After one of the most exciting and eventful off-seasons in Colorado football history, it’s finally game week for Coach Prime and the new-look Buffs. Monday was the players’ first day of classes at CU and also the day that TCU preparation officially began.
Tuesday was a beautiful day in Boulder and the Buffs practiced under the Flatirons at Franklin Field. DNVR met up with Uncle Neely after practice to get the scoop on today’s practice. “A lot of good energy, a lot of good emotion and Warren Sapp was back at practice with Coach Prime,” said Uncle Neely. Sapp’s presence at practice may have motivated Colorado’s defensive line as their performance stood out at today’s practice.
Coach Prime spoke to the media after practice and gushed about his defensive line and their coach, Sal Suneri. “We’ve got some guys that I feel like will end up with double digits in sacks,” said Coach Prime. “Shane Cokes, I feel like is a pro. And I think we have one of the best coaches in college football and just coaching period in Sal [Sunseri].”
Coach Prime also mentioned that Sapp is dealing with a hip injury so he spent time with the defensive linemen in the hot tub after yesterday’s practice. “They wanted to join him and glean some of that Hall of Fame gold,” said Coach Prime.
Coach Prime also got the opportunity to share his reaction to the NCAA’s inconsiderate decision on LG Tyler Brown’s eligibility. “That hurt tremendously, he’s a kid that is dear to me like a darn son,” said Coach Prime. “When you have someone really dealing with mental health, there’s a problem, and then ostracizing him and not allowing him to do what he’s blessed and gifted to do and the thing that presents some peace. That’s trying for a young man. I wish they could review that and really understand that.”
As long as the NCAA declares Tyler Brown ineligible, he will not be allowed to travel with the team or play in any games. However, he can still be with the team, at the facility, on the practice field and in meetings.
Sonny Dykes and the TCU Horned Frogs await Colorado’s arrival in Fort Worth for one of the most anticipated and talked about Week 1 matchups in all of college football.
“Great coaching, great staff, they did the unthinkable last year,” said Coach Prime. “They lost a lot of men that were really good football players, and they replaced them with pretty good football players. If there’s one thing about that team and their head coach, they will be prepared. They will be fundamentally sound, they will come out emotional, and try to atone for last season, the way that ended.”
When Coach spoke about Shedeur Sanders and Colorado’s ability to protect him, Coach Prime laid it out bluntly. “I feel good about protecting Shedeur. Give him a clean pocket, and there’s going to be some problems,” said Coach Prime.
Coach Prime also revealed which cornerbacks are in contention to start across from Travis Hunter on Saturday. “We have a couple of guys in Omarion Cooper and Carter Stoutmire,” said Coach Prime. “They’re fighting to see who’s going to be starting on that other side. It’s gonna go right down to the end.”
Cormani McClain was not mentioned by Coach Prime but Uncle Neely said that McClain has come on really strong over the last few weeks and has been having some great battles with Colorado’s biggest receiver, Javon Antonio.
Coach Prime also revealed that Myles Slusher “should be the guy” starting at the star position, which is Colorado’s slot defender.
Travis Hunter received another rest day with gameday being only four days away. Although he wasn’t dressed for practice, Hunter was still throwing balls to receivers in drills. Hunter’s mind-bending talent was on display even then as he was throwing strong, accurate passes to receivers.
Tomorrow linebackers coach Andre Hart and a selected player are scheduled to speak with the media. DNVR will once again meet up with Uncle Neely to share what you need to know before the Buffs take the plane to Fort Worth on Thursday.
