Former walk-on running back Charlie Offerdahl owns one of the more inspiring stories on Colorado football’s roster, and it’s only getting better.
An in-state product from Littleton, Offerdahl spent his first three college seasons as a walk-on before being gifted a scholarship from head coach Deion Sanders in April.
The shifty Dakota Ridge High School graduate is now the running back to beat for Colorado’s starting job entering fall camp, according to Coach Prime. During the Big 12 media days earlier this month, Sanders shared the following about where Offerdahl stands (h/t Scott Procter of The Coloradoan):
“Just because Charlie Offerdahl had the title of a walk-on, you guys under estimate him, you look past him; I don’t,” Sanders said during a breakout session at Big 12 media days in July. “I look at a man for who he is, not where he came from. Forget the small beginnings, he’s not a walk-on anymore, he’s a scholarship player and he’s the starter at this point. They have to beat him out.”
Offerdahl will seek to continue standing out among several newcomers, including Dallan Hayden (Ohio State Buckeyes transfer), Isaiah Augustave (Arkansas Razorbacks transfer) and incoming freshmen Micah Welch and Brandon Hood.
After rushing for a walk-on school record 150 yards in 2022, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Offerdahl had only two carries for 11 yards last year.
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