Spring Game Quotes
vs
Arizona
Nov 1 (Sat)
TBA
Spring Game Quotes
Black & Gold Game, April 27, 2024, Folsom Field, Boulder, Colo.
Colorado Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders
Thoughts on offensive scheme:
“I feel like the offense is very quarterback friendly. If it's a concept that I don't like and I want to adjust, Coach and I can talk about it or he could say okay, I like it and this is why. I told him even this morning when we got here at 6:30am and we had a meeting talking about my biggest goal this year is not to keep us in a bad place. It's to understand which plays don’t work right for and get us in the right play. It was really trying to take my game and make the team take it to the next level towards where we are always gonna be one step ahead.”
Thoughts on Robert Livingston and what he's done for the defense:
“I love that we go against that defense every day. It definitely prepares us. Now I'm just excited that I get to see it every day and have trial and error with it. We can just go out there and when we play teams like that then we can handle business.”
On what he saw from backup quarterbacks:
“I feel like we got a group of guys that listen often. I told Ryan [Staub] don't get discouraged because some things are not great matchups. It's about a process driven game. You can't always worry about the results and his game. A lot of things change often. Sometimes you may have one off blitzes, one off coverages, and you won't be able to get in if you hang your hat on that. You won't be able to be successful because you won't be able to look past that. So, I encourage the guys overall to play their game like how they are natural with it. And I give them some insight on how I see different things.”
On keeping up a positive team dynamic with the transfers as a team leader:
“When a guy is leaving, it’s a decision they made on their own. I don't feel like that messes up the chemistry because of course we're bummed about it, but whatever 11 players are out there, we're going to make the most of it. So, they all have to do what’s best for them. The guys coming in already know what the mentality is. I tell them straight up. There's no jealousy, no anything in the locker room because I separate in the moment that when I have a problem, everybody else has the problem, and the leaders of the team have the problem with that player. And I tell them when this happens, it affects the whole team. We try to get all those guys out of here and be able to just have a positive mindset all while being able to just work like a pro.”
Black & Gold Game, April 27, 2024, Folsom Field, Boulder, Colo.
Colorado Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders
On Playing in the elements
“We are built to handle adversity. We give them messages, every day we practice in the facility and we’re trying to raise men to handle adversity and the unexpected. We already know what we had, that was just an opportunity for our fan base nationally to see us do some things that we really don't want to show you. We kept everything really simplistic and we just went out there, thank God no one was injured, no one was hurt. I don't think anyone is in the training room except for getting ice and getting their former injuries treated. It was a good display of talent I believe.”
On Isaiah Hardge and the running back room
“Isaiah is an athlete. This is a kid who came, the receiver flipped over to the defensive back because we were desperately in that position. He went back and blessed us and played running back for us and got it done. He's an athlete, he's a ballplayer, you’re never going to see him late for anything, you're never going to see him uncommitted, you're never going to see problems with grades, yes sir and no sir type of guy, always on time. I love the young man, I really do. He went out there and displayed his versatility tremendously. I love what he brings to the table, offensively or defensively.”
On what the moment was like awarding RB Charlie Offerdahl a scholarship
“Wow, teary-eyed. I was in there “boo-hooing” like I was part of the family, which I feel like I am part of the family. He was raised correctly, by a wonderful mother and father who supported him 100% of the way. His brother is going to follow in his footsteps with his toughness and physicality and “stick to it-ness.” 4.0 student, honor roll student, Charlie is the prototype man. He's a man. I love what he stands for, I love who he is, I love what he's about and we wanted to trick him and I told him a couple of days ago, I think he is going to win player of the spring and so that's the way we tricked him into bringing his parents over and it was a tremendous moment, but it's nothing that we gave him, he took it. He flat out took it, and he earned it, and he deserved it, so God bless him but I told him at the conclusion of the game and the rest of the team, who's next. Which walk-on is next, because we’ve got room and we’ve got time.”
