Why Colorado football’s offensive line will be improved for Deion, Shedeur Sanders in 2024

Apr 27, 2024; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) prepares to pass during a spring game event at Folsom Field.

Deion Sanders didn’t mince words after his son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was hit 17 times, knocked down 13 times and sacked seven times in a loss to UCLA last fall.

“The big picture is you get new linemen,” Deion Sanders said after the loss on the Oct. 28. “That’s the picture and I’m going to paint it perfectly.”

Despite being the most sacked (52) quarterback in the country last season, Shedeur Sanders was still able to complete 69.3% of his passes (eighth-best in FBS) and throw for a school-record 3,230 yards to go along with 27 touchdowns in his first year at the FBS level. As impressive as his individual season was, the inconsistency in his protection from the offensive line hindered the overall success of this offense.

Constant pressure limited Sanders’ ability to make aggressive, downfield throws and create off schedule. More importantly, leaky protection far too often resulted in negative plays: sacks, fumbles, turnovers, etc.

Deion Sanders made good on his promise of bringing in new lineman via the transfer portal, but can the Buffs significantly improve up front in just one offseason? Here’s why they can.

Colorado’s offensive line revamp ‘was expected’

Hank Zilinskas survived the purge. Others weren’t as fortunate.

The sophomore center is one of just three returning Colorado offensive linemen who saw action last season (Ben Reznik and Kareem Harden are the others).

Last year’s starting left tackle (Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan) and starting center (Van Wells) are headed to Oregon State. Jack Bailey, who started all 12 games at left guard for the Buffs last season, has transferred to Northwestern and Savion Washington is now at Syracuse after starting nine…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-colorado-footballs-offensive-line-122520011.html

Author : The Coloradoan

Publish date : 2024-06-11 12:25:20

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