Op-Ed: Deion Sanders stays true about NFL future over NIL dreams

Coach Prime doesn't want players coming to Boulder on a "get rich quick" scheme

Arnie Bazemore

Deion Sanders has been a man of his word when it comes to recruiting. He has stated numerous times that he is not bringing players into Boulder to chase get rich quick NIL dreams. It has never been about that, but rather players who want a future in the NFL. In a short amount of time, Coach Prime has shown that he can bring the talent and develop them into next-level prospects.

The Buffs now have six players who've declared for the NFL draft in Derrick McLendon, Rodrick Ward, Taijh Alston, Jordan Domineck, and Juwan Mitchell. Add in grad transfer Xavier Weaver, who will also likely hear his name called come draft time. All these players have a great chance of being drafted in the mid-to-late rounds, depending on how they perform at the NFL Combine starting Feb. 26 in Indianapolis. This is just the start of CU being a program that sends top talent to the NFL.

While this first group of players find their way to the league, this is a great start for what Coach Prime and CU want to be. Yes, think of how Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, and Michigan market their players for the professional ranks. Just a few of the powerhouses but they all have a vision beyond playing on Saturdays. For Sanders, he is looking to turn CU into that new powerhouse and one that can send numerous players to the NFL within the first two rounds. 

The Buffs have 12 alums currently playing in the league with five of them as starters for their respective teams. A few outstanding ones coming in 2025. Two-way star Travis Hunter and QB Shedeur Sanders should hear their names called in the first round. Add in safety Shilo Sanders, Jimmy Horn Jr., and some of the new players like Tyler Johnson into the mix. Colorado could have a record number of players drafted into the league next year.

This is Prime’s dream with the ultimate goal of sending players to the NFL and being a program that does it on a consistent basis. All players want to get drafted, but there is no doubt that young talent will be watching and continue to flock to Boulder. Sanders is putting together a program that draws attention week in and week out and will constantly have the big shows talk about the program. Especially when they are winning. Look no further than the first few weeks of this season. Talks about players being drafted in the top ten and being Heisman Trophy candidates. Some of these players could very much be in that conversation next year, with Sanders and Hunter building experience. Win and reap the rewards of trophies and ultimately hear your name called at the NFL draft.

The old style of college football is dying, and programs will be defined by their use of NIL and ultimately the ability to send players to the NFL. While CU doesn’t have the deepest pockets, it does have the ability to attract great players because of Coach Prime’s ability to market these athletes. The Hall-of-Famer knows that this is an important piece of the puzzle, but also knows that it is not the end result. That is winning and building success with the rest falling into place.