Colorado head coach Deion Sanders often says he's not selling anything when it comes to recruiting. He's just telling the truth.
But to get walk-on running back Charlie Offerdahl's parents into the CU locker room on Saturday, he acted as a salesman and told Offerdahl that he would be named the Buffaloes' spring player of the year. There was a need.
“This was how we tricked him into getting his parents over,” Coach Prime said after Saturday's annual Black and Gold Spring Game.
Instead of giving Offerdahl a spring award, Prime gave him something better: a scholarship.
Offerdahl, a fan favorite and a hard-working walk-on for the last three years with the Buffaloes, received the ultimate reward.
“I mean it's unbelievable,” Offerdahl said. “With all praise and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I want to sincerely thank everyone in this organization, everyone at Colorado State, and Coach Prime. It's a blessing. I love it. is.”
Offerdahl, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound graduate of Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton, joined CU on a walkover in 2021. Originally known for his hard work and toughness, Offerdahl ran for a school-high 150 yards in 2022. History of walk-ons.
Last year, he played in eight games, mostly on special teams, but had just two carries for 11 yards. However, he continued to perform well this spring and was recently promoted to the second team.
Oferdahl did not play in Saturday's spring game due to an intestinal injury sustained in the Buffs' last scrimmage, but it was still a special day.
“Wow, I was teary-eyed. I was teary-eyed,” Coach Prime said of the moment he announced Offerdahl's scholarship to himself and the team. “I mean, I was there booing like I'm part of the family, and it feels like I'm part of the family. He was raised right. He was raised 100%. I have a wonderful mother and father who supported me, and I know my brother will follow in his footsteps with his toughness, physicality, and tenacity.
“Charlie's the prototype, dude. He's the guy. I love what he stands for. I love who he is.”
Coach Prime was quick to point out that Offerdahl was not offered a scholarship, which he earned.
“Charlie is a hard-working kid,” quarterback Shedur Sanders said.
That effort likely won't stop as the Buffs look to the fall and Offerdahl continues to fight for carries.
“Colorado is the perfect place because it’s homegrown,” he said. “Being here for the past three years has had its trials and tribulations. It's been tough at times, but it's all worth it in the end.”
Fans heading to the NFL
For the first time in its history, CU went three years in a row without a player selected in the NFL Draft. However, several Buffs signed as undrafted free agents shortly after the draft concluded on Saturday.
Receiver Xavier Weaver, who had 68 catches for 908 yards with the Buffs last year, has signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, defensive end Derrick McClendon II signed with the Carolina Panthers, and defensive lineman Leonard Payne Jr. signed with the Miami Dolphins.
Step up
Offerdahl's injury was just one of the reasons the Buffs entered Saturday with almost no one left at running back. Alton McCaskill IV, Dylan Edwards and Syveon Wilkerson recently entered the transfer portal. And Micah Welch also joined Offerdahl on injured reserve.
With walk-on Christian Salem the only running back available, the Buffs moved cornerback Isaiah Hardge to the backfield. He had 64 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
“Isaiah is an athlete,” Coach Prime said. “This kid came in as a receiver and flipped to defensive back because we were hopeless at that position. He came back and blessed us and played running back for us. , he's done that. I mean, he's an athlete. He's a baseball player. … He showed a lot of versatility offensively and defensively. love.”
solid in the center
Sophomore Hank Zilinskas grabbed the starting role at center and capped off a good spring Saturday.
“Hank is a great guy. He's a good team player,” said Shedule Sanders. “I never hear him complain. He always has a positive attitude and a smile on his face. That's one of the things I like about Hank. There's nothing in the O-line room. , we had a lot of offensive players that had great attitudes towards each other. Sometimes there's friction, but we always work it out. We're always a family, and (the offensive line) last year. I will never let what happened happen again.”
Pay attention to
Saleem gained 23 yards on four carries. … Shedur Sanders went 10-of-14 for 116 yards, while the other three quarterbacks (Ryan Staub, Walter Taylor III and Destin Wade) combined for 2-of-10 for 34 yards. Recorded yards.
See more at BuffZone
