BOULDER,CO November 11: Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders, congratulates his son, Shedeur Sanders, after he scored a touchdown against Arizona.(Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)
With the season opener nearly eight months away, the Colorado football roster certainly isn’t complete.
Last year, head coach Deion Sanders and his staff made significant roster moves in the winter and again in the spring and even made some tweaks as late as August.
There won’t be as many changes this year as last year, but the Buffaloes’ roster is already different and, they hope, better than it was during a 4-8 (1-8 Pac-12) campaign in 2023.
For now, the Buffs unofficially have 79 of 85 scholarship spots filled (24 of those with newcomers). More moves will be made, but here’s a look at where the Buffs stand at each position.
Quarterbacks (4 on scholarship): Rising senior Shedeur Sanders is the starter and on the mend from injuries that cut his 2023 season a game and a half short. Redshirt freshman Ryan Staub, who looked good in the finale at Utah, is also slated to return. Two sophomore transfers, Walter Taylor (Vanderbilt) and Destin Wade (Kentucky) have boosted the depth. The Buffs could add another QB, but look solid with this group.
Running backs (4): Junior Alton McCaskill IV was never healthy last year, but the former Houston star is the potential leader here. Senior Sy’veon Wilkerson and sophomore Dylan Edwards had really good moments, too. That’s a solid trio to go along with incoming freshman Micah Welch. CU is likely to add another one or two backs.
Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) plays against Hawaii during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Nashville. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Receivers (11): The 11 doesn’t include the best receiver on the team, Travis Hunter, who we’ll include at cornerback. It does include Jimmy Horn Jr., who had a really good first season at CU, and transfer Will Sheppard, the leading receiver at Vanderbilt the past two years. Transfers Terrell Timmons Jr. (NC State) and Cordale Russell (TCU), plus dynamic freshmen Kamron Mikell and Drelon Miller, join a group that includes several other talented youngsters, including junior Tar’Varish Dawson and sophomore Omarion Miller. Look for the Buffs to add one or two more.
Tight ends (2): It was a thin group last year and could be again, but the Buffs added Cincinnati transfer Chamon Metayer and are prioritizing this spot a bit more. The only other scholarship player here is Louis Passarello, who missed the 2023 season with an injury. His status going forward is unknown. CU could add a couple more players here.
Offensive linemen (15): After a dismal 2023 season up front, there has been a heavy emphasis here this offseason. The Buffs landed the No. 1 prep lineman in the country (Jordan Seaton) and five FBS starters through the transfer portal. They’ll also get Tyler Brown back after he was forced to sit out the 2023 season after transferring a second time. Starters Jack Bailey and Savion Washington are also back. Eleven of the 15 are seniors or juniors. CU could stand pat with this group, but some movement in or out wouldn’t be surprising.
Defensive linemen (9): Transfers Chidozie Nwankwo (Houston), Anquin Barnes (Alabama) and Quency Wiggins (LSU) have been huge additions this offseason. CU returns some experience with Shane Cokes, Chazz Wallace, JJ Hawkins and Amari McNeill, so this group appears to be much-improved. The most recent episode of Amazon’s “Coach Prime” series said sophomore Bishop Thomas is suspended, with his status for next season unknown. If reinstated, Thomas could be a key player. If not, the Buffs could look to add more pieces.
Edge (9): Graduation hit this group, but the Buffs have addressed it through the transfer portal, getting Keaten Wade from Kentucky and Samuel Okunlola from Pittsburgh. They also added highly productive freshmen Eric Brantley and Brandon Davis-Swain. Arden Walker, Jeremiah Brown, Deeve Harris and Khairi Manns all return, as does Taje McCoy, who was praised often during his true freshman season.
Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones (1) is tackled by Florida State linebacker DJ Lundy (10) and Florida State defensive lineman Byron Turner Jr. (54) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)
Inside linebackers (7): LaVonta Bentley returns after having a really good season for the Buffs, but they upgraded the position when they landed Florida State transfer DJ Lundy. In 42 games with the Seminoles, he had 170 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. A fully healthy Demouy Kennedy could help and the Buffs have a trio of redshirt freshmen they like. The Buffs could use some experienced reinforcements, though. Currently counted is Brendan Gant, who is out of eligibility, but hopes to obtain a medical hardship for one more season.
Cornerbacks (8): It all starts with Travis Hunter, of course, and the Buffs need sophomore Cormani McClain to take the next step. They went out landed Liberty transfer Preston Hodge, however, to upgrade the spot. Omarion Cooper and Carter Stoutmire are talented corners slated to return.
Safeties (7): This appears to be one of CU’s most solid units. With Shilo Sanders, Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Trevor Woods back, the Buffs are in great shape. If rising sophomore Jaden Milliner-Jones takes the next step, the Buffs will be loaded at the top. Jahquez Robinson, Myles Slusher and Vito Tisdale are experienced players who could push for starting roles or at least provide good depth.
Specialists (3): CU is set here, with punter Mark Vassett and place-kickers Jace Feely and Alejandro Mata all slated to return.
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2024-01-06 22:17:33
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