Is Deion Sanders Overrated?

After concluding a disappointing first season at Colorado, Coach Prime is locked in and focused on building for next year. However, a once promising recruiting class has taken a hit. Over the last several weeks, it has been reported that several commits have had a change of heart and will not be joining the Colorado hype machine. It also seems that several players from this season’s team are jumping ship and have entered the transfer portal (Most notably, starting LB Marvin Ham, II).

A Perfect Start, A Terrible Ending!

Before the start of the season, no one had any expectations for the Buffaloes. To the surprise of many, Prime’s squad started the season 3-0, including a victory over last year’s national runner-up, TCU. Colorado became the center of the College Football Universe and the Sports World in general. Despite much fanfare and great promise, the Buffaloes would only win one of their remaining nine games to finish a disappointing 4-8.

What Happened To The Buffs?

To be fair, Colorado was hit with several major injuries, including loosing two way star DB/WR, Travis Hunter, for several games and a late season back injury to QB Shaduer Sanders. Despite this fact, Prime’s Squad had enough fire power to win more than one of their last nine games. What happened to the Buffaloes? Oftentimes, the O-line seemed disengaged early in games, and the pass protection often broke down moments after the snap. Though Travis Hunter & Shilo Sanders showed flashes of greatness, the Buffaloes often left holes in the middle of the field, and the defensive play calling was abysmal late ij games.

Is Deion Overrated?

Deion had a ton of success in his brief career at Jackson State. He was regarded there as a brilliant leader, motivator, innovator, and winner. Aside from the first few games of this season, many would argue that at the D1/FBS level, he has been anything but brilliant. Prime lost more games this season (8) than he lost in three years at Jackson (6). This has led some to ponder if he is really cut out to coach a major college program, while others are still 100% bought in and believe Prime is the next big thing in coaching. 

My Take

Deion Sanders is a polarizing figure. He talks a lot. I mean a whole lot! However, the man is a winner! He was a standout as a player at all levels. In coaching he won at the high school level, he dominated at Jackson State to the tune of a 27-6 record. He drew attention to HBCU’s like no coach ever has. He has drive, charisma, and confidence that makes people believe he can accomplish anything he wants.

Colorado was 1-11 in 2022 before Prime arrived on the scene. They finished 4-8 this season. No one can argue that four is more than one. Therefore, he did have a measure of relative success. Though some recruits have backed out and a few players are transferring, Boulder is still an attractive destination. Prime has the ability to get people noticed, and in the era of NIL deals, young athletes want eyes on them in hopes that it correlates to $$$. I think that with the foundation they have, plus what he will add in the transfer portal and via recruits, Coach Prime will have the Buffs in a better position to be competitive next year. Perhaps a 7-5 season. So do I think Deion Sanders is overrated? No!

What do you think? Is Prime a bust as a D1/FBS coach? Vote in our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments section. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!