In the wake of 14 Colorado players entering the transfer portal this week, Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders downplayed the idea that their departures would have a major impact on the team.
“We're good. I trust the recruiting staff. I trust our coaches, and I hope you guys trust me a little bit,” Sanders said. “We're fine. We're fine. We're fine.”
Sanders said most of the movement in the transfer portal right now consists of backups and that he believes it's rare for rookies to enter the portal at this point.
“I think we got some [starting-caliber players] “We'll be coming off visits very soon, maybe even this weekend, but we can attract those type of players,” Sanders said. “I don't think we're losing those kind of players, and if we do, we're in good shape.” We are good. “We're making a big deal out of nothing.”
Former five-star running back Cormani McClain, who had a turbulent first season in Colorado, and running back Alton McCaskill, who was the AAC Rookie of the Year in 2021, both announced their departures this week.
“I want the best for [McClain], man. “I really do. I want this kid to rise up. I want him to grow into the man he is. I want him to be the best athlete and human being and person he can be,” Sanders said.
“Sometimes you need to disconnect from something to reconnect with something else to reboot and re-energize and stabilize you. I don't hate any of the kids that might leave, man, because I just want the best out of them.”
Sanders pressed the local group of reporters at the news conference to tell him what type of players the Buffs would be leaving in the portal, and when told of “potential starters,” Sanders responded, “You haven't watched practice, have you? Amen.” (Colorado does not allow members of the Media watching training.
At least six other players entering the transfer portal this week started at least one game for Colorado last season, when the Buffs won their first three games before finishing 4-8 and in last place in the Pac-12 (1-8).
Sanders also defended a social media post earlier this week from his son, Colorado safety Shilo Sanders, who instructed interested transfers to send a direct message to either him or his brother, Buffaloes quarterback Shadere Sanders.
“That's how things happen,” Sanders said. “Players recruit players, man. We do a great job as a staff, but they have to be validated by the players because they play with those players you're talking about whether in high school or in All-Star games. They know somebody. That knows somebody.” What. That's how recruiting is done, man, they know who the dogs are and who the cats are.
The spring transfer portal window opened on Tuesday and will remain open through April 30. Colorado will host its spring game on April 27.
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