Deion Sanders nearly overhauled the entire roster when he took over as the Colorado Buffaloes head coach. Forty-six players entered the transfer portal, and 50 were brought in as his own recruits. In a meeting with the original players, Sanders told them:
“We got a few positions already taken care of because I’m bringing my own luggage with me. And it’s Louis, OK? … The more of you jump into (the portal), the more room you make because we bring kids that are smart, tough.”
The “Louis,” possibly in reference to the high-end brand Louis Vuitton, meant that the players he was bringing in were top brass. Sanders from thereon focused on building his staff, finding five-star high school recruits, and adding his son, Shedeur Sanders, to the team.
Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter Shined Against Utah
In Sanders’ first season, the Buffaloes ended their campaign with a 4-8 record, including a 1-8 record in Pac-12 play. But it seems that Coach Prime has found his rhythm with the newly assembled team.
In the 2024 season, the Buffaloes have a 6-1 record in conference play and an 8-2 overall record. After Saturday’s game against the Utah Utes, Colorado claimed victory with a 49-24 score in Boulder. The electric performance, spearheaded by Shedeur and Travis Hunter (who followed Coach Prime to Colorado from Jackson State in 2023), had fans screaming at the top of their lungs:
“We are bringing our luggage and it’s Louis, it’s Louis.”
The Colorado HC’s eldest son, Deion Sanders Jr., shared a video of fans on X, hyping them up and reminiscing on his father’s earlier comments:
“He knew what he was talking about.”
He knew what he was talking about pic.twitter.com/eHgNtctJAT
— Deion Sanders Jr (@DeionSandersJr) November 17, 2024
With two regular-season games left, if the Buffaloes win both, they will play for the Big 12 title in Arlington, Texas, in December. Should they win, they will have their ticket to the new 12-team College Football Playoff.
Shedeur Sanders threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns and held off a late rally from the Utes. In the meantime, Hunter played hard on both sides of the ball, recording five receptions for 55 yards and a five-yard rushing touchdown, all the while defending with an interception and a pass breakup.
Post-game, both Coach Prime and his son praised Hunter and why he deserves the Heisman Trophy.
“Travis is the epitome of a football player,” the elder Sanders said. “He loves the game, practices hard. He’s a straight-A student… He ain’t smoking, he ain’t getting high, he ain’t doing nothing stupid like that or getting drunk. He’s a great human being.”
"He's a straight A student… He ain't smoking, he ain't getting high, he ain't doing nothing stupid like that or getting drunk. He's a great human being."@JennyTaft talks with @CUBuffsFootball's @DeionSanders about Travis Hunter after his dominant performance ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SO3r1YB1Pn
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
Likewise, Shedeur was asked why Hunter deserves the Heisman, and he said:
“He’s the best player in the country, hands down, no doubt. There’s not a lot of guys that could do what he do on offense and defense, so it’s really tough to compare him to anybody else.”
"He's the best player in the country hands down."
Shedeur Sanders tells @JennyTaft why he thinks Travis Hunters should win the Heisman ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iRguJlulh7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
The two-way star now has 911 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns, along with 24 tackles and three interceptions. While the Heisman Trophy is traditionally awarded to quarterbacks, the wide receiver/cornerback has outdone other early hopefuls.