On where he feels the team's progress is and what makes him think they’ll reach a bowl game
“The progress that we've made is another caliber of player that's playing. A player that truly expects to go to the next level, meaning the NFL. They expect to be drafted Thursday, Friday, or today in the NFL and not free agency, although that's an avenue as well. These young men want to practice, they want to have each other's back, they want the physicality, they want all the smoke, so to speak. I love what we're building in this locker room and if you're not a part of that thought process or that desire, you don't fit. Now you see the gallop to the portal, you see that but even with those guys, I wish them the best. I just don't want them to die along with the 3,500 young men, I would just want you to have a plan before you go, don't just go, have a plan to enter. Prayerfully a relationship that we can help you with so you could go to another school and have an opportunity to continue your dream. That's my problem with people who just jumped into the portal. Just have a plan.”
On QB Shedeur Sanders reading to WR LaJohntay Wester
“I'm not going to say he was featured, I'm going to say that were his reads. Shedeur reads to the defense whenever they play, he makes the proper reads. He rarely misses reads. So Wester was the guy. One day it may be Jimmy [Horn Jr.], one play it may be Jimmy, it may be Travis [Hunter], you never know. We have a plethora of receivers and four more on their way that I cannot wait to see them even work together this summer. I can't wait until they’re under the same roof. It's going to be refreshing, it's going to be a blessing, Shedeur is going to be the happiest young man in the building I believe.”
On creating his new shoes and when they’ll be released
“I have no idea. I'm not the kind of guy to just let you create something and put my name on it. I don't strike you that way, I don't imitate that person of non-inclusion, I'm not like that so when it comes to anything design, shade, shoes, phone, anything I'm truly involved.”
On what he saw from the offensive line
“Protection and commitment. We're able to run the ball and throw the ball, but that's against our own players. No one loses in the spring, everyone wins. You play against one another, you’ve got to win. So I know what I want and I know what I desire and those guys are really close, not just the starters. Just having the depth and the depth is on campus right now. They’re committing left and right. There have been several that have committed. I think it's a couple more here right now. I think about five more than here right now have committed. I don't know if we released it yet, but you'll hear about it really soon.”
On Shedeur’s performance
“I don't just go by today, I get reports every practice every day and I like to see completions, I like to see footwork, I like to see the understanding of what he's doing. He's doing some tremendous things like sometimes we don't know stuff because I even jump to conclusions. One time I said, “get rid of the ball, get rid of the ball.” He [Shedeur] said we blew it out. Get rid of the ball, get rid of the ball, “that wasn't the read.” You just never know. So, I learned to just shut up and wait to understand the play and what was supposed to happen, and who didn't do what they were supposed to do. The kid has a commitment to excellence. I think we had a quick walkthrough yesterday and he was throwing. That's just who he is, trying to get ready and prepared for today because everything is now. Everything is about this team. Everything is now about him. Everything is about progress. I just want to see him get it out of there and just take what they give you. I always say take what they give you. Sometimes he wants the big play. Just take what they give you. Sooner or later they’re going to run out of the field and sooner or later that means we're going to score. I love that aspect of [Shedeur]. But the kid can flat-out play. I think one of you ranked him potentially the number one guy well.”
On developing Travis Hunter on both sides
“I don't think Travis really needs that type of development. Travis is going to excel wherever you place him. He's that kind of kid. He has that kind of character. He's that kind of worker. He studies, he prepares, he loves the dirt game of football, he loves to practice, he loves to play. You see him when he's done with the offense, he's running over to the defense. I mean, who does that and doesn't ever complain? So, moving inside just gives us some more depth. I don't know if he's going to start there. I know he's going to start but I don't know if he's going to start in the slot or outside. Whatever is best for us, because Preston [Hodge] is doing a wonderful job as well. You probably didn't get a chance to see him [Hodge] in the spring playing the slot but he's really good. He really is. So we just wanted to see a little more depth and versatility and we got four more corners coming.”
