player on the field needs to contribute. But there are some who will be expected to be critical performers in clutch moments, players who will make the difference, players whose performance will go a long way in determining how successful the Buffs will be this year.

Some have already become quite familiar to CU fans. They have grabbed headlines almost since the day they arrived.

Others are somewhat less-celebrated — but their production will be equally critical.

Here are some of those impact players whose performance will be key for the Buffs.

QB Shedeur Sanders — There may be no more important position in sports than quarterback and the Buffs have an elite-level player here.

Sanders put up big numbers in two years at Jackson State but the question among national pundits when he arrived in Boulder was whether he could do the same against Power 5 competition.

Spring ball and fall camp strongly suggest the answer is affirmative. Sanders has shown all the traits necessary for success at the position. He makes excellent decisions, takes care of the ball, moves through his progressions quickly and clearly possesses a great football IQ. His instincts are sound and his physical abilities are outstanding: strong arm, an ability to extend plays with his feet while never taking his eyes off the action downfield, and excellent vision.

There will no doubt be some growing pains, but all indications are he is ready for a successful season.

RB Dylan Edwards — We’ll stick with the offensive side of the ball here, where a true freshman is showing signs of emerging from the pack as the Buffs’ No. 1 back.

Edwards is not only straight-line fast, he also has excellent acceleration, great feet and the lateral quickness to make defenders miss. He can take short passes and turn them into long gains and has another gear when he hits the second level.

He isn’t big (5-9, 170). He’s not a power back. But he is getting better at running between the tackles, and he needs just a tiny hole to make something happen. Even if he’s not the starter, he has the potential to be a game-breaker.

OT Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan — “Tank” is one of two returning starters on Colorado’s offensive line and the Buffs will need the 6-10, 320-pounder to be a reliable blind-side protector for Shedeur Sanders’.

He has made good progress this year under the direction of O-line coach Bill O’Boyle. He has improved his pass protection skills and has benefited from working daily against Colorado’s speedy edge rushers. He is also a solid run blocker. But his continued development will no doubt be a critical piece of Colorado’s offense.

… Continue reading story here …

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Punter Mark Vassett: “The scheme that we’re gonna be running, I think can give me a great chance (at the NFL)”

From the Daily Camera … Following graduation from high school in 2014, Mark Vassett never dreamed of playing college football. In fact, he didn’t even plan to go to college at the time.

Nine years later, the Australian native and Louisville transfer is embarking on a new journey with the Colorado Buffaloes and might be one of the most talented punters in the Pac-12 Conference.

“Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun, a completely new experience for me,” he said of living in the United States and playing college football. “I worked in construction back home … so, coming here to college, it’s been awesome. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and I’m so grateful I get to do this every day. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Vassett spent six years working in construction as a glazier after finishing high school.

“We did all things glass, like shower screens and mirrors,” he said. “I was just working.”

On the side, he played Australian football for a local club, developing his skill as a punter, since that’s how players pass the ball to each other.

… “I loved my time at Louisville,” he said, “but just how it played out, all my coaches left for Cincinnati and other places. I just wanted to make the best decision for me to give myself the best chance to make the NFL. I think I made the right choice (in Colorado).”

The opportunity to play for new CU head coach Deion Sanders was a big part of the decision, but not the only factor.

“The scheme that we’re gonna be running, I think can give me a great chance (at the NFL),” he said. “And to kick up here in the altitude as well, for me it’s a no brainer.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 19th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Having two Kent State starters in the lineup helping offensive line development

From CUBuffs.com … Colorado offensive line coach Bill O’Boyle has heard it more than once since he took the job under Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.

If the Buffaloes can keep No. 2 upright, CU’s offense has a very good chance of being successful.

No. 2, of course, is quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who also happens to be the head coach’s son. But more important than the coach-quarterback familial relationship in this instance is that Shedeur is also the key cog in coordinator Sean Lewis‘ rebuilt, up-tempo offense.

If Sanders has time to operate, Colorado has the offensive skill players to put points on the board early and often. That means the Buffs have a better chance of winning, which is good for everyone involved.

But it all starts with the big fellas up front — and O’Boyle knows it is his responsibility to get that group ready by the time the Buffs open the season Sept. 2 at No. 17 TCU (10 a.m. Fox).

“I’ve heard it since spring,” O’Boyle said after Friday’s practice. “So I’m worried about my job every day.”

Boyle was clearly joking about his job security — but providing security for Colorado’s quarterback is certainly no laughing matter.

