Deion Sanders has certainly made waves at Colorado, turning the program into a national talking point with his charisma and recruiting prowess. However, last season’s 3-9 record was a stark reminder that viral moments and flashy videos don't translate to victories on the field. Now, every move Sanders makes is under the microscope, with critics eagerly waiting for any misstep.
Recently, a video circulated showing Colorado athletes in a catch-the-baton drill. One player impressively caught a baton with his mouth, sparking cheers from teammates. Despite the skill on display, the video was met with skepticism, with some suggesting that Coach Prime might not win a single game this year.
After last season’s struggles, Sanders has revamped his approach. Kevin Borba highlighted on Locked On Buffs that Sanders has shifted from a hands-off role to being deeply involved in every aspect of the program. This change comes after he initially took on a more general manager-like position, entrusting his assistants with the details.
To address Colorado’s offensive woes, Sanders brought in Brennan Marion as the new offensive coordinator. Marion, who previously led Sacramento State’s top rushing attack in the Big Sky conference, is known for his ability to maximize playmakers’ potential. His system emphasizes getting the ball to athletes in space, challenging defenses to make tackles in the open field.
Joining Marion at Colorado are two of his former running backs, Damian Henderson II and Jaquail Smith. Their familiarity with Marion’s system is expected to be a significant asset, helping to integrate the new strategies smoothly.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Julian Lewis will also benefit from Marion’s quick-release scheme, supported by an improved offensive line. The team is keen to turn around their road performance, having gone winless away from Boulder last season. This year’s schedule includes challenging trips to places like Georgia Tech, Northwestern, and Baylor, among others.
With these changes, Sanders and his revamped Colorado squad are looking to silence the doubters and prove that they can compete at a high level.