Deion Sanders believes Colorado foundation is still shaky, sees progress

Deion Sanders saw progress in Year 1 at Colorado but it’s still shaky in Boulder. That’s what a 4-8 season will do to a team and coach.

However, there’s talent expected to come back and there’s more on the way. Colorado attacked the portal once again as of late, after Sanders’ comments about the state of the program.

Despite the skid to end the year, the highest of highs of Colorado were a preview of what’s to come according to Sanders. 

“It’s a little shaky in certain areas, but we’re certainly heading in the right direction,” Sanders said following the season finale. “We’re certainly trending forward. We got our butts kicked twice this year out of 12 games. I mean kicked twice. That was no win in those two games, every other game, other than that, we had a shot. And I think that’s progress. Were you here last year? That’s progress right?”

In the 2024 transfer portal rankings from On3, Colorado ranks No. 3 in the country with eight players coming in and 11 going out. The team landed one four star and six three-stars and landed seven offensive linemen overall.

That was seen as the biggest need in 2023 due to lack of protection for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and little signs of a running game.

“In the beginning of the season, I kind of saw around the corner,” Sanders said. “I forewarned you guys at the Oregon game. You better get us now because I know what we have in house. I know we don’t have, I know what we’re lacking tremendously and that was a prelude to some things that kind of fell apart as well, that they really dominated our weaknesses. 

“But I love everything that transpired. I could not grow if I didn’t go through what we’ve gone through. I could not prosper if I didn’t glean from what transpired this season. I could not be who I am if I didn’t have these tasks at hand. I’m truly thankful. This is not the first challenge I’ve had in my life, but I know how I finish. I know how this is gonna end. I promise you I know how this is gonna end.”

Colorado was 1-11 in 2022 prior to Sanders and that should be a reminder of perspective. But after the hot start in 2023, the expectations are great and there is certainly more criticism along the way.

One thing’s for sure, Sanders is going full throttle in recruiting and the portal to get it right in 2024.