Sanders has had an excellent camp thus far in almost every regard, operating Lewis’ offense at a high level. He works through his progressions rapidly, makes good decisions, has an NFL-caliber arm and can extend plays with his legs when necessary. He has already developed an excellent chemistry with the Buffs’ top receiving corps and the results have been excellent thus far.

But the Buffs don’t want to see Sanders scampering from the pocket on a regular basis. They would rather give him some time to find one of his many standout receivers, make the throw and move the ball downfield — then repeat the scenario at a pace that keeps defenses on their heels.

 “It’s going OK,” O’Boyle said. “Our defense is very aggressive. A lot of pressure. Fortunately, we’re seeing a lot of the same things that TCU is going to run, so that helps when we overlap. We’ll start moving into a little bit more TCU stuff next week.”

O’Boyle made the move to Colorado with Lewis, who left his post as Kent State’s head coach to take the CU coordinator’s post. O’Boyle’s job became a bit easier when two of his linemen from Kent, tackle Savion Washington and guard Jack Bailey, followed him as transfers.

That means the Buffs immediately had a pair of linemen who were very familiar with the offense and the calls up front. Given that the offense is designed to work at a rapid-fire pace, that kind of knowledge has been very helpful as the Buffs go through the process of installing the new scheme.

“I do have to explain a lot of the new concepts that we use,” Washington said. “They don’t know everything so I have to be like that bridge to get everybody going.”

Bailey’s presence has made that task a little easier, as he can help the interior linemen adjust.

“Having Jack here just makes it easier for everybody,” Washington said. “He knows the offense just like I do. He knows it better than me. He was there longer. And he’s just a dog on the field.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 17th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Walk-on Marvin Harrison may be CU’s starting tight end

From CUBuffs.com … Of all the returning players who survived the Colorado Buffaloes’ roster remake, tight end Michael Harrison might have the most unlikely story.

Just a year ago, Harrison was a seldom-used walkon wide receiver for the Buffs who saw most of his playing time on special teams. He did get some snaps on offense in the 2022 season and finished with two catches for 12 yards.

Then came the hiring of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and an entirely new coaching staff, whose first order of business was to rebuild Colorado’s roster from the ground up in the wake of last season’s 1-11 finish.

But as a walkon, Harrison flew below the radar for the most part. He stuck around, had a solid, productive spring session and began looking forward to the fall.

The Buffs, though, continued to load up at wide receiver. Along with two-way standout Travis Hunter, they also added transfers Jimmy Horn Jr., Javon Antonio and Xavier Weaver, all of whom were immediately expected to compete for starting jobs.

And Harrison?

CU’s coaches took a look at his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and figured he might be able to help at another position, one at which the Buffs did not have nearly so much depth.

Now, Harrison — still a walkon — has a very good chance of being the Buffaloes’ starting tight end on Sept. 2 when CU opens the season at TCU. He has been running with the No. 1 offense almost since the beginning of fall camp and has been a steady, reliable performer at a position he never really considered until coaches approached him after spring ball.

“It definitely took some convincing,” Harrison said after Thursday’s practice. “I’ve played receiver my whole life. When when (wide receivers coach Brett Bartolone) and (tight ends coach Tim Brewster) brought it to my attention, obviously I thought about it. The way they presented it was it would be a better opportunity for me to get on the field. As a player, that’s all you want. So I thought it over and I’ve done everything I can just to have the best mindset and have a positive mindset about doing that position change.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 16th

… CU in a few minutes … 

CU President Todd Saliman: “It’s a transformative time for us”

From the Daily Camera … Less than a year ago, Colorado athletics was sputtering.

Although several of CU’s teams were doing well, the football program was in the midst of a nose dive, while the Buffs, along with the rest of the Pac-12, were uncertain about their future in the conference.

Now, the Buffaloes are gearing up for the most anticipated football season in decades and the future is set after CU’s decision to ditch the Pac-12 and move to the Big 12 in 2024.

“This is a very exciting time, between changing conferences, the extraordinary work that’s going on in all of CU-Boulder athletics and with Coach Prime coming on board,” University of Colorado president Todd Saliman said. “It’s just a transformative time for us.”

While athletic director Rick George and chancellor Phil DiStefano handle the day to day operations in athletics and have been at the forefront of the transformative decisions by CU in the past year, Saliman has been by their side, giving full support on moves that he believes have put CU-Boulder in good position for the future.

The transformation began with the hiring of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders as head football coach on Dec. 3, completely flipping the fortunes of the football program and changing the perception of the Buffs locally and nationally.

