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Kyle Bonagura, ESPN Writer
LAS VEGAS — After finishing 4-8 and last in the Pac-12 Conference in his first season in Colorado last year, coach Deion Sanders explained during the conference’s media day Wednesday what needs to change for the Buffaloes to compete in the Big 12.
“We have to protect that defensive back, he’s No. 1,” Sanders said.
Last year, his son Shedeor Sanders was the nation’s most-sacked quarterback (52), prompting Deion Sanders to overhaul the offensive line, including hiring a new line coach, former NFL offensive lineman Phil Ludolt.
Sanders said that after a complete overhaul in the last transfer window as well, it was easier this time around.
“What makes it easier to communicate with the offensive line? Having the best quarterback in college football,” Sanders said. “Who doesn’t want to come in and block the best quarterback in college football? You’d have to be an idiot if you said, ‘I don’t want to be seen.’”
“The numbers that come up on TV are crazy. They come up every week. So I get a chance to show up and I think 32 NFL scouts are going to come to every practice to watch these two players. [Shedeur and Travis Hunter] “Training. So I can show up. It’s easy – not a sell. It’s something that any lineman would want to be a part of.”
Colorado added six offensive linemen in the early transfer window, including two with Power 5 experience and the nation’s top offensive line recruit, Jordan Sitton.
Despite the changes that occurred during the preseason, the Buffs were projected to finish 11th in the conference in the official preseason poll. Sanders made a different set of predictions.
“I would be a fool to sit here and not tell you we plan to win,” he said. “I don’t know who sits here and says they don’t plan to win. You’d have to be a fool to say that. We absolutely plan to win, and first and foremost, it starts with the crew. I think we have over 140 years of NFL experience on the crew.
“We definitely have two guys in position to be in the top five of the draft. [Sanders and Hunter]“But I think we’ll have two more that will sneak into the first round. Let me tell you about BJ Green. I won’t tell you about the fourth.”
Colorado opens the season on Aug. 29 at home against North Dakota State, an FCS rival that Sanders said the Buffaloes respect.
“They’re really good, and I’m mad at them.” [CU athletic director Rick George] “I would like to add them to the schedule now so I can talk to them honestly,” Sanders said. “Can you give me a chance or something? These guys are great. Their staff has always been one of the best. We’ve had a lot of guys graduate from that staff to go on to higher levels. These guys play hard. They’re tough. They don’t make a lot of mistakes. They’re used to winning.”