On his message to prospects
“I don't sell anything, because I don't have anything to sell. I don't. I don't sell them dreams, I don't sell them hope, sell them wishes. I tell them everything they get, they're going to have to earn. I don't promise you a number, I'm not promising you a position, I'm not promising you to start. If you want to come and get it. We don't sugarcoat anything, we're not betting on babying you, we’re not going to hold your hand. You have 127 years of NFL experience up under this roof. It's on you. We are a tremendous navigational system for the game that you want to play. We know what we're doing, we know how to get there because we've been there, especially as a collective group. Sometimes the conversation gets repetitive and I don't like that because it is what it is. If you want money, go to that department and talk about that, but I'm not the guy to talk about that, I want to talk football so if it's a business deal, that's something else. I want you to come here for football. Now, once we get the football together, if the business works, let's do it, but don't come here for business, and then the secondary thought process is football. I'm a football coach and I love the game. Now, what separates me from everyone else, I feel good right now. What separates me from everyone else is I've sat in three seats. I gave you a dramatic poll so you can follow me. I'm the parent, right? A couple of kids in college football, I've been a kid right, I’m a straight dog, and now I’m the coach. I know what the whole room is thinking, tremendous advantage and I absolutely love it and we don't talk about any other university, any other college, or any other coach, that's a rule here. We don't put anybody down to come up.
On Jeremiah Brown
“Jeremiah had to decide what he wanted to be. At one point he wanted to be an inside back, then he wanted to be an outside guy, the pass rusher, then he wanted to be an inside guy, and then he changed again to the outside guy. I think he's nailed down what he desires for himself and that he can still get the same feeling coming in from the outside on blitzes. I think he's, I'm not going to say bought in that he's always been 100% committed in the classroom as well as on the field, but now he knows this is the last dance, we gotta go and I love his passion for the game. He's so funny, he got up and was talking junk after he made the tackle for loss and I ran over to him and said “You still can't beat me in fishing.” I really said that. He said, “Yes, I can.” So that's the kind of banter we have because that's my opponent when it comes to fishing.”
On what he tells recruits and their families about his long-term plans
“I tell them the truth - I tell them that I'm a father, not a baby daddy. I don't follow my kids, I pave roads for my kids. I build generational wealth for my kids. I lead my kids. I don't follow my kids. So, I do not plan on following my kids to the NFL, but I'm thankful and I'm glad that you already pretty much put them in the NFL. That means you believe in them, wholeheartedly, but I'm not that kind of father. I have work to do here. I absolutely love it here. It's beautiful here. Especially yesterday…it was snowing…knowing this weather, it’s gonna be beautiful tomorrow because we have no commitments on the field. I absolutely love it here, I really do and I would never think that a young brother from the South would really love it in this part of the country, but I really do…we talk about it every day. I love the mountains and the snow…we love it. I would love to be a little more adventurous and go see other things like I want to go to the hot springs…I don't really fly fish, but I've been known to be fly when I fish. I want to do that. There are a few things I want to do here, I even want my own jetski line, I’m working on that right now. But I love everything about this part of the country and the fan base that we have here. I just want to really bless you with a tremendously successful team. I really do. That's my heart. Thanks. Good. God bless y'all.”
“We are built to handle adversity. We give them messages, every day we practice in the facility and we’re trying to raise men to handle adversity and the unexpected. We already know what we had, that was just an opportunity for our fan base nationally to see us do some things that we really don't want to show you. We kept everything really simplistic and we just went out there, thank God no one was injured, no one was hurt. I don't think anyone is in the training room except for getting ice and getting their former injuries treated. It was a good display of talent I believe.”
On Isaiah Hardge and the running back room
“Isaiah is an athlete. This is a kid who came, the receiver flipped over to the defensive back because we were desperately in that position. He went back and blessed us and played running back for us and got it done. He's an athlete, he's a ballplayer, you’re never going to see him late for anything, you're never going to see him uncommitted, you're never going to see problems with grades, yes sir and no sir type of guy, always on time. I love the young man, I really do. He went out there and displayed his versatility tremendously. I love what he brings to the table, offensively or defensively.”