“People are just excited,” Saliman said. “Students are excited and faculty and staff feel the vibe; they’re excited. The community is, the entire state is. I get asked for tickets all the time, which is great. That didn’t happen too much last season; it happens a lot now.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Buff Club closes out a record year with over $28 million in donations

Press Release from CUBuffs.com … Thanks to the unmatched support of Buff Nation, the University of Colorado Athletic Department and the Buff Club Wednesday announced record-breaking fundraising success.

Fiscal year 2023 saw a record-shattering total of $28,037,617.10 given to Colorado Athletics through the Buff Club. This total also marks the first time in athletic department history with over $20 million raised in consecutive years (2022 totaled $20.2 million).

“I appreciate the continued investment of our alumni, donors, and fans in our student-athletes and our world-class programs,” CU Athletic Director Rick George said. “These investments allow us to compete for and win championships. Leon and his team have done a fantastic job setting the fundraising record in 2023 and reaching the $20 million mark for two consecutive years, but our job is not done yet. With the current state of college athletics, the financial support of Buff Nation will be needed now more than ever as we transition into the Big 12 and continue to navigate the challenges ahead.”

This past spring, the Buff Club also successfully launched its new leadership-giving initiative named The Flatirons Society. This society honors those who make annual leadership gifts of $10,000 or more inclusive of per-seat contributions, scholarships, excellence fund giving, endowments, and capital projects. Additional benefits are reserved exclusively for those who commit to multi-year philanthropic pledges. Prior to its launch, just over 200 such donors met this standard. In fiscal year 2023, membership increased by nearly 100 donors and was responsible for $14.3 million (a 36% increase in membership).

“Our Buff Club is extremely grateful for the investments of CU alumni, donors, and fans around the world,” Senior Associate Athletic Director and Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement Leon Jackson III said. “The single most impactful way to promote the success of our 350+ student-athletes in and out of the classroom is through donor investments. We will seek to build upon this success as we continue our march toward national prominence.”

To learn more about how you can invest in the life-changing experiences being provided within CU Athletics, please visit www.cubuffclub.com, email buffclub@colorado.edu, or call (303) 492-2200.

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Four-star freshmen WR Omarion Miller and Adam Hopkins working to get into the rotation this fall

From the Daily Camera … True freshman Omarion Miller is living up to his recruiting hype and routinely making plays at practice.

“He’s doing a great job,” receivers coach Brett Bartolone said. “He’s a great kid. He’s got all the physical tools and he’s really taking ownership right now of learning the offense and studying extra. That was one of the concerns I had after the first couple days. I’m like, ‘Hey, O, let’s go. Let’s have a sense of urgency. Let’s get on this thing.’ And, he’s really done that.

“He’s a guy that could run, he could go up and grab the ball and he gets better and better and better every single day. I look forward to coaching him.”

… Omarion Miller is one of six true freshmen receivers on scholarship, including fellow four-star recruit Adam Hopkins.

Competing with that much talent forces Miller to be ready to go every day.

“Oh yeah, you’ve got to, you’ve got to,” he said. “I try to be the best I can be at practice, make big plays. Everybody’s watching, we’ve got cameras every day. Everything is getting recorded, so I try to make everything I can do.”

Horn said he’s been impressed with Miller and Hopkins.

“Both of them boys are doing their thing right now,” wide receiver Jimmy Horn, Jr. said. “You can tell they want it. Most freshmen come in with like that mindset like they don’t want to play. I see it in them too, they know they’ve got a chance to play, so they’re doing everything they can do to get out there on that field.”

… Read full story here …

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August 15th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Neill Woelk previews WR corps: “They’re a group that’s ultra-competitive”

From CUBuffs.com …  It’s no secret that the Colorado Buffaloes want to play fast on offense this year.

Coordinator Sean Lewis‘ scheme is geared toward an up-tempo, rapid-fire pace that — hopefully — keeps defenses on their heels.

But it’s one thing to want to play fast and an entirely different matter to have the personnel to make it possible. In order to play fast, you have to have fast players.

The Buffs believe they might just have the necessary personnel to do exactly that this season.

Certainly, there is no lack of speed on the perimeter. Wide receivers coach Brett Bartolone might have one of CU’s most talented and deepest group of receivers in years.

While two-way standout Travis Hunter has been grabbing much of the attention thus far in fall camp — and justifiably so — there are plenty of other weapons at the position for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The top group thus far also includes Jimmy Horn Jr., Xavier Weaver and Javon Antonio, with youngsters Omarion Miller, Kaleb Mathis and Tar’Varish Dawson also among those who have had their moments.

“There’s not a receiver on the starting unit right now that can’t take that thing 80 to 85 yards and hit their heads on the goalpost,” gushed Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders after a recent practice. “It’s unbelievable.”

