Deion, Shedeur Sanders take aim at Colorado's critics
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, went after their detractors following a scathing report about players who left the program.
Former Buffaloes safety Xavier Smith told The Athletic's Max Olson that his former coach "never even tried to get to know me" and that Deion Sanders was "destroying guys' confidence and belief in themselves."
Shedeur Sanders appeared to dismiss Smith's complaints about his father's treatment of former players.
"Bro had to be very mid at best," Sanders posted on X, saying that Smith was merely an average player.
Smith transferred to FCS program Austin Peay prior to the 2023 season. He was named an FCS Freshman All-American after recording 75 tackles, eight passes defensed, and a sack last season. He's set to play for UTEP in 2024.
Colorado receiver Kaleb Mathis piled on in the online back-and-forth when he posted a video of himself besting Smith during practice last spring. That led to a response from Smith's Austin Peay teammate Jaheim Ward, pointing out that the sophomore wideout recorded only 38 yards on six receptions last season.
Ward's stats from the 2023 season with the Governors were posted and scrutinized by many, including Colorado's coach.
Lawd Jesus https://t.co/WVIBSUE14X
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) May 1, 2024
Sanders didn't limit himself to taking aim at FCS players on Wednesday. He also responded to a user who was critical of Shedeur Sanders' social media activities and Colorado's 4-8 record in 2023.
"He will be a top-five pick," Sanders posted on X in regard to his son. "Where yo son going?"
He will be a top 5 pick. Where yo son going ? Lololol I got time today. Lololol https://t.co/tGS6dfm7iy
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) May 1, 2024
Sanders' comments are the latest in a series of bold claims from the Pro Football Hall of Famer regarding the future of his QB son. He previously said that both Shedeur and two-way star Travis Hunter could refuse to play for some NFL teams when they turn pro and enter the draft.
"Coach Prime" is one of the more outspoken coaches in college football since taking the Colorado job prior to the 2023 season. Sanders has leaned heavily on the transfer portal to improve the roster while seeing several players depart his program.