Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Sanders, Hunter Dial Up Strong Connection In Practice No. 3
August 04, 2023 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter had themselves a day Friday.
With the Buffs still in shorts and shells for their third practice of fall camp, Sanders connected with Hunter no less than three times for scores. Every time, Hunter worked his way wide open and each time Sanders delivered the ball on target.
It was part of an aerial show in team drills that had Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders gushing in his post-practice press conference.
"I wish you could have seen the display of receivers we saw out there today," Coach Prime said. "It is unbelievable. There's not a receiver on the starting unit right now that can't take that thing 80 to 85 yards and hit their heads on the goalpost. It's unbelievable and it was on display today."
When the Buffs have been running a four-wide set, the grouping usually consists of Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Javon Antonio and Xavier Weaver.
All had big catches in Friday's workout. But the Sanders-Hunter connection is quickly becoming a lethal one.
Sanders has a sense of when and where Hunter will break. Hunter, meanwhile, is making back-shoulder catches, long-ball catches at full speed, and just about everything else Sanders throws his way.
The Buffs QB also had a nice scoring toss to Weaver and a couple of connections with Horn. Sanders is displaying a nice knack for extending plays with his legs and his receivers are taking advantage of those extra few seconds to work their way open.
It will be interesting to see how those connections continue to develop and mature in camp.
PRACTICE NOTES: As for the backup QB spot, JC transfer Gavin Kuld and true freshman Ryan Staub continue to get reps. … One of the most competitive positions on the team might be at running back, where Kavosiey Smoke, Alton McCaskill, Dylan Edwards, Anthony Hankerson and Charlie Offerdahl are all getting opportunities. All have had their moments in the first three practices and it won't be a surprise if Colorado utilizes several of those backs, depending upon down and distance, when the season arrives.
On the defensive side Friday, safety Jahquez Robinson came up with an interception … Shane Cokes had a sack early, getting to Sanders so fast he had no time to escape … Myles Slusher and Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig had some solid moments in the secondary … Jordan Domineck is showing the ability to get pressure off the edge and also drop back into coverage when necessary … Marvin Ham and LaVonta Bentley are working well together at the ILB spots … True freshman cornerback Carter Stoutmire continues to get some snaps with the top units.