Every one of the top group has provided big plays in practice thus far, and each has indeed shown the ability to go the distance. That depth, speed and versatility — plus Colorado’s insistence on running at an up-tempo pace — should force defenses to make difficult decisions.

“They have to defend either the run or the pass,” Bartolone said after Monday’s practice. “They also have to choose, is it Jimmy Horn this week or is it Xavier Weaver? Or, maybe it’s Travis Hunter outside. There’s just a lot of weapons that we have and those are tough conversations for the defense.”

But for Bartolone, the situation is a veritable wealth of riches.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he allowed. “They’re a group that’s ultra-competitive and they come in and they work every day. They approach it like a pro. Alot of them have just one year (of eligibility) left and so they know this is it for them. They approach the game with that mindset. They compete, they work hard and they’re coachable.”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 14th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Transfers high on Coach Prime: “When we come out and show what we can really do, it’s going to shock a lot of people”

From The Athletic … With 68 new scholarship players in Boulder and a new coaching staff, everything is new for everyone. And though the key task is building a winning football team, with three weeks until Sanders’ Colorado opens at TCU, it does help to know all your teammates names’ at first glance. But that takes time.

“I would say I have about 85 to 90 percent down,” McCaskill said.

Sanders’ controversial housecleaning strategy is unprecedented at the major college level, but Sanders took a similar approach when he took over Jackson State three years ago.

“When I was at Jackson, we had three people left over from the team before,” said safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, who followed Sanders to Colorado after being named first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference last season. “It’s still the same process.”

Colorado’s current roster has just 10 scholarship players from the Buffaloes team that went 1-11 in 2022, with coach Karl Dorrell fired after an 0-5 start.

“I didn’t know how the process was going to work, how we were going to jell together,” said outside linebacker Jordan Domineck, who spent four seasons at Georgia Tech and had 9.5 tackles for loss at Arkansas last season before becoming one of 18 graduate transfers at Colorado. “We’ve jelled so well, it feels like we’ve been together a lot longer than we actually have.”

Can Sanders’ rapid transfer portal rebuild still work?

“Everybody says it’s impossible, but I don’t think it’s impossible at all,” said offensive tackle Savion Washington, who followed his position coach Bill O’Boyle and head coach Sean Lewis, Colorado’s offensive coordinator, from Kent State to join the Buffs in December. “It hasn’t been as hard as I thought. I’ve been here eight months, and I feel like I‘m locked in with everyone.”

Colorado players offered updates on the experiment during preseason camp, but the on-field product will be presented soon enough. After Colorado begins the season as a 20-point underdog at rebuilt national runner-up TCU on Sept. 2, it hosts former Big Eight rival Nebraska and in-state rival Colorado State, followed by a trip to Oregon, which won 10 games last season under Dan Lanning. After that four-game stretch, Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and USC will be headed to Boulder.

… “This is the most hate a 1-11 team has gotten in the history of college football,” Domineck said. “If we’re getting this much hate, we’re doing something right. People are scared of us. I feel like that’s fear speaking out. So many people hate on us, but they don’t know what’s about to happen, they don’t see the work we put in and the talent we have.

“When we come out and show what we can really do, it’s going to shock a lot of people.”

It’s August, but a defiance and confidence permeates the roster rebuilt in one offseason through the transfer portal.

“Championship, that’s our goal. That’s what we want to reach for our first year, no matter what,” said defensive lineman Shane Cokes, who arrived from Dartmouth before spring football. “We’re all working together to reach that common goal, and it comes from the top down, having Coach Prime’s idea in mind of winning that championship. It’s not a bounce-back year, go 6-6.”

The idea looms over players in the their lounge. The six words that define the program hang in giant print on the wall, but next to them? A massive photo of the national championship trophy.

But developing chemistry on an offensive line stocked with newcomers isn’t easy, and neither is building the same with a quarterback and new group of receivers in one offseason. Securing quality line play in a major conference from scratch in the transfer portal has never been done, though Domineck said he expects the defensive line to be the best position group on the team.

“And you can quote me on that,” he said.

Maybe the self-assurance and expectation isn’t surprising, even considering the challenges Colorado faces this season.

“Do you know who our coach is? Did you see how he played in the 90s?” Silmon-Craig said. “It’s hard to be around him and not have that same confidence.”

… Continue reading story here …

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Second round of student season tickets go on sale Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

From CUBuffs.com …  The initial allotment of CU Student Sports Passes for 2023-24 that went on sale July 11 are sold out. The remaining sports passes will go on sale Tuesday, August 15 at 10 a.m.

