Deion Sanders – Colorado needs to protect QB to compete in Big 12

LAS VEGAS — After finishing 4-8 and finishing last in the Pac-12 in his debut season at Colorado last year, coach Deion Sanders made it clear Wednesday at the conference’s media day what changes the Buffaloes need to make to compete in the Big 12. .

“We’ve got to protect that quarterback,” Sanders said. “That’s No. 1.”

Last year, his son Shadeur Sanders was the nation’s most sacked quarterback (52), causing Deion Sanders to completely overhaul the offensive line, including hiring a new line coach, former NFL offensive lineman Phil Lodholt.

Despite a complete overhaul last offseason, Sanders said it was easier this time around.

“What makes it easier to connect with the offensive line? Having the best darn quarterback in college football,” Sanders said. “Who doesn’t want to come and block for the best quarterback in college football? You’d be a fool to say, ‘I don’t want to watch.'”

“The television numbers are crazy. They’re every week. So, I get exposure and I think 32 NFL scouts are going to show up at every practice watching these two guys (Shadeur and Travis Hunter) practice. So, I get it’s an easy — and it’s Not a common sense for any lineman.”

Colorado added six offensive linemen in the early transfer window, including two with Power 5 experience and the nation’s top offensive lineman recruit, Jordan Seaton.

Despite another offseason of change, the Buffs were projected to finish 11th in the conference in the conference’s official preseason poll. Sanders had a different set of expectations.

“I’d be a fool to sit here and not tell you we plan to win,” he said. “I don’t know who sits down and says they don’t plan to win. You’d have to be an idiot to say that. We definitely plan to win, and first and foremost, that starts with the staff. I think we have 140 years on staff. More NFL experience.

“Obviously, we have two guys who are positioned to go in the top five of the draft (Sanders and Hunter), but I think we’ll have two more guys who are going to sneak in that first round. Let me get you started, Green. I’m not going to tell you fourth. .”

Colorado opens the season Aug. 29 at home against North Dakota State, an FCS opponent that Sanders said the Buffaloes have respect for.

“They’re really good, and I’m just crazy about (CU athletic director Rick George) putting them on the schedule to open with them right now,” Sanders said. “Can you give me a layup or something? These guys are great. Their stuff has always been among the best. A lot of guys have matriculated from that stuff to the next level. These kids play off their butts. They’re tough. They’re going to make a lot of mistakes. No they are used to winning.”