Sanders made wholesale changes at the program when he took over
When Deion Sanders took over as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, he made it clear he wouldn’t hold back when it came to overhauling the roster.
The Buffaloes were coming off a 1-11 season, while Sanders gained notoriety after leading Jackson State to a 12-1 record. He ended up finishing with a 27-6 record as coach of the Tigers over three seasons.
As a result, Sanders made extensive use of the transfer portal to improve Colorado’s fortunes. Close to 50 players left the team, with just as many coming in, including sons Shadeur and Shilo who followed from Jackson State, to make up the 2023 Buffaloes roster.
However, with so many players being moved out, not everyone was happy with being forced to find a new team.
Ex-player rips into Sanders
One of those unhappy players is Xavier Smith. The former Buffaloes defensive back ended up transferring to Austin Peay prior to the start of the season despite playing in the spring game.
However, he made it clear he wasn’t pleased with being forced out and took aim at Sanders for suggesting he wasn’t good enough to play for the Pac-12 team.
“All I wanted was a coach to be honest with me and give me an opportunity,” Smith told AP.
To me it’s like, ‘Who are you to tell me that I’m not good enough to play here?’. So, it’s just proving people wrong and proving to myself and my family that I am who I say I am and that I’m going to do what I say I’m going to do.”
More players hit out at Sanders
Smith wasn’t the only former Colorado player to take exception to Sanders’ approach.
Offensive lineman Luke Eckardt found himself on the outside looking in despite working hard over the offseason.
He ended up joining a top junior college, but he wonders if Sanders even knew his name.
“All my resentment is just for the leadership and the coaches and all that. I don’t have any anger toward the team,” he said.
The fact Luke was forced to find a new program didn’t sit well with his parents, who believe Sanders didn’t honor the words he told the players in a speech.
“There was nothing about ‘put the work in but at some point we’re probably going to get rid of you.’ It was a harsh message at the first meeting,” said Anne Eckardt