We have made a few changes to the CU Sports Pass this year, so please read:

• For $185, the CU Student Sports Pass gives you access to claim a ticket to home football games and home men’s basketball games.
• This year, you will be required to login and claim your ticket to both football and men’s basketball. Admission to all other CU Athletics events is FREE with your Student ID.
• There will be no re-entry at Folsom Field or the CU Events Center beginning this season.
• $10 from every CU Student Sports Pass purchased goes to support everyone’s favorite Buffalo – RALPHIE!
• Student Sports Pass inventory is limited, and we will only make approximately 75% of the allotment available on July 11 in order to provide an equitable opportunity for new students to obtain a CU Student Sports Pass.
• The held back student sports passes will be available beginning August 15.
• Tickets are not guaranteed based on space limitations and must be claimed in advance.
• If you claim a football ticket but do not get your ticket scanned in at Folsom Field, you forfeit the opportunity to claim a ticket to the next home football game. If for some reason you know in advance that you cannot attend, email cutix@colorado.edu no later than 24 hours before kickoff.

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August 13th 

… CU in a few minutes …

Safety Shilo Sanders looking for playing time: “He’s practicing his butt off”

From the Daily Camera … Whenever he can, Shilo Sanders checks his dad’s phone to see which kid is featured on the lock screen.

“You know, he changes it, but whatever it is on his phone, I’m still the No. 1 son,” Sanders said with a smile at Colorado’s annual media day on Friday. “Whoever makes him the happiest that week is his screen saver, but usually it’s me, I think.

“It’s been me for a while now.”

The new-look Colorado football team has been transformed by Shilo’s father, head coach Deion Sanders. And, Shilo’s younger brother, Shedeur, has quickly become a face of the team as the starting quarterback.

The talented and charismatic Shilo could be a significant key to CU’s success, as well – and might actually land on the lock screens of some Buffs fans at some point.

A fifth-year junior safety, Shilo spent two seasons at South Carolina before transferring to play for his father at Jackson State for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Now, he’s aiming to excel at CU and help the Buffaloes win.

“Shilo’s a dawg, man,” coach Sanders said. “Shilo is a leader of men. Shilo is not shy with words. He’s practicing his butt off. He’s trying to get everything you see out there. But he’s doing his job.”

Shilo has a reputation for bringing energy to the field and being a trash-talker, but he appears to back it up with his play and his preparation. He’s one of several defensive backs who gather to watch film before meeting with coaches, his father said.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 12th 

… CU in a few minutes … 

Complete transcript of Coach Prime’s Media Day Press conference

From BuffStampede.com …

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August 11th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime Fall Sports Media Day Press Conference

From BuffStampede.com … Xavier Weaver … Dylan Edwards … Shane Cokes singled out by Coach Prime, along with the kicker and the punters “I think we have some of the best specialists in the nation” … Offensive is doing a phenomenal job pass blocking “They have some guys who can move you off a spot” … “We have a plethora of running backs who can get the job done” … “We have a myriad of guys who can really rush the passer well … and also disable the run” … “I think we have more depth than anything on the defensive front” … “Cormani McClain coming along slowly but surely. He’s getting in shape, which is No. 1″ … Cornerbacks: “They’re going to get there. I have tremendous expectations. Someone has to join Travis” … “The best thing we have put together is the staff … 294 years of coaching. Six have been head coaches. Four have coached in the NFL. Six national championships – I thing we have a really good staff” … “Every position group has made giant strides since spring” … “I’m happy with what I’m seeing every morning” … “I don’t care about culture. I don’t care if they like each other. I want to win. I’ve been on teams where the quarterback and wide receivers didn’t like each other, but they made harmony when the ball was snapped. We’re not like that. The kids like each other, trust me” … Backup quarterbacks: “They’re doing well, but we’re still not satisfied. We’ve got a find a guy we can trust” … Tight ends: “Right now they are serviceable. I don’t want serviceable. I want playmakers … We sustained a couple of injuries” …

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Buff football players at fall sports media day … 

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August 9th

… CU in a few minutes … 

LB Coach Andre Hart on survivor Marvin Ham: “I tried to get rid of him”

From CUBuffs.com … Colorado linebackers coach Andre´ Hart admits he made life tough on Marvin Ham II in spring ball.

But Ham, one of the handful of returnees from last season on the Buffaloes’ roster, wouldn’t quit. He accepted the challenge, kept battling — and he may now be a starter when CU opens the season Sept. 2 at TCU.

“I tell Marvin all the time, I tried to get rid of him,” Hart said Tuesday after Colorado’s sixth practice of fall camp. “I did. I graded him every day, tough and hard. And he rose to the challenge. Kudos and hats off to him. He’s one of my starters right now. If I had to go into a game right now, Marvin Ham from last year would be my mike linebacker now.”

