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Colorado Daily – Georgia Tech Week
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August 26th
… CU in a few minutes …
11 Buffs (including BJ Green) make NFL 53-man rosters; 8 Buffs (including Laviska Shenault) cut
Made the 53-man cut in the NFL –>
ATH Travis Hunter (Jaguars)
QB Shedeur Sanders (Browns)
WR LaJohntay Wester (Ravens)
WR Jimmy Horn Jr. (Panthers)
WR Xavier Weaver (Cardinals)
TE Brady Russell (Seahawks)
DE BJ Green (Jaguars)
LB Nate Landman (Rams)
CB Chidobe Awuzie (Ravens)
CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Rams)
DB Isaiah Oliver (Jets)
On IR —>
WR Juwann Winfree (Texans)
Waived —>
WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (Bills)
WR Will Sheppard (Packers)
OL Will Sherman (Broncos)
OL Arlington Hambright (Titans)
DT Josh Tupou (Colts)
OLB Derrick McLendon (Dolphins)
S Shilo Sanders (Buccaneers)
S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (Jaguars)
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*Coach Prime names Kaidon Salter starter for CU’s opener against Georgia Tech*
From ESPN … Colorado coach Deion Sanders named Kaidon Salter the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback on Tuesday, ahead of the team’s opener Friday against Georgia Tech.
“The kid has a ton of experience, dual threat, can throw the heck out of the ball as well,” said Sanders. “He’s the guy. He’s the guy at this point.”
Salter, who transferred to Colorado after three years as a starter at Liberty, was the presumed starter but had been competing with five-star true freshman Julian Lewis.
“He’s done it before,” said Sanders. “This is not his first time running out the tunnel and getting the start. … I like what he did in the spring, and he’s growing and growing and growing.”
Sanders credited offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and volunteer assistant coach Byron Leftwich for their work with Salter.
“I defer to those two coaches to allow me to understand what I see as valid,” said Sanders, who added that he is hopeful Lewis will also get game reps.
Salter appeared in two games for Liberty in 2021, before starting most of the team’s games of over the next three years. During that span, he threw for 5,889 yards with 56 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He also ran for 2,006 yards.
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*No Ralphie run for opener – Ralphie VI retiring; Ralphie VII identified*
Press release from CUBuffs.com … The University of Colorado’s iconic live buffalo Ralphie VI, nicknamed “Ember,” is retiring after four years of service as college football’s greatest mascot.
Ember will now transition to a companion buffalo role, living with Ralphie V on their ranch. Due to an indifference to running, typical of many mammals both four-legged and two-legged, it was determined that it was in Ember’s best interest, based on her disposition, to focus on relaxing strolls on the pasture, which is her favorite hobby.
“Ember has been excellent in many aspects of her role as Ralphie, but she’s happiest relaxing on the ranch and we want to be respectful of her wishes,” said Taylor Stratton, Director of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program. “She will continue to get the same top level of love and care that all of our Ralphies receive and will enjoy socializing with Ralphie V.”
A succession plan has been in place for a number of months and more information on Ralphie VII will be provided when it’s available. Since top prioritization is given to the buffalo’s health, well-being, happiness, and safety there is no exact timeline for Ralphie VII’s debut while she continues training. In the interim, the Buffaloes football team will take the field without the university’s beloved live mascot.
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August 25th
… CU in a few minutes …
*OC Pat Shurmur and DC Robert Livingston talk with media*
… Note 1 … No announcement on a starting quarterback; if it is going to happen prior to kickoff, it will likely come at Coach Prime’s game week press conference on Tuesday …
… Note 2 … In case you were wondering, in order to have fans go to CU sponsored YouTube coverage, other outlets are limited to three minutes of video …
From Brian Howell at the Daily Camera …
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From Adam Munsterteiger at BuffStampede.com …
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August 24th
… CU in a few minutes …
WR Sincere Brown adjusting to Power Four: “He’s learning what the expectations of being here is”
From the Daily Camera … Sincere Brown began his collegiate career at South Florida, where he was teammates with future Buffs receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Xavier Weaver. When it became Brown’s turn to kick the tires on a possible transfer to Boulder, he leaned on the wisdom of his former teammates.
“Colorado a year ago was my favorite college football team if y’all didn’t know,” said Brown, who spent the past two seasons at Campbell. “I went to USF with Jimmy horn and Xavier Weaver. As I entered the transfer portal and was making a decision, I was talking to them throughout the process, and kind of just like watching them, like last year, a lot, I was watching their games. I was watching the type of content that they was having out. And just the Hall of Fame coaching staff is unbelievable. So yeah, that kind of was a huge decision on my (decision) to come to Colorado.”
Brown appeared in only 10 games over three seasons at South Florida, recording just a lone reception during that time. His transfer to Campbell provided a delayed but ultimately rewarding payoff, appearing in just one game in 2023 before putting together a breakout season last year. Brown earned first team all-league honors in the Coastal Athletic Association, finishing with 61 receptions for 1,028 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Brown wanted a bigger challenge at the power conference level, but the move to Boulder hasn’t occurred without an adjustment period.
“He’s learning what the expectations of being here is,” CU receivers coach Jason Phillips said last week. “He’s continuing to mature that area. Right now, so far so good. If he continues to do that and eliminate mental mistakes, I think we’ll be pleased with what we have with Sincere.”
Brown admitted it hasn’t always been a smooth adjustment. Everything that worked at Campbell hasn’t necessarily transferred, with Brown and Phillips both recently recounting a rough first practice with the Buffs for Brown.
