Typically, when a team does not reach its goals, the culprit is a multitude of things. While that may be true for Deion Sanders’ first season in Colorado, one aspect was more noticeable than all the others. The Buffaloes offensive line gave up a record 56 sacks last year. Coach Prime made adjustments to the coaching staff, but the elephant in that particular room was how to protect Shedeur Sanders.
There have also been a number of high-profile recruiting signings, mostly defensive line and skill positions. As well as landing the nation’s top offensive tackle prospect Jordan Seaton, who has made an impact for CU. As has Coach Prime who went back in the portal and battled for talent.
Being able to protect Sanders was absolutely going to be off-season priority number one. Anyone who watched Colorado’s 2023 year play out the way it did could’ve known it was coming. It even went beyond just protection. Every single offensive concern or expectation that was not met can be connected back to offensive line play.