On what the moment was like awarding RB Charlie Offerdahl a scholarship
“Wow, teary-eyed. I was in there “boo-hooing” like I was part of the family, which I feel like I am part of the family. He was raised correctly, by a wonderful mother and father who supported him 100% of the way. His brother is going to follow in his footsteps with his toughness and physicality and “stick to it-ness.” 4.0 student, honor roll student, Charlie is the prototype man. He's a man. I love what he stands for, I love who he is, I love what he's about and we wanted to trick him and I told him a couple of days ago, I think he is going to win player of the spring and so that's the way we tricked him into bringing his parents over and it was a tremendous moment, but it's nothing that we gave him, he took it. He flat out took it, and he earned it, and he deserved it, so God bless him but I told him at the conclusion of the game and the rest of the team, who's next. Which walk-on is next, because we’ve got room and we’ve got time.”
On where he feels the team's progress is and what makes him think they’ll reach a bowl game
“The progress that we've made is another caliber of player that's playing. A player that truly expects to go to the next level, meaning the NFL. They expect to be drafted Thursday, Friday, or today in the NFL and not free agency, although that's an avenue as well. These young men want to practice, they want to have each other's back, they want the physicality, they want all the smoke, so to speak. I love what we're building in this locker room and if you're not a part of that thought process or that desire, you don't fit. Now you see the gallop to the portal, you see that but even with those guys, I wish them the best. I just don't want them to die along with the 3,500 young men, I would just want you to have a plan before you go, don't just go, have a plan to enter. Prayerfully a relationship that we can help you with so you could go to another school and have an opportunity to continue your dream. That's my problem with people who just jumped into the portal. Just have a plan.”
On QB Shedeur Sanders reading to WR LaJohntay Wester
“I'm not going to say he was featured, I'm going to say that were his reads. Shedeur reads to the defense whenever they play, he makes the proper reads. He rarely misses reads. So Wester was the guy. One day it may be Jimmy [Horn Jr.], one play it may be Jimmy, it may be Travis [Hunter], you never know. We have a plethora of receivers and four more on their way that I cannot wait to see them even work together this summer. I can't wait until they’re under the same roof. It's going to be refreshing, it's going to be a blessing, Shedeur is going to be the happiest young man in the building I believe.”
On creating his new shoes and when they’ll be released
“I have no idea. I'm not the kind of guy to just let you create something and put my name on it. I don't strike you that way, I don't imitate that person of non-inclusion, I'm not like that so when it comes to anything design, shade, shoes, phone, anything I'm truly involved.”
On what he saw from the offensive line
“Protection and commitment. We're able to run the ball and throw the ball, but that's against our own players. No one loses in the spring, everyone wins. You play against one another, you’ve got to win. So I know what I want and I know what I desire and those guys are really close, not just the starters. Just having the depth and the depth is on campus right now. They’re committing left and right. There have been several that have committed. I think it's a couple more here right now. I think about five more than here right now have committed. I don't know if we released it yet, but you'll hear about it really soon.”
On Shedeur’s performance
“I don't just go by today, I get reports every practice every day and I like to see completions, I like to see footwork, I like to see the understanding of what he's doing. He's doing some tremendous things like sometimes we don't know stuff because I even jump to conclusions. One time I said, “get rid of the ball, get rid of the ball.” He [Shedeur] said we blew it out. Get rid of the ball, get rid of the ball, “that wasn't the read.” You just never know. So, I learned to just shut up and wait to understand the play and what was supposed to happen, and who didn't do what they were supposed to do. The kid has a commitment to excellence. I think we had a quick walkthrough yesterday and he was throwing. That's just who he is, trying to get ready and prepared for today because everything is now. Everything is about this team. Everything is now about him. Everything is about progress. I just want to see him get it out of there and just take what they give you. I always say take what they give you. Sometimes he wants the big play. Just take what they give you. Sooner or later they’re going to run out of the field and sooner or later that means we're going to score. I love that aspect of [Shedeur]. But the kid can flat-out play. I think one of you ranked him potentially the number one guy well.”