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Shilo Sanders waived by Tampa Bay after being ejected for throwing a punch
From ESPN … The Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed rookie safety Shilo Sanders on Sunday that he is being waived, his agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told Schefter that they hope Sanders gets claimed on waivers.
NFL teams are currently in the process of trimming their rosters to 53 players by Tuesday’s deadline.
The news comes after Sanders was ejected from Tampa Bay’s third preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night for throwing a punch.
Sanders punched tight end Zach Davidson, who was blocking him, after some heavy pushing and shoving in the second quarter. Bucs linebacker John Bullock tried to calm Sanders afterward, and Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles looked at Sanders as he walked back to the sideline.
Bowles addressed the incident after Tampa Bay’s 23-19 loss.
“You can’t throw punches in this league — that’s inexcusable,” Bowles said. “They’re going to get you every time. You’ve got to grow from that.”
Sanders was also flagged for a pass interference call in the first quarter on the game.
He had been competing for the fourth and final safety spot with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom to back up Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Christian Izien.
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August 23rd
… CU in a few minutes …
Camera: Seven players who will CU’s defense
From the Daily Camera … Unlike a year ago, Colorado won’t have the two most recognizable stars in college football.
With Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, record-setting quarterback Shedeur Sanders and others off to the NFL, the Buffaloes will rely on a new cast of characters. They aren’t devoid of star talent, however.
Defense
DL Anquin Barnes Jr., 6-5, 305, Sr.: Challenged by coaches to lose weight in the offseason, he did that, going from 340 to 305. His transformation has turned into having some dominant moments in practice, as he’s impressed coaches and teammates all month. “Watch out for Barnes this year, man,” defensive line coach Domata Peko said. “He’s gonna put on a show for you guys.”
DE Arden Walker, 6-2, 250, Sr.: The Cherry Creek High School graduate has improved every year of his career. Last year, he had 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks and he’s looking for even more this year as he steps up as a leader. “I’m really, really happy with his progress,” assistant coach George Helow said. “The thing about Arden is he leads by doing, so that’s, to me, the best form of leadership.”
DE Quency Wiggins, 6-5, 255, Jr.: Coach Prime has often praised the potential of Wiggins, but the former LSU Tiger hasn’t been able to put it all together and get on the field. He’s been making noise this month, though, and seems ready for a breakout season. “His attitude and effort has been tremendous every day,” Helow said. “I love where he’s headed right now. … I’m very, very proud of Quency. He’s had a great camp so far, and he’s going to continue to get better and better.”
ILB Martavius French, 6-2, 225, Sr.: At UTSA last year, he was tied for 10th nationally in tackles for loss, with 17. CU’s coaches have rotated linebackers, but French has consistently been working with the first-team defense, as he looks to be a disruptive force. “Very instinctual, making plays,” fellow linebacker Jeremiah Brown said of French. “His blitzes are amazing.”
DB Preston Hodge, 6-0, 195, Sr.: CU’s starting nickel back last year, he got an extra year of eligibility and has been better than ever this month in camp. Last year, he had 33 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups. “Preston has come miles and miles (from where he was) in how he’s practicing and how he’s approaching this year, and that feeds on the rest of the guys in that room,” cornerbacks coach Kevin Mathis said.
CB DJ McKinney, 6-2, 190, Jr.: Perhaps CU’s best overall player on defense, McKinney earned preseason All-Big 12 honors. He started all 13 games last year and had 62 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups. “DJ McKinney is a pro,” Coach Prime said. “Every scout that comes here, that’s the first name they mention, DJ McKinney. DJ works his butt off every day.”
S Carter Stoutmire, 5-11, 210, Jr.: Entering his third year as a Buff, Stoutmire is finally on track to be a full-time starter. He spent the past two years playing behind Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, while also playing corner and nickel. Now, he’s focused on safety. “I know the scheme, but how to really play the position, being savvy, disguise the coverages all that (was a focus),” he said. “I have a full offseason under my belt, so I feel like I can reset my game to the next level this year.”
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CB coach Kevin Mathis: “If I get them to trust me they’re going to give me everything they got”
From the Daily Camera … Kevin Mathis is nearly two decades removed from his playing career, but he’s now nearly a decade into his coaching career.
As Mathis enters his third season as the cornerbacks coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, he said, “I’ve grown a lot.”
“It’s a different generation but it’s just trying to get the guys to really trust you, and what you’re trying to tell them,” Mathis, 51, said this week. “Understanding that I got their best interests at heart, but if I get them to trust me they’re gonna give me everything they got.”
Mathis played in the NFL from 1997-2006 and was teammates with current CU head coach Deion Sanders in his first three seasons, with the Dallas Cowboys. Mathis has been with Sanders throughout his coaching career, at Trinity Christian (Texas) School from 2017-20, Jackson State from 2020-22 and CU since 2023.
Sanders and CU defensive coordinator Robert Livingston have both praised Mathis’ coaching ability in the past year. This week, senior cornerback Preston Hodge said it is Mathis’ honesty that makes him a good coach.
“Especially as a (defensive back), you need someone to be honest with you,” Hodge said. “You don’t want someone to sugarcoat anything, tell you things you want to hear. He does a good job at telling you things you need to hear, especially to get you to where you want to be, which is, for me, the NFL.
“Any coaching points that he gives me, I’m gonna take that in and listen.”
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