Colorado University Athletics
Coach Prime Sees Growth Across Program As Spring Nears Finish
April 07, 2026 | Football
BOULDER— The Colorado Buffaloes enter their final week of spring practice inside the Ford Practice Facility, closing in on the annual AT&T Black and Gold Day as the program continues to take shape under head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders.
Coach Prime opened his media availability by highlighting the program's success in the classroom, reinforcing Colorado's commitment to total student athlete development.
The Buffaloes placed 23 players on the Academic All-Big 12 team and had 40 earn Academic All-Colorado honors, with 33 players recognized in front of the team for posting a 3.0 GPA or higher.
With 13 practices complete, Sanders emphasized growth across the program, pointing to both player development and staff cohesion as key takeaways.
"We're getting better… starting with me," Sanders said. "I like what I'm seeing from the staff, from the young men that we've chosen, from everything all the way around. I feel really good about what's going on."
Colorado has leaned heavily into a full staff approach this spring, particularly on special teams, where Sanders highlighted a collective buy in across the coaching staff rather than relying on a single coordinator. The Buffs have also embraced competition at every position, with no starting roles guaranteed heading into the final week of camp.
"We want to see guys fight for what they want in life," Sanders said. "Everything is earned."
Off the field, Sanders also addressed the importance of life decisions and accountability, urging players to make responsible choices while continuing to support the Colorado community and those impacted by recent tragedy.
A major point of emphasis this spring has been the evolution of Colorado's offense under coordinator Brennan Marion. Sanders made it clear the expectation is production.
"He's averaged well over 30 points a game, and that's the threshold that we want," Sanders said, pointing to Marion's track record of offensive success at previous stops.
Graduate transfer center Demetrius Hunter has quickly become a cornerstone of Colorado's offensive line, bringing both production and leadership to the unit.
"I love how peaceful it is here," Hunter said of Boulder. "It's allowed me to be myself, take my game to the next level and really learn from a lot of great NFL coaches."
Hunter, who allowed just two sacks across more than 1,700 snaps in his career, said his physicality in the run game is a defining trait.
"I like to maul people in the run game," he said. "That's what they liked about me."
That mindset is translating into a more balanced offensive approach this spring.
"I think we're going to be way more balanced this year," Hunter said. "We've got weapons at receiver, weapons at running back. I really feel like we can't be stopped."
The Buffs' transition into the up tempo GO GO offense has also stood out.
"If a team's not in condition, they're not going to be able to mess with us," Hunter said. "It's high pace, a lot of misdirection, multiple guys in the backfield. It's tough on defenses."
As the anchor of the offensive line, Hunter has embraced his role as both communicator and leader.
"I've got to be that rock in the middle," he said. "It's about building trust with the guys so when it's time to lead, they know it's coming from the right place."
 The Buffs have put into a faster tempo, misdirection-based attack that stresses defenses and requires a high level of conditioning and execution.
Defensively, Colorado continues to build depth and identity under coordinator Chris Marve, with competition across every level of the unit becoming a defining theme of spring ball.
Head coach Deion Sanders highlighted the progress of the group, particularly the talent and depth in key position rooms.
"We've got a three man fight at linebacker right now… those guys are really, really good," Sanders said. "The pass rushers on the outside, it's five or six guys that can get home."
Sanders also pointed to physicality and playmaking ability in the secondary as areas of strength, while emphasizing continued growth.
"The safeties are physical, they can go get it… they can make tackles as well as plays on the ball," Sanders said. "My corners have to step it up a little bit, but I love what I'm seeing from a few of them right now."
Under Marve's direction, the Buffs' defense has leaned into competition, accountability and versatility, with multiple players rotating and gaining experience throughout spring practice.
Edge rusher Sama Kamara said that competitive environment has elevated the entire unit.
"Iron sharpens iron," Kamara said. "We hold each other accountable every day. That's how we get better."
Kamara also credited the defensive staff's energy and leadership in setting the tone.
"The coaching is great," he said. "There's a lot of passion, and that carries over to all of us."
With depth at linebacker, an emerging pass rush and a physical presence in the secondary, Colorado's defense continues to take shape heading into the final week of spring practice, building toward a unit that aims to be faster, more disruptive and more consistent in 2026.
As the Buffs close out spring, the focus remains on execution, competition and staying healthy heading into the spring game.
"We just want to see guys compete," Sanders said. "Compete and show what they can do."
With a retooled roster, new systems on both sides of the ball and a clear offensive standard in place, Colorado enters its final week of spring practice building toward a more balanced, explosive identity in 2026.
The Buffaloes will wrap up spring practice Saturday, culminating with the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day on April 11.
Fans looking for a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes can secure tickets now for AT&T Black and Gold Day and experience the team inside Folsom Field.