On developing Travis Hunter on both sides
“I don't think Travis really needs that type of development. Travis is going to excel wherever you place him. He's that kind of kid. He has that kind of character. He's that kind of worker. He studies, he prepares, he loves the dirt game of football, he loves to practice, he loves to play. You see him when he's done with the offense, he's running over to the defense. I mean, who does that and doesn't ever complain? So, moving inside just gives us some more depth. I don't know if he's going to start there. I know he's going to start but I don't know if he's going to start in the slot or outside. Whatever is best for us, because Preston [Hodge] is doing a wonderful job as well. You probably didn't get a chance to see him [Hodge] in the spring playing the slot but he's really good. He really is. So we just wanted to see a little more depth and versatility and we got four more corners coming.”
On his message to prospects
“I don't sell anything, because I don't have anything to sell. I don't. I don't sell them dreams, I don't sell them hope, sell them wishes. I tell them everything they get, they're going to have to earn. I don't promise you a number, I'm not promising you a position, I'm not promising you to start. If you want to come and get it. We don't sugarcoat anything, we're not betting on babying you, we’re not going to hold your hand. You have 127 years of NFL experience up under this roof. It's on you. We are a tremendous navigational system for the game that you want to play. We know what we're doing, we know how to get there because we've been there, especially as a collective group. Sometimes the conversation gets repetitive and I don't like that because it is what it is. If you want money, go to that department and talk about that, but I'm not the guy to talk about that, I want to talk football so if it's a business deal, that's something else. I want you to come here for football. Now, once we get the football together, if the business works, let's do it, but don't come here for business, and then the secondary thought process is football. I'm a football coach and I love the game. Now, what separates me from everyone else, I feel good right now. What separates me from everyone else is I've sat in three seats. I gave you a dramatic poll so you can follow me. I'm the parent, right? A couple of kids in college football, I've been a kid right, I’m a straight dog, and now I’m the coach. I know what the whole room is thinking, tremendous advantage and I absolutely love it and we don't talk about any other university, any other college, or any other coach, that's a rule here. We don't put anybody down to come up.
On Jeremiah Brown
“Jeremiah had to decide what he wanted to be. At one point he wanted to be an inside back, then he wanted to be an outside guy, the pass rusher, then he wanted to be an inside guy, and then he changed again to the outside guy. I think he's nailed down what he desires for himself and that he can still get the same feeling coming in from the outside on blitzes. I think he's, I'm not going to say bought in that he's always been 100% committed in the classroom as well as on the field, but now he knows this is the last dance, we gotta go and I love his passion for the game. He's so funny, he got up and was talking junk after he made the tackle for loss and I ran over to him and said “You still can't beat me in fishing.” I really said that. He said, “Yes, I can.” So that's the kind of banter we have because that's my opponent when it comes to fishing.”
On what he tells recruits and their families about his long-term plans
“I tell them the truth - I tell them that I'm a father, not a baby daddy. I don't follow my kids, I pave roads for my kids. I build generational wealth for my kids. I lead my kids. I don't follow my kids. So, I do not plan on following my kids to the NFL, but I'm thankful and I'm glad that you already pretty much put them in the NFL. That means you believe in them, wholeheartedly, but I'm not that kind of father. I have work to do here. I absolutely love it here. It's beautiful here. Especially yesterday…it was snowing…knowing this weather, it’s gonna be beautiful tomorrow because we have no commitments on the field. I absolutely love it here, I really do and I would never think that a young brother from the South would really love it in this part of the country, but I really do…we talk about it every day. I love the mountains and the snow…we love it. I would love to be a little more adventurous and go see other things like I want to go to the hot springs…I don't really fly fish, but I've been known to be fly when I fish. I want to do that. There are a few things I want to do here, I even want my own jetski line, I’m working on that right now. But I love everything about this part of the country and the fan base that we have here. I just want to really bless you with a tremendously successful team. I really do. That's my heart. Thanks. Good. God bless y'all.”
