ESPN calls for media to 'pump brakes' on Deion Sanders, Colorado

On3 imageby:Nick Kosko05/08/23

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Deion Sanders and Colorado have a lot of hype ahead of the 2023 season and the coach hasn’t even been on the field yet. 

But there’s a lot of hype for good reason based on Sanders’ success at Jackson State and the huge transfer portal influx in and out of the program. However, ESPN called for some of the media to “pump the brakes” on Sanders and the Buffaloes.

ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura gave his reality check for Sanders and Colorado going into the pair’s first season together.

“Taking away the 2020 season for obvious reasons, Colorado’s second-best record in the Pac-12 since joining the conference was 3-6 (twice),” Bonagura wrote. “Let’s pump the brakes and watch an actual game before expecting someone who has never coached at the FBS level try to win games against several proven commodities.”

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Bonagura outlined what the hype consisted of. Sanders made it clear Colorado would weed out the players that didn’t belong and bring in those who did.

But as far as that making Colorado an instant contender in the Pac-12, not so fast my friend.

“With every player who enters the portal to leave, there (are) seemingly several more — mostly better — players ready to step into that scholarship spot,” Bonagura wrote. “By the time the roster movement stabilizes prior to next season, the Buffs will have a roster capable of competing in the Pac-12. Now, let’s be clear: Having the ability to compete does not mean Colorado is suddenly a betting favorite to win the conference. But a betting slip for that to actually happen might not turn to trash until the middle of the season.”

The amount of players leaving has garnered plenty of attention across the college football world, but Sanders’ boss — Colorado athletic director Rick George — is rising to his defense.

“We are not the first to do this,” George told Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger about the Colorado rebuild. “Eighteen months ago, there was a lot of criticism in our program because guys were leaving. Around 24 to 25 left in December [2021] right after the season. Similar things have happened at other schools. We are not unique in this.

“We know that in a coach’s first year, you have a head coach exemption, which is part of NCAA rules. Having conversations with student-athletes after spring ball … ‘Hey, this may not work out. You may not get the playing time you want. We’ll help you go somewhere else.’ That’s what those discussions were about. After everybody’s season, coaches and student-athletes are having those conversations. Yeah, it’s a lot, but we are focused on getting better.”

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