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Deion Sanders and Colorado to host former UCLA offensive lineman
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Coach Deion Sanders just keeps reloading.

The Colorado Buffaloes are expected to host former UCLA offensive lineman Walker Andersen, according to Pete Nakos of on3 sports. Andersen is a towering transfer portal prospect who checks nearly every physical box offensive line coach Gunnar White is looking for. At 6-foot-8 and 335 pounds (by Andersen’s own count), the former Bruin certainly doesn’t walk through doors unnoticed.

While Andersen didn’t see the field as a true freshman in 2024, his eventual visit to Boulder signals Colorado’s continued efforts to build depth and size in the trenches — a clear point of emphasis following a 9-4 campaign where the Buffs allowed 43 sacks.

Since entering the portal on April 16, Andersen has fielded interest from several FCS and Group of Five programs including Delaware State, Campbell, and Missouri State. But a visit to a Power Four school like Colorado puts him on a different radar.

Though Colorado has not publicly extended an offer yet, the visit itself is a sign the Buffs are doing their homework. Andersen is a developmental player, but he fits Coach White’s recruiting criteria almost perfectly.

“Athletes and size, right?” White said during spring camp. “You don’t see 6-foot-6 people just walking around the Earth anyway… much less that are strong and are fast and have great bend.”

Colorado’s line has already seen massive turnover this offseason. Veterans like Kahlil Benson and Hank Zilinskas hit the portal, while seven new three-star linemen transferred in — including Aki Ogunbiyi (Texas A&M) and Andre Roye Jr. (Maryland). Returner Jordan Seaton is expected to anchor the unit at left tackle.

For a program hoping to protect quarterbacks Kaidon Salter or Julian Lewis and reignite its ground game, adding size and long-term potential like Andersen could pay off down the line — even if he redshirts in 2025.

Colorado fans looking for signs of Coach Prime’s vision in action? Hosting Walker Andersen is another brick in the foundation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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