Colorado Players
Charlie Offerdahl, Jr., RB
How he feels having a shoutout from his coach and awarded a scholarship:
“It's unbelievable. All the praise, all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I really want to thank everybody at this organization, all of Colorado, Coach Prime. it's a blessing. I love it”
On thoughts and feeling about his future role at CU:
“Yes, sir. Obviously disappointed I couldn't play again today. I went to the ER the other day but I'm doing well now. Moving forward, this team's got a lot of big things ahead of us. We're going to win and we're going to win this year led by Coach Prime, Shedeur, and Travis. We're gonna do great things.”
How Deion’s words about him are inspiring:
“It's unbelievable. As a little kid, you dream to be him. You know? You look up to a guy like him and not just because of how he plays but him as a human being. His morals, his ethics, and how he goes about his life. It's a blessing. And I can't understate how much of a blessing it is for me.”
Who else was he recruited by in high school? What kept him here:
“I had a couple of FCS offers coming out of high school but Colorado's home. I always said home is where the buffalo roam. My family's here in Colorado and so that's a big part of it. I had faith in Coach Prime and I had faith in my ability to showcase what I can do for this staff and this campus, so yes.”
What it is like playing for Coach Prime and the new staff:
“Playing for Coach Prime it's amazing. I know you guys only really see what the cameras capture but he is that role model. He's a father figure for us. He's teaching us to be better men on and off the field. Be better students. It's amazing.”
Any superstition things he does before games:
“I always love eating spaghetti and meatballs before a game. Yes, it is very good. You got to carve up a little bit.”
On what it is like to play for CU being an homegrown here at Colorado:
“Colorado is the place to be. I’ve been here for the past three years, three and a half years, four years, something like that. There’s been trials and tribulations. It's been rough at times, but it's all worth it in the end.”
How much on the fans mean to the team and him specifically:
“It's unbelievable. It was freezing today, terrible weather. But the fans still showed out in great numbers too. And I just want to say that Buff Nation we appreciate you and we love you so much. We wouldn't be who we are without you.”
On his injury:
“It is a minor injury. It was some intestinal damage from a past scrimmage. Give me a couple of weeks and I'll be good, sir.”
On what he feels like he has done to expand his game to receive the scholarship:
“I say the biggest thing for me is believing in myself. Over the course of being here, I spent a lot of, like I said trials and tribulations, but definitely working on my side to side, working on making people miss, really working on my vision, seeing the holes in the right place, and ultimately, blocking Shedeur, keeping him keeping him protected. Thank you, sir.”
Shedeur Sanders, Sr., QB
On playing in today’s weather
“Yeah, the weather wasn't the best for what I like to do, so it was definitely tough out there. We fought through our lack of depth at running back…we had a couple of guys step up, like Isaiah Hardge, and get there and do his thing. Overall, it was a good performance. I feel like we have some things that we have to clean up, but I feel like we’re in a way better place both mentally and physically than last year.”
On first team center and his resilience (Hank Zilinskas)
“Hank is a great guy - he's a good team player. I’ve never heard him complain ever - he always has a positive attitude and a smile on his face, so that's one thing I love about Hank. We got a lot of guys offensively that just have great attitudes towards each other. Sometimes it's friction, but we always work it out. We’re always a family, and they won't let what happened last year happen again.”
On where improvements have been made
“I feel like we're getting quality guys now, and they're doing full background checks on everybody and we're getting exactly who we want. I told ESPN this earlier - I watched the LaJohntay Wester PFF (Pro Football Focus) and I went after him, so we just collectively know what type of players we're getting overall and then we just play them to their strengths.”
Charlie Offerdahl, Jr., RB
How he feels having a shoutout from his coach and awarded a scholarship:
“It's unbelievable. All the praise, all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I really want to thank everybody at this organization, all of Colorado, Coach Prime. it's a blessing. I love it”
On thoughts and feeling about his future role at CU:
“Yes, sir. Obviously disappointed I couldn't play again today. I went to the ER the other day but I'm doing well now. Moving forward, this team's got a lot of big things ahead of us. We're going to win and we're going to win this year led by Coach Prime, Shedeur, and Travis. We're gonna do great things.”
