Former Colorado players were told they weren’t ready for Prime Time. They moved on but won’t forget

41

The former Colorado players were initially thrilled to have Deion Sanders, a charismatic Pro Football Hall of Fame member and ex-major leaguer known as “Prime Time,” as their new head coach. Luke Eckardt, one of these players, described the awe he felt at having such a renowned figure as their coach. However, that excitement soon turned into apprehension when Sanders made it clear that no job on the team was safe, and there were transfers incoming.

Eckardt took Sanders’ words as a challenge and worked hard during winter conditioning and spring practice. He practiced with the lower-ranked offensive lines, received positive feedback from his position coach, and believed he had performed well. However, his hopes were dashed when he was called to a meeting with Sanders and informed that he would not be on the team anymore.

This was part of a major roster overhaul orchestrated by Sanders, where more than 50 players were cut, and another 20 left the team. Sanders aimed to bring in more talented players after a season in which the Buffaloes struggled, particularly with quarterback protection.

Despite criticism for relying heavily on the transfer portal, Sanders defended his approach, emphasizing the need to fill specific positions strategically. Many of the displaced players, like Eckardt, entered the transfer portal, while others left football altogether.

Eckardt, for instance, landed at Iowa Western Community College, where he had a successful season. He is considering offers from various schools for his next destination, having already moved from Arizona to Colorado before arriving at Iowa Western.

Numerous players who left Colorado found new homes at other FBS and FCS schools, including Pac-12 rivals, Michigan State, North Carolina State, and Mississippi State. Some, like Xavier Smith, initially had high hopes for playing under Sanders but eventually transferred to other schools to find their footing.

Eckardt and Smith shared their experiences and feelings about their former team, with Eckardt expressing resentment toward the leadership and coaches but not the team itself. His parents were shocked by his dismissal from Colorado, as they felt the initial message from Sanders was harsh and didn’t align with the hard work put in by the players.

As Sanders looks to the future, he acknowledges the need for greater depth and improvement in various positions, especially the offensive line. He emphasizes recruiting players committed to building the program and not just seeking financial gains through name, image, and likeness deals.

The departures from Colorado continue, with players hitting the transfer portal, including linebacker Marvin Ham and tight end Caleb Fauria, the son of former NFL star Christian Fauria.

In summary, the article discusses the significant changes and challenges faced by former Colorado players under Deion Sanders’ coaching, highlighting their experiences and the major roster overhaul that took place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Transition

More about Transition

• Deion Sanders – Information about Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach mentioned in the text.
• College Football – Background on college football, the context in which these roster changes took place.
• Transfer Portal – Information about the NCAA transfer portal, which many displaced players entered.
• Austin Peay – Details about Austin Peay’s football program where Xavier Smith found success.
• Iowa Western Community College – Information about Iowa Western Community College, where Luke Eckardt had a successful season.
• Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Sports – Background on the name, image, and likeness deals mentioned in the text.
• Colorado Buffaloes Football – Information about the Colorado Buffaloes football program, where the roster changes occurred.