Ham, a fifth-year junior, has played in 29 games in his career in Boulder with five starts, 30 tackles (one for loss) and four third down stops. This year, he’s made the move from the “sam” spot and has thus far thrived.

“It has clicked for him,” Hart said. “He’s playing a lot better. He’s executed really, really well.”

The 6-1, 225-pound Ham gives CU a physical presence inside, and thus far, he has paired well on the inside with transfers LaVonta Bentley (Clemson) and Demouy Kennedy (Alabama).

Bentley started camp running with the No. 1 unit alongside Ham, but has since been supplanted by Kennedy, whose speed gives him the ability to drop into coverage or play the run and rush the passer. Hart said when Bentley was pushed down to the No. 2 group, he responded.

“He had one of his best practices ever that day,” Hart said. “We’re just keeping the competition high and making sure no one gets comfortable. I think those are what we have to do because if you do it now and they get in game situations, they’ll be better prepared for when things get difficult or uncomfortable. You got to move on the fly.”

Another candidate for playing time inside is Jackson State transfer Jeremiah Brown, as well as Florida State transfer Brendan Gant, who has been hampered by injury thus far.

Overall, Hart said, his group and the rest of the defense have made solid strides in the first week of camp.

… Continue reading story here …

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Three Buffs – McCaskill, Smoke and Wilkerson – make Doak Walker Award list

From the Daily Camera … Three Colorado running backs made the preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award.

The Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the top running back in college football. On Wednesday, 75 players were announced on the preseason watch list, including CU’s Alton McCaskill, Kavosiey Smoke and Sy’veon Wilkerson.

A transfer from Houston, McCaskill was the AAC rookie of the year in 2021 when he rushed for 961 yards and 16 touchdowns. He missed the 2022 season with a knee injury.

Smoke is a sixth-year senior who spent the previous five years at Kentucky, mainly in a backup role. He has rushed for 1,583 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career.

Wilkerson earned first-team All-SWAC honors last year at Jackson State after rushing for 1,152 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022. In 2021, he was first-team All-MEAC after rushing for 848 yards and eight touchdowns.

McCaskill, Smoke and Wilkerson all joined the Buffs as transfers this summer.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 8th

… CU in a few minutes … 

RB/KR Dylan Edwards living up to four-star status: CU working on “getting the ball to him as much as possible”

From the Daily Camera … Dylan Edwards came to Colorado with a lot of hype as a four-star recruit who flipped a commitment to Notre Dame to join the Buffaloes.

Last week, CU head coach Deion Sanders said Edwards has been “more” than advertised.

As the Buffs go through preseason camp, the question is, how exactly will the Buffs use Edwards in their offense?

A 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster from Derby, Kan., Edwards is a running back, but not quite like anyone else in that room – or on the roster, for that matter.

“I don’t think we have anyone on the team that can do what Dylan does,” running backs coach Gary “Flea” Harrell said Monday after the Buffs completed their fifth practice of the preseason. “He’s a guy from any part of the field can make a play because his speed, because his mindset, and we understand that.”

Sanders said Friday that the Buffs plan on having Edwards return kicks, “as well as getting the ball to him as much as possible” on offense.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 6th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Preparing backup quarterbacks a camp priority

From the Daily Camera … The only scholarship quarterbacks behind Shedeur Sanders are true freshmen Ryan Staub and Kasen Weisman. Redshirt freshman walk-on Colton Allen is the only returning quarterback at CU, but he hasn’t appeared in a game.

The Buffs also recently added Gavin Kuld, a junior walk-on who threw 34 passes as a backup at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last year. He threw 89 passes at Monterey Peninsula (Calif.) College in 2021.

Allen and Staub were with the Buffs in the spring, but Kuld and Weisman arrived this summer.

“There’s a lot that they’ve got to pick up on,” CU offensive coordinator/quarterbacks Sean Lewis said Thursday. “They’re learning. The one difference between the two of them is that Gavin is a little bit older and you can tell that he’s got some of that more mature game, collegiate experience from his journey in life. Where Kasen, because of who he is, just a true freshman right now, he’s learning about that transition and being away from home and all the things that go into that.

“I’m excited to pour into all the guys that are in that room and continue to help them grow.”

Sanders is doing his best to help Lewis in that regard and said he’s been impressed with the growth in the other quarterbacks.

