Shilo Sanders quietly in the midst of a career year at Colorado

Coach Prime's middle son is racking up stats for the Buffs

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Buffaloes look ahead to another PAC-12 contest after falling to the Oregon State Beavers. While this season was brimming with hope, it has somehow lost its spark. Even so, one Sanders’ has had an unbelievable season.

No, I’m not talking about Shedeur, I’m talking about the anchor of the secondary, safety Shilo Sanders. Sanders has been the unsung hero for a Colorado defense that is ranked in the bottom of their conference.

 In their loss to OSU, Sanders was all over the place. The middle Sanders sibling tallied eight tackles (six solo), and one pass defensed. Shilo seems to be the one everyone overlooks unless he makes a highlight play that is deemed as targeting.

Sanders is second on the team with 48 tackles. He also has a pick-six in a double OT victory against Colorado State. His ability to locate the ball has been a big part of why the Buffaloes defense remains stout in the first half. Not only is he tremendous at ball location but he is a heat-seeking missile when it comes to making the tackle.

When your dad and brother are the stars of the team it's easy to be the odd man left out. In his fifth year as a graduate, this is the first year Shilo has gotten the exposure he deserved. In his first two years at South Carolina he only accumulated 34 tackles before making a transfer to Jackson State to be with his dad and older brother. 

After the move to Jackson State, he combined for a total of 17 tackles in his next two years. Graduating from Jackson State and deciding to forego a possible NFL draft spot, Sanders came to Colorado to help in creating the “Prime Effect,” and he does that and then some.

Shilo has always looked at his dad as his coach.Having grown up in the spotlight and playing a variety of sports led by his father, it’s easy to see why. In an interview with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce he elaborated on that fact.

“Dad has always been coach.” Shilo explained. “ He’s always trying to make sure we’re on point and makes that the main thing in sports.”

Shilo understands his assignment and has played that role to perfection. This can be proven from his career high in tackles and forced fumbles. No matter what happens for Shilo, this season has put many on notice that he has what it takes to go to the next level.