Deion Sanders' Noteworthy Prediction For Colorado Buffaloes Assistant Coach's Future

Although Helow wasn't anticipating he'd have to give a motivational pre-practice speech, the former Michigan Wolverines linebackers coach was quick on his feet. Helow spoke on the biggest aspects of fall camp and what's required to become a winning football team.

"The biggest thing about fall camp, man, is sacrifice and coming together as a team," Helow said. "Things in life that are worth accomplishing and worth doing will be difficult. Does everybody agree on that? The challenge is just getting better every day. As we go out and hit the field today, whether it's a special teams period, whether it's offense, whether it's defense, group teach, it doesn't matter, individual, you focus on that rep and that play."

Helow, who previously worked under national championship-winning coaches Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban, then reminded CU players about Sanders' simple yet important expectations.

"As far as eveything I've learned being here at Colorado under 'Coach Prime,' is the man doesn't ask for much," Helow continued. "He asks for a great attitude every day, being on time, being prepared, doing your job and playing with great effort. And it's not hard. As we take the field today, can we agree that everybody is gonna completely empty the tank? Can we agree? And then we're gonna feed off each other. That's what happens."

With an eye on the big picture, Helow then urged Colorado's offensive and defensive players to support each other during practice, noting that once Week 1 rolls around, the Buffs will reach their greatest potential as a connected unit.

"Let's give max effort every play and just see where this thing goes," Helow said. "Always being on the rise."

Helow joined Sanders' staff last August as a defensive analyst and spent the season helping defensive coordinator Robert Livingston from the press box. When former defensive ends coach Vincent Dancy left Boulder for the Mississippi State Bulldogs in December, "Coach Prime" soon gave Helow the nod to lead one of his most talented position groups.

Colorado's Week 1 test will come against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Aug. 29.