By Jamal Baker
NDG Contributing Writer
Rarely does a college football program house potentially the top two overall picks in an NFL draft. The University of Alabama most recently nearly accomplished this feat during the 2023 NFL draft with Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. being selected first and third overall respectively.
The Colorado Buffaloes feature a two-way superstar who possesses the traits of a football unicorn in Travis Hunter and a smooth operating quarterback that has a special combination of arm talent and athleticism in Shedeur Sanders. If an NFL organization finds themselves in need of an all-around playmaker or franchise quarterback, it might just be as Sanders stated on his hit rap single “Perfect Timing.”
The Buffaloes are coming off an impressive victory as they defeated the University of Central Florida 48-21. Heisman hopeful and soon to be favorite for the award Travis Hunter made plays on both sides of the ball. Hunter stuffed the stat sheet tallying nine catches for 89 yards and a touchdown to go along with an acrobatic interception that would make Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles proud.
“This is who he is man, it’s who he is. The guy works his butt off in practice,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders reiterates postgame.
Similar to how Kevin Durant has ‘quiet’ 30-point games, Shedeur Sanders threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns while completing 80 percent of his passes. Sanders makes playing the quarterback position look easy with premier ball placement and quality decision making. Arguably the top quarterback prospect in this year’s class, Shedeur Sanders credits his doubters and humble beginnings as a college athlete for his current focus and determination.
“Remembering that you was just an HBCU kid that couldn’t do it on the power 5 level. That’s really what it was. I don’t forget anything. I don’t forget what anybody ever said and personally I’m not one to you know make friends or feel like just cause success is going on now I’mma forgive everybody. Like nah, whatever you said at any point in time, I’m not really a forgiving type,” Shedeur Sanders claims.
The superstar duo of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders have built a rapport that grows stronger as each game passes. This type of connection can be compared to the likes of current NFL stars Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase during their days at LSU. Sanders consistently displays the cool under pressure aura that Burrow showcases in the pocket, while Hunter is the same type of home run threat that Chase is with the football in his hands.
Following their bye week this weekend, Colorado will prepare to face a gauntlet of BIG 12 teams—starting with the No. 20 Kansas State Wildcats making the trip to Boulder Saturday, Oct. 12. The Kansas State defense is adept at forcing turnovers yet extremely susceptible to big plays.
Shedeur Sanders must maintain his poise and look to feed number 12 every time the opportunity presents itself, and good things will happen. Travis Hunter and the Colorado defense will look to slow down an explosive Kansas State offense that features a dynamic rushing attack. This chess match will be won in the trenches where the Colorado Buffaloes will be tasked to rise to the occasion.