“They definitely stepped up, especially from the spring,” Sanders said. “They made a tremendous jump from then to now. It’s completion percentage battles every day and we’re talking stuff to each other every day. It’s a real healthy relationship with all of them. I feel like they understand the offense a lot more. It’s real fun because they get to go against the ones every day.”

… Read full story here …

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August 5th

… CU in a few minutes … 

Coach Prime not interested in others expectations: “Who cares about that? Who gets it right?”

From the Daily Camera … Nationally, not much is expected of the Buffs. A year ago, CU went 1-11 and finished last in the Pac-12. Despite the entire coaching staff and most of the roster changing since then, the Buffs were projected for an 11th-place by Pac-12 media last  month. Some publications have them finishing last.

“Who cares about that? Who gets it right? Who really gets it right?” Sanders said. “If you guys got it right, you’d be in Vegas right now. … Nobody knows what’s gonna happen. I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I feel like I know what’s gonna happen, but I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”

It’s a team that is only four weeks away from playing its first game together, on Sept. 2 at TCU. For some, the start of preseason camp can heighten the urgency, but Sanders said CU’s mindset has remained the same all offseason and it continued into camp.

“We plan on winning,” he said. “We practice to win, we play to win, we work to win. It’s all about winning and developing and getting these kids to the next level. That never changes. No matter what time of the year, that never changes. It is what it is. And we won’t change that. The standard is the standard and we’re gonna stick to the standard.”

… Read full story here …

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August 4th

… CU in a few minutes … 

WR Xavier Weaver having a strong start to camp: “He’s gonna have a big year”

From the Daily Camera … Two days into camp, senior Xavier Weaver, a transfer from South Florida, has already made a good impression.

“He’s a guy that has flashed early and has flashed often,” Lewis said. “He goes about his process the right way. You can tell that when he does anything football related, he does it like a pro, which I think is a great thing to have. He has those daily disciplines that when he steps in between the white lines he’s got a laser focus about him.”

Weaver caught 116 passes for 1,735 yards in his four seasons at USF and he led the Bulls in receiving last year.

“He’s gonna have a big year,” Sanders said. “I feel like all the receivers understand what’s at stake, what’s the plan, what we’re trying to accomplish this year and just going over the offense and it’s a receiver-friendly offense, so we’re able to put up a lot of points and get a lot of yards and score a lot of touchdowns.”

Weaver’s former USF teammate, Jimmy Horn Jr., has also had a strong start to camp, but senior Javon Antonio is turning heads as well.

… Continue reading story here …

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August 3rd

… CU in a few minutes … 

Pac-12 Presidents on CU’s move: “Pissed off is the wrong word. They were livid. Can’t overstate the betrayal”

From ESPN … For the third straight summer, conference realignment has been one of the biggest stories in college athletics — and for the second straight year, the Pac-12 is the league scrambling to pick up the pieces. In 2021, Big 12 co-founders Oklahoma and Texas announced their intent to join the SEC. In 2022, USC and UCLA decided to join the Big Ten, arguably an even more shocking move, given the geographical mismatch with the Big Ten and the history of the Pac-12’s flagship schools. All of those sweeping changes combined with new leadership and media rights deals contributed to where the Power 5 pecking order sits today — with Colorado leaving the Pac-12 in a precarious position.

Colorado’s flirtation with the Big 12 was one of the worst-kept secrets of the offseason.

“Do I think I caught my peers off guard?” Colorado athletic director Rick George said. “I don’t believe so, but that’s a question you have to ask them.”

“There was smoke,” one Pac-12 source said. “Smoke was being shown everywhere on this deal. So I don’t think it’s surprising. It was pretty clear and obvious for several months that Colorado was considering this move.”

It wasn’t necessarily the decision to leave that stunned the Pac-12 — it was the timing of it. Multiple sources told ESPN that on June 30, the Pac-12’s presidents and chancellors voted unanimously — including Colorado — to authorize Kliavkoff to set July 31 as the deadline for all of the league’s bidders on its new media rights deal. Those on the Zoom moved forward — and Kliavkoff walked onto the stage in Las Vegas believing the league would stay intact at least until all the bids were in.

“Pissed off is the wrong word,” a Pac-12 source with knowledge of the vote said. “[Pac-12 presidents and chancellors] were livid. Can’t overstate the betrayal.”

The Big 12 has been burned before too.

“We were on the other end of that barely two years ago,” a Big 12 athletic director said. “What we’re trying to do is just change our position. You’re either growing and you’re moving to try to best position yourself, or you’re vulnerable. For the first time, the Big 12 is moving in the other direction. If I had to choose which side of that I’d rather be on, I’d rather be on this one, for sure.”

