Coach Prime will wait until last minute to finalize Colorado’s depth chart

Although the Colorado Buffaloes are closing in on their first regular season game August 29th, against North Dakota State. The depth chart is still a work in progress. With so many new players via the portal, Coach Prime and his staff are giving themselves plenty of time to make the right decisions. Deion spoke to the media after Colorado’s open practice in Denver on Friday, and let everyone know where he was on the depth chart. “ Probably right before kickoff, that’s the truth,” Sanders stated. “There’s too many things that happen. Somebody may sustain an injury in practice. Somebody may not give the effort that you desire.”

The Buffs seem to have multiple players capable of starting. As of now Charlie Offerdahl is the starter at running back, but Dallas Hayden has looked good. During the open practice in Denver on Friday freshman Brandon Hood played well breaking a long run, and today following practice Coach Prime acknowledged freshman Micah Welch for his hard work. “Just work his butt off, and he is ten times better than when he came,” Sanders stated.

The wide receiver group is crowded but as talented as any in the country lead by Travis Hunter, Will Sheppard, Jimmy Horn Jr., and LaJohntay Wester. Omarion Miller and Terrell Timmons are going to cause trouble as well.

The offensive line has been the area that was the most scrutinized during the offseason. The Buffs have remade their line and they seem to have eight or nine guys that will play. Freshman Jordan Seaton will anchor the left side, while Kareem Benson handles the right tackle position. Tyler Brown and Justin Mayers look to be the starting guards, while Hank Zilinskas should hold down center. The depth of the line is much improved as well with multiple transfers looking to help out.

On the defensive side of the ball, I believe things are a little more settled, at least for the starters. In the secondary transfers Preston Hodge and DJ McKinney will start at corner with Travis Hunter playing nickel back. Safeties Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig round out this strong backside of the defense.

At the linebacker position things look fairly secure there with Trevor Woods, and LaVonta Bentley. The defensive line will be another spot where multiple guys get a shot. B.J. Green looks to be the most talented and leader of the group, but Dayon Hayes, Shane Cokes, and Chidozie Nwankwo are no slouches. Arden Walker looked good on Friday, but the player that seems to be coming on the strongest is sophomore Taje McCoy. Coach Prime talked up McCoy while also letting everyone know about the competition that McCoy faces. “His motor is unbelievable. Never gets in trouble, great GPA, great kid; going to do what you ask him to do. He has several guys that he is competing with to get on the field and get ample playing time."

As the first game draws near Coach Prime and the Buffs continue to work hard and get ready for North Dakota State on August 29th. No matter how the depth chart shakes out, the look of this Colorado roster is much improved from this time last year. Only time will tell how that shakes out once the games count, but the Buffs look ready for 2024.