Deion Sanders defends massive roster overhaul at Colorado, says some former players ‘didn’t love football’

Deion Sanders made headlines this offseason when he orchested a ancient roster overhaul at Colorado. More than 50 individuals of ultimate yr’s workforce have entered the switch portal since Sanders’ arrival in December 2022, leaving handiest 10 scholarship players who have been a part of a 2022 roster that completed the season 1-11. 

While some coaches — maximum significantly Oklahoma’s Brent Venables and Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi — gave the impression to lob grievance at Sanders’ logo of roster control this offseason, the Pro Football Hall of Famer felt his movements have been tough, however important. Sanders addressed the overhaul right through a Friday press conference.

“It was tremendously tough, because you had some young men that just didn’t want to play the game,” Sanders stated. “They didn’t love football. It’s hard for me to be effective [as a coach] if you don’t love [football], if you don’t like it, if you don’t want to live it. That’s tough. That’s tremendously tough when you’re looking at a body of just dead eyes. That’s tough on any coach, and not just me. I’m pretty sure a multitude of coaches have experienced that until they could clean house and get the roster they wanted. It was tremendously challenging day-by-day. But I’m happy with what I see every morning now. I really am.” 

Sanders introduced within the No. 1 switch portal magnificence within the 2023 cycle, consistent with 247Sports. It comprises multi-position celebrity and former best prospect Travis Hunter, who adopted Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado. 

Sanders stated whilst he does not essentially handle the phrase “culture,” he is proud of how Buffaloes players are interacting as ultimate arrangements ramp up forward of the 2023 season.  

“[The players] are fond of one another and they are working together handsomely,” Sanders added. “I know it was a huge overhaul [of our roster], but it had to be done.” 

 It’s set to be this system’s ultimate yr within the Pac-12 prior to the Buffaloes go back to the Big 12 in 2024, joined by way of present Pac-12 foes Arizona, Arizona State and Utah. Colorado is looking for its first successful season 2016, when the Buffaloes gained 10 video games and performed for a Pac-12 name. The Buffaloes open the season Sept. 2 at TCU.