… Continue reading story here …

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DC Charles Kelly on Dan Lanning comments: “What we do and our results will be about us”

From the Daily Camera … Earlier this week, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was asked about CU’s decision to leave the Pac-12. He fired a shot at the Buffs when he said, “Not a big reaction. I’m trying to remember what they won to affect this conference. I don’t remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don’t remember them winning anything.”

CU hasn’t fared well in its 12 previous seasons in the Pac-12 and the Buffs are projected for an 11th-place finish this year. But, Kelly said the Buffs don’t pay attention to what others think of them.

“It really doesn’t matter what (Lanning) thinks,” Kelly said. “That has no impact on what we do. What we do and our results will be about us. It will not be about what another coach says. It will not be about what somebody on the outside says. It will be about how we prepare, how we go about it. I said this before, everybody can have their opinion. We’re not going to apologize for how we’ve done things, or what we’re doing. We’re going to be us; that’s what we’re going to do.”

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August 2nd

… CU in a few minutes … 

First Day: “We’ve got a long way to go before we’re a good football team”

From the Daily Camera … On the first day of preseason camp Wednesday, the Colorado Buffaloes didn’t spend a lot of time on the field, but head coach Deion Sanders wanted to make sure it was quality time.

In Sanders’ pre-practice speech, posted on YouTube by Well Off Media, he told the team, “We’re only out here an hour. … I want an hour full speed. Full speed! Every darn thing you’ve got!”

The practice was closed to the media, but defensive coordinator Charles Kelly said there was definite excitement as the Buffs officially opened camp.

“Good to be back out,” Kelly said. “First day of fall camp is an exciting day for everybody because it’s the first day and our guys have worked hard all summer long. This is actually where we start preparing, but very obvious we’ve got a long way to go before we’re a good football team. We’ve got to learn.

“I know defensively, we’ve got to learn how to play. There’s a style and the standard of how we’re going to play and that’s what fall camp does; you find out who can meet that standard and who can stay at that standard. It’s one thing to be excited the first day; everybody’s excited the first day of camp, but can you maintain that intensity and do the things that it takes to be successful?”

… Continue reading story here …

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August 1st

… CU in a few minutes … 

Biggest questions surrounding the program as Fall Camp opens 

From CUBuffs.com … When the Colorado Buffaloes hit the field for their first practice of fall camp Wednesday, this much we already know: Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Buffs might be the most scrutinized 1-11 team in college football history.

Since the day Sanders was hired last December, Colorado has been under the national microscope. When he took the reins, he immediately embarked on an unprecedented roster overhaul that ignored conventional rebuilding strategies and produced a team with barely a handful of scholarship players who wore a CU uniform last year.

The overhaul hasn’t been limited to player personnel. Sanders brought in an entire new staff of coaches, analysts and recruiting specialists, as well as a team of videographers and social media specialists whose primary goal is to put the Buffaloes back in the national spotlight.

So far, so good. The Buffs have been at the forefront of national college football coverage since the day Sanders was hired. He and his staff eschewed “normal” rebuilding conventions and instead fast-tracked the process by turning to the transfer portal.

Thus, when the Buffs open practice Wednesday, CU’s roster will include nearly 70 players who were on other college rosters just a year ago. Throw in the fact that Colorado just last week announced that the Buffs will leave the Pac-12 after this year and return to the Big 12, and the situation will be one of the most closely watched on the college landscape this year.

The biggest questions surrounding the program are simple ones:

Will Sanders’ strategy work? Can the Buffs make the transformation from one of the least-productive teams in the nation in 2022 to at least a competitive squad one year later?

Colorado fans — and the rest of the nation, for that matter — won’t have to wait long for their answer. CU’s September schedule might be one of the most difficult in the nation. The slate includes three games against likely top 25 teams — TCU, Oregon and USC — as well as a pair of contests against long-time rivals, Colorado State and Nebraska.

But before Colorado opens the Coach Prime Era on Sept. 2 at TCU, the Buffs have four weeks and 25 practices in August to get ready.

… Continue reading story here …

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Fall Camp opens; first practice Wednesday

From CUBuffs.com … The Colorado Buffaloes open Fall Football Camp on Tuesday, August 1 as the players report and practice begins on Wednesday, August 2.  Practices are closed to the public (no announcement yet on any potential access to practices or scrimmages … even for the media).

Press interview schedule for this week …

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Interviews: Coach Sean Lewis and Select Players

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Podium: Coach Charles Kelly and Select Players

Friday, August 4, 2023

Press Conference with Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders and Select Players

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Tags: Shane Cokes
This post, about the Fall Camp game, from the 2023 Season, is filed under Article.
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