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are also on sale. Fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six home games this fall and be part of the pageantry and energy that define one of college football's most unique game day environments.
Coach Prime opened his media availability by highlighting the program's success in the classroom, reinforcing Colorado's commitment to total student athlete development.
The Buffaloes placed 23 players on the Academic All-Big 12 team and had 40 earn Academic All-Colorado honors, with 33 players recognized in front of the team for posting a 3.0 GPA or higher.
With 13 practices complete, Sanders emphasized growth across the program, pointing to both player development and staff cohesion as key takeaways.
"We're getting better… starting with me," Sanders said. "I like what I'm seeing from the staff, from the young men that we've chosen, from everything all the way around. I feel really good about what's going on."
Colorado has leaned heavily into a full staff approach this spring, particularly on special teams, where Sanders highlighted a collective buy in across the coaching staff rather than relying on a single coordinator. The Buffs have also embraced competition at every position, with no starting roles guaranteed heading into the final week of camp.
"We want to see guys fight for what they want in life," Sanders said. "Everything is earned."
Off the field, Sanders also addressed the importance of life decisions and accountability, urging players to make responsible choices while continuing to support the Colorado community and those impacted by recent tragedy.
A major point of emphasis this spring has been the evolution of Colorado's offense under coordinator Brennan Marion. Sanders made it clear the expectation is production.
"He's averaged well over 30 points a game, and that's the threshold that we want," Sanders said, pointing to Marion's track record of offensive success at previous stops.
Graduate transfer center Demetrius Hunter has quickly become a cornerstone of Colorado's offensive line, bringing both production and leadership to the unit.
"I love how peaceful it is here," Hunter said of Boulder. "It's allowed me to be myself, take my game to the next level and really learn from a lot of great NFL coaches."
Hunter, who allowed just two sacks across more than 1,700 snaps in his career, said his physicality in the run game is a defining trait.
"I like to maul people in the run game," he said. "That's what they liked about me."
That mindset is translating into a more balanced offensive approach this spring.
"I think we're going to be way more balanced this year," Hunter said. "We've got weapons at receiver, weapons at running back. I really feel like we can't be stopped."
The Buffs' transition into the up tempo GO GO offense has also stood out.
"If a team's not in condition, they're not going to be able to mess with us," Hunter said. "It's high pace, a lot of misdirection, multiple guys in the backfield. It's tough on defenses."
As the anchor of the offensive line, Hunter has embraced his role as both communicator and leader.
"I've got to be that rock in the middle," he said. "It's about building trust with the guys so when it's time to lead, they know it's coming from the right place."
 The Buffs have put into a faster tempo, misdirection-based attack that stresses defenses and requires a high level of conditioning and execution.
Defensively, Colorado continues to build depth and identity under coordinator Chris Marve, with competition across every level of the unit becoming a defining theme of spring ball.
Head coach Deion Sanders highlighted the progress of the group, particularly the talent and depth in key position rooms.
"We've got a three man fight at linebacker right now… those guys are really, really good," Sanders said. "The pass rushers on the outside, it's five or six guys that can get home."
Sanders also pointed to physicality and playmaking ability in the secondary as areas of strength, while emphasizing continued growth.
"The safeties are physical, they can go get it… they can make tackles as well as plays on the ball," Sanders said. "My corners have to step it up a little bit, but I love what I'm seeing from a few of them right now."
Under Marve's direction, the Buffs' defense has leaned into competition, accountability and versatility, with multiple players rotating and gaining experience throughout spring practice.
Edge rusher Sama Kamara said that competitive environment has elevated the entire unit.
"Iron sharpens iron," Kamara said. "We hold each other accountable every day. That's how we get better."
Kamara also credited the defensive staff's energy and leadership in setting the tone.
"The coaching is great," he said. "There's a lot of passion, and that carries over to all of us."
With depth at linebacker, an emerging pass rush and a physical presence in the secondary, Colorado's defense continues to take shape heading into the final week of spring practice, building toward a unit that aims to be faster, more disruptive and more consistent in 2026.
As the Buffs close out spring, the focus remains on execution, competition and staying healthy heading into the spring game.
"We just want to see guys compete," Sanders said. "Compete and show what they can do."
With a retooled roster, new systems on both sides of the ball and a clear offensive standard in place, Colorado enters its final week of spring practice building toward a more balanced, explosive identity in 2026.
The Buffaloes will wrap up spring practice Saturday, culminating with the annual AT&T Black & Gold Day on April 11.
Fans looking for a first glimpse of the 2026 Colorado Buffaloes can secure tickets now for AT&T Black and Gold Day and experience the team inside Folsom Field.
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are also on sale. Fans are encouraged to lock in their seats for six home games this fall and be part of the pageantry and energy that define one of college football's most unique game day environments.
Players Mentioned
OL
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