Former Colorado players have expressed contrasting opinions about head coach Deion Sanders, with some criticizing his coaching methods while others defend him.
Deion Sanders' tenure as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes has been marked by significant roster turnover, with numerous players departing via the transfer portal. Among those who have left is Xavier Smith, who raised eyebrows with his recent criticism of Sanders.
In an interview with The Athletic, Smith alleged that Sanders pushed him to transfer shortly after becoming the coach in Boulder. He claimed that Sanders told him he should "probably hit the portal" and didn't want him to "waste a year thinking I could earn a spot."
"I was actually getting mad, like tears coming to my eyes. Because, bro, you never even tried to get to know me," Smith added.
Smith also accused Sanders of "destroying guys' confidence."
"He was destroying guys' confidence and belief in themselves," Smith told The Athletic. "The way he did it, it could’ve been done with a little more compassion."
However, Sanders' son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, came to his father's defense, disparaging Smith on X, formerly Twitter.
"Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be very mid at best," the Colorado quarterback wrote.
Smith transferred to UTEP, while other departing Colorado players provided a mix of feedback about Sanders. Some echoed Smith's concerns, while others praised Sanders' approach.
Sanders was blunt when he took over the program, particularly after the team's first spring game.
"You all know that we’re going to move on from some of the team members, and we’re going to reload and get some kids that we really identify with," Sanders said after the spring game, according to The Athletic. "So, this process is going to be quick, it’s going to be fast, but we’re going to get it done."
He also emphasized "hope" after last year’s national signing day.
"We’re not recruiting just no ordinary Tom, Dick and Harry," Sanders said on national signing day. "We recruited some guys that can light up the scoreboard and prevent touchdowns from occurring. We’re coming. We’re serious about that."
"Hope is in the house. Hope is in the air. Hope is in the city. Hope is in the community."
Sanders' methods have been polarizing, with some players embracing his tough-love approach while others have been alienated by it. It remains to be seen whether Sanders can turn around the Colorado program despite the roster turnover.
