Who’d have thought when he kicked off his collegiate career at Jackson State in 2021, that in the fall of 2023 we’d be having discussions of Shedeur Sanders as a Heisman candidate at the University of Colorado? Well, who besides Deion Sanders himself…
It’s that same confidence and principles Coach Prime has instilled within his team and specifically his Quarterback that have seen them have their success to this point. Being the son of what many consider not only the greatest defensive back ever, but possibly the greatest athlete ever; expectations on the field have always been sky high for the Sanders family. What makes this journey as a spectator so entertaining is those same expectations have been broken time and time again as they set new precedents for themselves! Here we stand with the Colorado Buffalos ranked at number 19 at 3-0, traveling to Autzen Stadium to take on the number 10 ranked Oregon Ducks. The Buffaloes come into this matchup following an overtime victory in *primetime* last Saturday over Colorado State, where numbers showed the game to be the most-watched late-night college football game ever on ESPN with an astounding 9.3 million viewers. The statistics speak for themselves, as the nation is rallying around this Colorado team to see what they do next. Personally, I’ve been tuned in to Shedeur and company since the beginning of last season as JSU. With that being said, his growth to this point has been nothing short of transcendent.
As someone who was coached by their father in little league; When I first discovered Sheduer would be playing under Deion in college I took immediate interest. Many may of had thoughts to how it would mesh, but I believed since day one that regardless of where – success would be attained. You have to consider the trust and time that is invested between a player and coach. Furthermore, This Father-Son connection isn’t just doing this because they can. This is something Deion has been there for since little league! In combination, I touched on Sanders background of his playing days and how great he was; Coach Sanders has taken another step in the life of football now. He has used his influence and connections to have other greats like him pass down skills to the next generation; most notably Tom Brady specifically training Shedeur.
I’ll leave it up to you as a viewer to say what you think TB12 has been able to influence Sanders when it comes to his game, but one cannot question the “clutch gene”. We all knew it with Brady, if you gave him time at the end of the game – he was going to make you pay. Last week’s game vs Colorado State, 98 yard drive with 2:06 left on the clock down eight; it was routine. “Brady Mode” was activated, as Sanders connected with Wide Receiver Jimmy Horn for the touchdown and followed up finding Tight End Michael Harrison for the 2 point conversion and another 2 touchdowns in OT to seal the W. Many may have found themselves in awe, but I personally have seen this magic from Shedeur before. I had the opportunity to attend the 2022 celebration bowl, which would lead to be Sanders and more last game at Jackson State. In the end JSU came up short in OT, but they don’t get there without a ridiculous 4th and 10 touchdown connection from Sanders to Travis Hunter with no time remaining in regulation! It was in that very moment I knew no matter where, that Shedeur Sanders in fact had the “clutch gene” and was here to stay. He has another opportunity today to show the world that fact, and I’d hate to be in the crowd still betting against the Sanders.