Deion Sanders adopted an unconventional approach to roster management upon taking charge in Colorado, orchestrating a significant turnover by replacing 52 scholarship players in his initial five months as head coach in Boulder.
A viral video captured Coach Prime’s first meeting with the existing Buffaloes players, conveying a clear message that better talent was on its way through the portal, signaling limited retention from the previous roster.
While Sanders succeeded in recruiting talented transfers, the mass roster cuts, particularly post-spring practice, generated resentment among those players who found themselves let go. Xavier Smith, a redshirt freshman defensive back who transferred to Austin Peay after being cut, expressed disappointment over the situation, considering it a significant letdown.
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Smith’s disappointment transformed into motivation, a sentiment shared by others who felt betrayed by the process.
We all have expectations of a coach and I just feel like those expectations weren’t met […]
All I wanted was a coach to be honest with me and five me an opportunity.— Xavier Smith, via AP News
To me it’s like, “Who are you to tell me that I’m not good enough to play here?” So it’s just proving people wrong and proving to myself and my family that I am who I say I am and that I’m going to do what I say I’m going to do
The timing of the cuts also raised concerns. Offensive lineman Luke Eckardt, initially excited about Sanders’ appointment as head coach, believed he had showcased his abilities well enough during winter workouts and the spring game to secure his spot. However, he was among the 40-50 players released after the spring game, eventually finding a spot in a top junior college program.
Eckardt’s resentment is directed towards the leadership and coaches, particularly Sanders, who he felt often overlooked players from the 2022 Colorado team. He emphasizes that his dissatisfaction is not directed at the team but the coaching staff.
All my resentment is just for the leadership and the coaches and all that. I don’t have any anger toward the team.— Luke Eckardt said.
The parents of released players, including Eckardt’s, were shocked and felt that Sanders did not honor his commitment. They believed the coach’s initial speech about hard work did not align with the subsequent decision to release players after the spring game, contrary to the expectations set.
[Deion Sanders] told them if “you don’t want to work, then leave.” If you’re going to put the work in, then put the work in.
There was nothing about “put the work in but at some point we’re probably going to get rid of you.”
It was a harsh message at the first meeting. But it did not convey “work your fingers to the bone” like all those kids did and then they’re just going to drop them after the spring game.— Anne Eckardt, via AP News
I didn’t think they were going to just make us do the whole charade… and then kick us off said Luke Eckardt.
Eckardt, a 6-foot-6, 295-pound tackle, wishes Sanders had made the cuts earlier, allowing players more time to find new opportunities. He perceives the staff’s decision to retain them until after the spring game as a strategic move to ensure a strong appearance for the Colorado Buffaloes’ sold-out event.
