Deion Sanders trusts Isaiah Hardge to dominate as slot receiver

The buzz surrounding Colorado Buffaloes football this spring has been impossible to ignore. Amid the departure of NFL-bound stars like Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr., the question on every fan’s mind is who will step up at wide receiver? Enter Isaiah Hardge, a player who’s about to make his mark – not as a dual-threat, but as a dedicated wide receiver.

Hardge’s transition from playing both ways to solely focusing on offense has caught the eye of head coach Deion Sanders. After showing his versatility in Colorado’s 52-0 win over Oklahoma State, where Hardge played both cornerback and wide receiver, Coach Sanders has decided it’s time to let Hardge shine in the slot receiver role. “He is coming into his own and playing the slot receiver,” Sanders said. “He’s going to do some incredible things this season.” With Hunter gone, Hardge has a golden opportunity to make the most of this fresh start.

Hardge has been part of the Buffaloes’ roster since 2023, but his focus has mostly been on special teams. However, his high school pedigree from St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the nation’s premier programs, indicates he’s no stranger to high-level play. Rated as a three-star recruit and the No. 169 receiver in his class, Hardge has all the tools necessary to excel. Last season, he demonstrated flashes of his skill, including a memorable 39-yard catch and a 17-yard punt return.

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With Colorado’s receiving corps wide open after the departures of key playmakers, Hardge is primed to step into a pivotal role. Competing against returning talent like Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller, along with incoming transfer Joseph Williams, and electric freshman Quentin Gibson, Hardge’s ability to focus exclusively on his craft will be crucial. Coach Sanders has made it clear: Hardge has what it takes to make a major impact this year. The redshirt freshman’s growth is something both the coaching staff and fans are eager to watch.

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As Hardge focuses on the slot and carves out his place in the offense, the Buffaloes may have just found their next big playmaker. Stay tuned—Isaiah Hardge is ready to show the college football world what he’s made of.