Improved depth, player growth leading to success for Colorado football

The growth of Carter Stoutmire, Taje McCoy and others prove that Colorado can develop players

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter may garner most of the headlines, but the Colorado Buffaloes are far from a two-man show.

Defensive players such as safety Carter Stoutmire and defensive end Taje McCoy, for example, have excelled during their second seasons in Boulder, showcasing that Colorado can develop young talent. Just as impressive, left tackle Jordan Seaton, center Cash Cleveland, wide receiver Drelon Miller and running back Micah Welch have shared success as true freshmen this season.

Including the slew of transfers brought in last offseason, head coach Deion Sanders’ improved depth is a large reason why the Buffs are fighting for a spot in the Big 12 championship game.

“We understand the difference between a chance and an opportunity,” Coach Prime said earlier this week. “Those guys are taking advantage of their opportunities. It says a lot about the depth, the development of these young men. We aren’t supposed to recruit guys out of high school, but I think we got three freshmen that are playing prominent roles on our team right now and doing a wonderful job — about to have four because No. 29 (Welch) is back now).”

Coach Prime added that there’s a greater purpose behind Colorado’s commitment to building depth.

“It says a lot about the staff, says a lot about what we plan on being and the stability that we want to be here for a while,” Coach Prime said. “We ain’t going nowhere. We about to get comfortable.”

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