Colorado head coach Deion Sanders delivered a pointed message to his team with 10 days remaining before the season opener against Georgia Tech. The Buffaloes coach made it clear that practice intensity must match game expectations.
“We got 12 days to unite, to come together as a team, as a staff, to understand what we represent and who we are,” Sanders said in Monday’s Well Off Media video release.
“We got 12 days to unite, to come together as a team, as a staff, to understand what we represent and who we are.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF_FEhDAEII
Sanders expressed frustration with players who he believes are coasting through practice. He warned against the mentality of waiting until game day to “flip a switch,” emphasizing that no such switch exists.
The urgency follows a disappointing offseason scrimmage performance that fell below program standards.
Sanders told his players that a similar showing against Georgia Tech would leave them “eaten alive.” The blunt assessment reflects the pressure facing a program in transition.
Colorado enters 2025 without three key departures who defined the previous two seasons. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, defensive back Shilo Sanders, and two-way star Travis Hunter all moved on to the NFL.
Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis are competing for the starting quarterback position.
The coaching staff remains largely intact with Pat Shurmur coordinating the offense and Robert Livingston directing the defense. NFL legends Warren Sapp, Marshall Faulk, and Byron Leftwich continue in support roles.
Sanders believes this year’s roster may be stronger overall than the team that finished 9-4 and earned an Alamo Bowl bid last season. The depth and experience across position groups has improved through the transfer portal.
The head coach spent part of the offseason undergoing treatment for bladder cancer. He’s back on the field and focused on establishing a culture of urgency.
Colorado’s August 29 season opener will test whether the Buffaloes can maintain the momentum built over Sanders’ first two seasons. The next 10 days will determine if the team is ready for the challenge ahead.
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