‘It’s Still a Circus’: Deion Sanders, Colorado Called out by Big 12 Assistant

It’s true that Colorado overhauled its roster in the portal with 30 new arrivals. The Buffs built in the trenches with defensive lineman Jeheim Otis (Alabama) and offensive linemen Zylon Crisler (Illinois) and Xavier Hill (Memphis). They also added quarterbacks Kaidon Salter (Liberty) and four-star freshman Julian Lewis, along with wide receivers Sincere Brown (Campbell) and Joseph Williams (Tulsa).

“Salter is a good fit for the stuff they ran last year,” the Big 12 assistant said, “and they have a lot of good transfer wideouts.”

Despite the reinforcements Sanders secured in the winter and spring windows, Colorado is not expected to contend for the conference championship. A difficult schedule might even make bowl eligibility an uphill battle.

“It will be interesting to see how Deion manages the culture here,” the anonymous coach said. “This is a roster with big holes and a lot of questions.”

One spot where the Buffaloes seem to be set is defensive back. Cornerback D.J. McKinney headlines a talented group that includes Colton Hood opposite him, Preston Hodge at nickel and Tawfiq Byward (South Florida) at safety.

“Hunter is so good, he overshadowed a really good position group in the secondary,” the Big 12 coach said. “Right now, that is their strength. If they can rework the front, the defense might be better overall.”

But with Shedeur Sanders fighting for the starting job on the Cleveland Browns and Shilo Sanders battling to make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster, outsiders are still curious about Deion Sanders’ future at Colorado.

“With his sons gone,” the anonymous assistant said, “this is the year you really wonder what Deion’s long-term plan is.”