Deion Sanders praises Kaidon Salter’s leadership in sideline moment
Kaidon Salter, who was benched in favor of third-string quarterback Ryan Staub in Colorado‘s 36-20 loss to Houston, returned as the starter in Colorado‘s game against Wyoming last Saturday. The Buffaloes rolled 37-20, fueled by a massive performance from Salter.
Salter finally seemed comfortable in Colorado‘s offense, as he completed 18/28 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the win. He also led the ‘Buffs in rushing with 86 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.
Although his play on the field was great, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders raved about what Salter did off the field during a media opportunity on Tuesday. Running back Micah Welch fumbled after breaking off 44-yard run in third quarter of the win, but Salter was immediately giving him words on encouragement on the sideline.
“That’s the things that we want,” Sanders said. “That’s the things that we desire and you know, there ain’t too many people to make light of but that’s what a quarterback is expected to do. The things we’re happy to see and elated to see. It goes a long way with your teammates, when in a time of disparity that you’re able to pick that guy up and place him back. Because guess what? Two backs went down and we needed him back in the game to do his thing.”
Salter leads CU in rushing and passing through four games
The Liberty transfer opened the season as Colorado‘s starting quarterback, but passed for just 159 yards and one touchdown (with one rushing touchdown) in its season opening 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech. Following that game, four-star freshman Julian Lewis and the aforementioned Staub have gotten opportunities to run the offense as well.
Through four games (three appearances), Salter leads the team in passing with 565 yards and four touchdowns. He also leads the team with rushing, totaling 153 yards and three more scores on 32 carries.
“Leadership and consistency. That’s it,” Sanders said when asked what he wanted out of Salter prior to the Wyoming game. “That ain’t much to ask for is it? Leadership and consistency. I look for that for everyone. Every man, every woman that’s involved in my life. Leadership and consistency.”
Colorado will certainly need Salter’s best performance of the season this weekend at home in a massive game against No. 25 BYU. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:15 PM, and the game can be seen on ESPN.
