Colorado University Athletics
Coach Prime Likes Buffs' Progress Thus Far In Camp
August 11, 2023 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Roughly 10 days into fall training camp, Colorado's Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders likes what he's seen so far from the Buffaloes.
"Camp is going good — I'm happy," Sanders said at Friday's annual media day. "(But) we're not satisfied tremendously because that's who we are … I like the conditioning. I like guys flying around, getting to the ball, because that's how I was taught back in the day."
Sanders said every position has improved since spring ball, but there are obviously some that are standing out, especially on offense.
One group that continues to make plays on a daily basis are the receivers, who are quickly meshing with quarterback Shedeur Sanders. That No. 1 group includes two-way standout Travis Hunter, along with Jimmy Horn Jr., Javon Antonio and Xavier Weaver.
"All those guys are versatile, they can score from anywhere on the field," Sanders said. "That presents a tremendous threat to defensive backs. They can take a quick hitch and go … All those guys, especially the first group, along with a couple others in the second group … They definitely have a quarterback that can get it to them. We just got to protect him."
Sanders also likes his running backs, a versatile group that can present power, speed, quickness and the ability to go the distance. True freshman Dylan Edwards has been especially effective over the last few days, displaying excellent speed and an ability to make plays as a receiver.
"We have a plethora of backs that can get the job done," Sanders said of a group that includes Edwards, Kavosiey Smoke, Alton McCaskill and Anthony Hankerson. "Any style you want. You want power, you want finesse, you want out of the gate, which is Dylan. You got so many guys that can get it done. I can't wait until you see this running attack."
Of course, all that offensive firepower will need help where it starts — up front — and Sanders likes what he's seen there thus far as well.
"Offense is doing a phenomenal job," Sanders said. "They're doing a phenomenal job of pass blocking as well as run blocking."
Defensively, Sanders is seeing steady improvement in the secondary, but did add that he's waiting for someone to step up and take the cornerback spot opposite Hunter. So far, Florida State transfer Omarion Cooper and true freshman Carter Stoutmire have been getting some snaps with the top unit.
"They're not there right now," Sanders said. "They're gonna get there (but) it's hard to meet my expectations as a cornerback. I have tremendous expectations … Someone has to join Travis."
As for safety, the Buffs have a solid group there and will use several in Charles Kelly's defense.
As for the trenches, the Buffs are developing some solid depth up front. Sanders said he likes what he's seen from Dartmouth transfer Shane Cokes, who "comes to practice with his lunch pail every day," and overall the group continues to improve.
Colorado has also seen solid strides from edge rushers.
"We can really rush the passer well," Sanders said. "I think we have a myriad of guys that can come from inside, from outside. They can go get that quarterback and also stop the run and disable the run, dismantle the run. The offensive, defensive lines, they're doing their job and they're in condition, they're in shape."
Overall, Sanders said he is pleased — but not satisfied — with the improvement the team has made since spring ball.
Now, the Buffs have just three weeks remaining until the Sept. 2 opening game at TCU (10 a.m., Fox).
"Every every position group has taken leaps and bounds," he said. "Every position has really been enhanced. I feel like we've gotten better all over the board."
Sanders also said that on game days, both of his coordinators — Sean Lewis on offense and Kelly on defense — will be on the sidelines.
