Summer training for the Colorado football team is well underway, with preseason camp just around the corner.
Coach Deion Sanders' Buffaloes appear to have their roster all but set with just 12 weeks remaining before their season opener against North Dakota State on Aug. 29. Unofficially, CU has 80 of its 85 scholarship slots filled. A year ago, Coach Prime didn't use all 85 of those slots, so that may not change much going forward.
As the Buffaloes look ahead to the upcoming season, here is an overview of each position group.
Quarterbacks (four scholarship recipients) Senior Shedur Sanders had a great spring, proving he is healthy and recovered from an injury that caused him to miss the final six quarters of 2023. As one of the best quarterbacks in the country, he will lead the offense. Redshirt freshman Ryan Staub emerged as the top backup coming out of the spring, and transfer students Walter Taylor and Destin Wade provide solid depth along with walk-on Colton Allen.
Running back (5) The team has been significantly revamped since last season and again since the spring. Transfers Isaiah Augustab (Arkansas) and Darran Hayden (Ohio State) joined the team this summer and will compete for starting spots. CU also signed speedy high school star Brandon Hood to compete with fellow freshman Micah Welch and former walk-on Charlie Offerdahl.
Receivers(10): I'll also include Travis Hunter in the cornerback numbers, as he is clearly one of the best receivers, if not the best, on the team. Jimmy Horn Jr. returns after a great year and La'Jontae Wester turned heads in the spring. Will Shepard, a transfer from Vanderbilt, joined the team this summer and should be one of the best weapons. This group also includes a lot of young talent, including Terrell Timmons Jr., Omarion Miller, Jordan Onovu, Kodal Russell, Asad Waseem, Kamron Michael and Dre'Ron Miller. Walk-on Caleb Mathis is also a favorite target for Shedul Sanders.
Tight End (4): This group will look very different than it did last year, or even this spring. Ohio State transfer Sam Hart will join the team this summer and could lead the team. Luis Passarello will be there if healthy, as will converted defenders Savell Smalls and Morgan Pearson. Walk-ons Brady Kopets and Charlie Williams could also compete for playing time.
Offensive Lineman (15) Continuing the shakeup has been going on throughout the offseason, with the addition of five transfers and top high school player Jordan Seaton over the winter. Tackles Seaton, Khalil Benson, guards Tyler Brown and Justin Meyers and center Hank Zilinskas were top of the recruiting pool in the spring, but they will be put to the test. CU added six linemen this summer, including five transfers: Wyatt Hamel (Villanova), Ethan Boyd (Michigan State), Chris Morris (East Mississippi Community College), Peyton Kirkland (Texas) and Zach Owens (Clemson).
Defensive Lineman (7) Senior Shane Cokes and junior Amari McNeil are the only two returning players from last year who could carry the team, but the transfer students will also step up. Taurean Carter, Chidoze Nwankwo and Ankin Barnes all performed well in the spring. The Buffaloes added two transfer students this summer, Rayan Buell (Ohio State) and Taufik Thomas (Louisville).
Edge (9): Arden Walker and Tajae McCoy are the two players who returned with the expectation of a bigger role, but the group was completely revamped this offseason. Nikhil Webb-Walker, Samuel Okunlola, Keaton Wade and Quencey Wiggins were all key transfers last winter. The Buffaloes also added Arizona State transfer B.J. Green and Pittsburgh transfer Dion Hayes, who could be top prospects.
Inside Linebacker (8) LaVonta Bentley looks like a solid contender after a strong 2023 season, but the Buffaloes have been searching for a second-string position. Converted safety Trevor Woods could be the No. 2 starter, but the coaching staff gained a lot of experience through the transfer portal this spring. Transfers Jonny Chaney Jr. (Florida A&M) and Nikai Hill-Green (Charlotte) will both compete for the starting spot. Jeremiah Brown, Brendan Gant and Jalen Wester could also be candidates.
Cornerback (8) Travis Hunter is the leader of this group, but it remains to be seen where and how much he will play. He will, of course, split time with the receivers. He played most of the spring as a defensive nickel, as Preston Hodge and DJ McKinney played very well at corner. Transfers Ivan Yates (Furman) and Colton Hood (Auburn) will also compete for playing time.
Safety (7): This is an interesting position for CU, as it was reported this summer that senior Shiloh Sanders could miss several months with a shoulder injury. CU has not confirmed this, but if Sanders is out for a while, the Buffaloes will have to make an adjustment. Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig is the leader here, and the Buffaloes could also move Trevor Woods back to his natural position at safety. Converted cornerback Carter Stoutmire is also an option. Transfers Herman Smith III (Jackson State), Savion Riley (Miami) and RJ Johnson (Arkansas) will also likely compete for the position.
Specialist (3) The Buffaloes are doing well in the kicking game. Punter Mark Bassett is one of the best in the Big 12 and placekicker Alejandro Mata is reliable inside 45 yards. Jace Feely will be hoping to get a run on Mata again.
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