How Deion’s words about him are inspiring:
“It's unbelievable. As a little kid, you dream to be him. You know? You look up to a guy like him and not just because of how he plays but him as a human being. His morals, his ethics, and how he goes about his life. It's a blessing. And I can't understate how much of a blessing it is for me.”
Who else was he recruited by in high school? What kept him here:
“I had a couple of FCS offers coming out of high school but Colorado's home. I always said home is where the buffalo roam. My family's here in Colorado and so that's a big part of it. I had faith in Coach Prime and I had faith in my ability to showcase what I can do for this staff and this campus, so yes.”
What it is like playing for Coach Prime and the new staff:
“Playing for Coach Prime it's amazing. I know you guys only really see what the cameras capture but he is that role model. He's a father figure for us. He's teaching us to be better men on and off the field. Be better students. It's amazing.”
Any superstition things he does before games:
“I always love eating spaghetti and meatballs before a game. Yes, it is very good. You got to carve up a little bit.”
On what it is like to play for CU being an homegrown here at Colorado:
“Colorado is the place to be. I’ve been here for the past three years, three and a half years, four years, something like that. There’s been trials and tribulations. It's been rough at times, but it's all worth it in the end.”
How much on the fans mean to the team and him specifically:
“It's unbelievable. It was freezing today, terrible weather. But the fans still showed out in great numbers too. And I just want to say that Buff Nation we appreciate you and we love you so much. We wouldn't be who we are without you.”
On his injury:
“It is a minor injury. It was some intestinal damage from a past scrimmage. Give me a couple of weeks and I'll be good, sir.”
On what he feels like he has done to expand his game to receive the scholarship:
“I say the biggest thing for me is believing in myself. Over the course of being here, I spent a lot of, like I said trials and tribulations, but definitely working on my side to side, working on making people miss, really working on my vision, seeing the holes in the right place, and ultimately, blocking Shedeur, keeping him keeping him protected. Thank you, sir.”
Shedeur Sanders, Sr., QB
On playing in today’s weather
“Yeah, the weather wasn't the best for what I like to do, so it was definitely tough out there. We fought through our lack of depth at running back…we had a couple of guys step up, like Isaiah Hardge, and get there and do his thing. Overall, it was a good performance. I feel like we have some things that we have to clean up, but I feel like we’re in a way better place both mentally and physically than last year.”
On first team center and his resilience (Hank Zilinskas)
“Hank is a great guy - he's a good team player. I’ve never heard him complain ever - he always has a positive attitude and a smile on his face, so that's one thing I love about Hank. We got a lot of guys offensively that just have great attitudes towards each other. Sometimes it's friction, but we always work it out. We’re always a family, and they won't let what happened last year happen again.”
On where improvements have been made
“I feel like we're getting quality guys now, and they're doing full background checks on everybody and we're getting exactly who we want. I told ESPN this earlier - I watched the LaJohntay Wester PFF (Pro Football Focus) and I went after him, so we just collectively know what type of players we're getting overall and then we just play them to their strengths.”
On takeaways from the spring
“It’s definitely a lot of highs and lows, even with the portal going on, but I feel like we got all the negative energy out of the building…so now it's just a positive vibe. No one’s really complaining, we know that we got to go out there and play with a clear mind, and when everybody's gonna want the ball and everybody's gonna want their part, but at the end of the day, I'm just trying to win this year. The biggest thing is to win, and everybody knows that God played a role and is able to do that this season. This summer though, we're gonna get together, the receivers, and the O line is gonna workout together…so we're all going to be our own groups, but we're all going to be together, wherever. So we're going to build that team chemistry, and just spend a lot of time with each other.”
On Charlie Offerdahl receiving a scholarship
“It was amazing. Charlie is a hard-working kid. Charlie and Hank have the same tangibles, they never complain, they never bicker, they never argue, and they never get into with anyone. They are just here about business. When you handle yourself like that, then you know good things will come.”
