‘I wasn’t saying leave my kids’: Colorado manager reveals Deion Sanders philosophy that shapes his tough locker room approach

Colorado had a disappointing season in 2023, finishing with a 4-8 record. However, Deion Sanders is determined to change things this time around. Initially, things didn’t go as planned, with several key players entering the transfer portal as soon as it opened in the spring, leaving coach Sanders’ roster depleted. Despite this setback, there is a glimmer of silver in the clouds.

On3 reported on June 14 that, despite the departures of players like Cormani McClain and Dylan Edwards, Coach Prime managed to make CU the best program in football in terms of players transferring in by recruiting 41 new additions. But how are these 41 new players adjusting to the team ahead of the NCAA season? Did Coach Prime and his team implement any special measures to integrate them with the remaining players?

In the June 15 episode of DNVR CU Buffs Podcast, Colorado Director of Player Personnel Corey Phillips shed light on Deion Sanders’ strict locker room tactics to build the Buffs team featured on Well Off Media and other platforms. When host Jake asked Phillips what kind of “caliber” what it takes for him, Coach Prime and the coaching staff to train new recruits alongside the existing Buffaloes, Phillips highlighted Deion Sanders’ approach of undivided equality, which does not exclude his sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. Despite their evolution since their arrival in Colorado in 2023, they do not escape rigorous standards.

“Last year I had a very frank conversation with Coach. He said to upgrade at every position. Phillips said. “He wasn’t saying leave my kids out of it – take it to the next level at every position. That’s what we tried to do, and I think we did a good job. This upgrade exercise involved everyone, even Shedeur and Shilo, making sure they were working to achieve an overall roster upgrade. This approach by Coach Prime is commendable. While Shedeur and Shilo will enter the draft next year, their continued time on campus strengthens them for the upcoming season and their draft prospects.

Phillips further highlighted Shedeur’s unwavering dedication to coaching and compared his commitment to LSU’s Jayden Daniels, the top prospect in the 2024 draft.

Corey Philips sees Jayden 2.0 in Shedeur Sanders

Phillips compared Daniels to Shedeur and highlighted both as the best in college football. He praised Jayden, noting that despite initial doubts during recruiting, by spending time with Daniels, the CU quarterback revealed his exceptional qualities. “There are a lot of similarities in the way they do business.” » Phillips added.

He vividly described Shedeur’s dedication and mentioned: “Shedeur is out there throwing the quarterback net, working alone on an off day.” Phillips emphasized: “The work that gets done when no one else is around, and that’s what makes these kids special.” Shedeur’s commitment mirrors that of Daniels, who was found honing his skills in the virtual reality room at dawn.

Therefore, according to Phillips, Shedeur could be the one to win the Heisman this year, as he added: “I’ve seen what a Heisman looks like, and I think we have one in our locker room.” With this trajectory, Shedeur could pose a stronger threat than expected.