On his running getting beat up at the end of last year
“I feel like I could definitely extend plays but I don’t feel like I'm a born runner. I run when I need to and when I have to, of course it's exciting and very energetic but if I’m able to sit in there like I was today and throw it there is no need for me to use my legs as much. I try to play the game mentally and less physically. I’m feeling great right now and I’m on a great workout program. This summer is definitely going to be a grind, especially the month of May. I am just trying to get where I want to physically and never losing a step.”
On favorite motivational quote
“Be Legendary. I don’t have too many motivational speeches. You know who my dad is, he is the biggest motivational speaker out there. I don’t get lectures from him anymore. I don’t get driven by motivation.”
“It’s definitely a lot of highs and lows, even with the portal going on, but I feel like we got all the negative energy out of the building…so now it's just a positive vibe. No one’s really complaining, we know that we got to go out there and play with a clear mind, and when everybody's gonna want the ball and everybody's gonna want their part, but at the end of the day, I'm just trying to win this year. The biggest thing is to win, and everybody knows that God played a role and is able to do that this season. This summer though, we're gonna get together, the receivers, and the O line is gonna workout together…so we're all going to be our own groups, but we're all going to be together, wherever. So we're going to build that team chemistry, and just spend a lot of time with each other.”
On Charlie Offerdahl receiving a scholarship
“It was amazing. Charlie is a hard-working kid. Charlie and Hank have the same tangibles, they never complain, they never bicker, they never argue, and they never get into with anyone. They are just here about business. When you handle yourself like that, then you know good things will come.”
On his running getting beat up at the end of last year
“I feel like I could definitely extend plays but I don’t feel like I'm a born runner. I run when I need to and when I have to, of course it's exciting and very energetic but if I’m able to sit in there like I was today and throw it there is no need for me to use my legs as much. I try to play the game mentally and less physically. I’m feeling great right now and I’m on a great workout program. This summer is definitely going to be a grind, especially the month of May. I am just trying to get where I want to physically and never losing a step.”
On favorite motivational quote
“Be Legendary. I don’t have too many motivational speeches. You know who my dad is, he is the biggest motivational speaker out there. I don’t get lectures from him anymore. I don’t get driven by motivation.”
Thoughts on offensive scheme:
“I feel like the offense is very quarterback friendly. If it's a concept that I don't like and I want to adjust, Coach and I can talk about it or he could say okay, I like it and this is why. I told him even this morning when we got here at 6:30am and we had a meeting talking about my biggest goal this year is not to keep us in a bad place. It's to understand which plays don’t work right for and get us in the right play. It was really trying to take my game and make the team take it to the next level towards where we are always gonna be one step ahead.”
Thoughts on Robert Livingston and what he's done for the defense:
“I love that we go against that defense every day. It definitely prepares us. Now I'm just excited that I get to see it every day and have trial and error with it. We can just go out there and when we play teams like that then we can handle business.”
On what he saw from backup quarterbacks:
“I feel like we got a group of guys that listen often. I told Ryan [Staub] don't get discouraged because some things are not great matchups. It's about a process driven game. You can't always worry about the results and his game. A lot of things change often. Sometimes you may have one off blitzes, one off coverages, and you won't be able to get in if you hang your hat on that. You won't be able to be successful because you won't be able to look past that. So, I encourage the guys overall to play their game like how they are natural with it. And I give them some insight on how I see different things.”
On keeping up a positive team dynamic with the transfers as a team leader:
“When a guy is leaving, it’s a decision they made on their own. I don't feel like that messes up the chemistry because of course we're bummed about it, but whatever 11 players are out there, we're going to make the most of it. So, they all have to do what’s best for them. The guys coming in already know what the mentality is. I tell them straight up. There's no jealousy, no anything in the locker room because I separate in the moment that when I have a problem, everybody else has the problem, and the leaders of the team have the problem with that player. And I tell them when this happens, it affects the whole team. We try to get all those guys out of here and be able to just have a positive mindset all while being able to just work like a pro.”