Latest news with #CoachPrime
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brian Thomas Jr. Had a Lot to Say About Travis Hunter
Brian Thomas Jr. Had a Lot to Say About Travis Hunter originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Brian Thomas Jr. outperformed even the highest expectations in his rookie year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Advertisement After being selected 23rd overall in the 2024 draft, Thomas would end the year with 1282 yards and 10 touchdowns. His rookie performance placed him in the top 3 of Rookie of the Year voting alongside college teammates Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers. This week, Brian Thomas Jr. was asked about getting to know rookie WR/DB Travis Hunter, 'It's been pretty good. Pretty fun. He's a fun dude. Super cool, super chill—I'm not going to say that one (laughs). Super cool, super fun. He's just a fun guy to be around. A lot of energy. Super fun.' Brian said that rookie who player Coach Prime is definitely trying to soak up as much information as possible. 'Yeah, he's been asking a lot of questions. But that's just him trying to be the best he can be. Just talking through routes, talking through little things, plays, why we run these certain plays versus these certain looks. So just little things like that. He wants to be the best. We both want to be the best. We just come out and compete each and every day and whatever he needs help with, I'm glad to help him,' said Thomas Jr. Brian also was questioned about whether it's been very competitive between the two receivers. 'Yeah, for sure. We compete in everything we do. We come out here each and every day, coming out here striving to be the best.' Advertisement Thomas Jr. talked about his first time seeing Hunter out on the field. 'I actually came out here for when they had the rookie minicamp. I was up here, so I came out. I just stepped out here and looked at him doing the drills and stuff. It was really just how quick he was and how detailed he was. When he might've gotten a drill wrong or something, and he was just hopping back in line and going right back at it and trying to find ways to do it right and find ways to be the best that he can be.' Finally, the second-year receiver was asked if he's tired of answering Travis Hunter related questions? He's taking it in stride and understands there is a lot of excitement. He also made it clear he wants to help others the way vets helped him as a rookie. 'No, it would never be like that because guys that were here last year, they helped me out throughout the whole season and they were there for me. So, anything he needs help with, I'll be there for him.' Related: Angel Reese and Livvy Dunne React to Hailey Van Lith Swimsuit Photo Shoot Related: Livvy Dunne Shares Her Workout Secrets Related: Livvy Dunne Shares Revealing Swimsuit Photos This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colorado Coach Sends Clear Message to Players With Deion Sanders Out
Colorado Coach Sends Clear Message to Players With Deion Sanders Out originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Imagine this: the Colorado Buffaloes are sprinting toward Week 3 in summer camp and yet the clock is already ticking on their entire season. Strength coach Andreu Swasey snapped his team to attention in the newest Well Off Media video, delivering a rallying cry that every second counts. With Coach Deion Sanders ('Coach Prime') sidelined and fighting his own health battle, Swasey's words weren't just motivational, they were a mission statement. Advertisement 'Your damn head gonna spin' – Grasp the urgency As players were gearing up for a player‑led 7-on-7 session, Swasey cut through the noise: 'We're in week three… after that week four and then there's a break… it's gonna come so fast your damn head gonna spin.' He emphasized that time is the fiercest opponent, warning that complacency at this stage means regret when the games begin. Swasey reminded the team that four weeks of camp are gone, July will fly by, and before they know it, August, and the opener will be here. No more time for wasted moments. Discipline is everything – Take responsibility now Swasey brought it home by spotlighting the one trait Coach Prime values above all: discipline. He said it's non-negotiable: Advertisement 'Coach Prime, the one thing he know we got to do is discipline… make sure you don't have no food in the locker room… got the right gear on… where I supposed to be…' He laid out the blueprint: perfect habits in small things, including the locker room, equipment, and timeliness build the foundation for championship-level performance. If discipline becomes part of the team's DNA, Swasey said, they'll win games. Discipline + Character = Championships – Believe in the process Bringing it full circle, Swasey tied it all together: 'If we are a disciplined team, which goes into our DNA: smart, fast, discipline with character … we gonna win all our games.' Advertisement This wasn't just pep talk; it was a promise rooted in process. Swasey sold the long game, and by doing the right things could transform this team into winners. The backdrop: Coach Prime's health As Swasey reminded the Buffaloes of the value of time, their head coach, Deion Sanders, remains out of public view, handling an undisclosed health issue at his Texas home. Multiple trusted outlets have confirmed. Sanders has been afflicted by an 'unspecified health issue,' recuperating at Texas estate, timeline for his return is unclear. Son Deion Sanders Jr. says his father 'is feeling well' and will share more when ready. Coach Prime spoke on X, (formerly Twitter) saying, 'Everything is OKAY and will continue to be so.' He tanked fans for their prayers. Advertisement His absence heightens Swasey's message: the athletes must step up now, because their leader can't be there in person. Time, discipline, and unity are non-negotiables. Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion SandersCU Buffs What it means for Colorado fans • Leadership beyond the head coach: Swasey's address shows the staff stepping into the void left by Coach Prime's absence, as well as reinforcing standards and accountability. • Urgency is contagious: From July's relentless pace to August's opener, the message is clear: don't wait to hit peak readiness. • Character isn't optional: Beyond Xs and Os, Swasey spoke to building strong humans who are ready for the grind. Advertisement Buffs fans, this one's on us. The clock is ticking. As Coach Prime heals in Texas and Swasey's words echo through Boulder, here's the mission: Hold players and ourselves to the same standard. Watch for discipline. Demand accountability. Expect results. This season won't wait. It's time to live up to every one of those words, and then some. Because when discipline becomes DNA, championships follow. Period. Related: Shelomi Sanders Steps Out of the Coach Prime Shadow This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colorado Buffaloes Capture Attention with Four-Star Recruits Visiting Boulder
Colorado Buffaloes Capture Attention with Four-Star Recruits Visiting Boulder originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Boulder Bound: Colorado's Recruiting Momentum Heats Up Again The lights are bright in Boulder this weekend, and not just because of the Rocky Mountain sun. The Colorado Buffaloes are welcoming a group of elite prospects who could redefine the team's future, starting with a key recruiting weekend beginning June 20. Advertisement In a summer full of visits and commitments, this weekend's group is different. These are names that can change a program. Three of the four official visitors are consensus four-star talents, and all have high-major interest. Here are the names Buffaloes fans need to know: Preston Ashley | CB | Brandon, Mississippi Ashley, a dynamic 5-foot-10 cornerback with experience at safety, is a top-25 player at his position and the No. 9 recruit in Mississippi, per 247Sports Composite. His elite versatility makes him a must-get, especially for a defense still carving out its identity in the Big-12. He's narrowed his options to Colorado, Florida State, and Florida. The Buffs have an edge in this race as Ashley is believed to be intrigued by Coach Prime's defensive pedigree and the opportunity to play early in a hybrid role reminiscent of Colorado's former standout Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig. Advertisement Rodney Colton Jr. | LB | Newnan, Georgia Colorado is also all-in on linebacker Rodney Colton Jr., who would be the Buffs' highest-rated linebacker commit under Coach Prime. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 200 pounds, Colton is explosive off the edge and aggressive in coverage, and is exactly the kind of game-changer Colorado needs at the second level. A former South Carolina commit, Colton has Colorado in his top five alongside FSU, Penn State, Ole Miss, and UCLA. He's announcing on July 12, and this weekend's visit could tip the scales. Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders leads out the team before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders leads out the team before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. CJ Sadler | ATH | Detroit, Michigan If there's a prospect who mirrors Travis Hunter's dynamic impact potential, it's CJ Sadler. Ranked as Michigan's top player and a top-10 national athlete, Sadler is electric on both sides of the ball. At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he projects as both a slot receiver and inside defensive back. Advertisement Sadler has kept his official visits limited to Colorado, North Carolina, and Maryland, despite offers from Alabama, LSU, and Michigan. That's telling. His commitment is scheduled for August 15, but Boulder could leave a lasting impression this weekend. The Underdog to Watch: Maurice Williams Don't sleep on three-star CB Maurice Williams out of New Orleans. Already a Liberty commit, Williams is fresh off another visit with the Flames, but his trip to Boulder, combined with recent Power Four offers, makes him a dark horse flip candidate. He helped lead Edna Karr to a state title in 2025 and brings track speed and physical instincts to the cornerback position. A strong visit could shift his trajectory. Advertisement Colorado's Weekend Could Spark a Recruiting Surge The Buffaloes know what's at stake. This weekend is about more than tours and photo ops, it's about laying the foundation for a top-25 class and flipping the script on last season's depth struggles. With high-profile commitments looming in July and August, the Buffs' pitch in Boulder needs to hit home. If Colorado can land just two of the four prospects on campus this weekend, it could be the recruiting turning point that fans have been waiting for. Related: Colorado Coach Sends Clear Message to Players With Deion Sanders Out This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colorado official visit gives OL Xavier Payne flip option 'to think about'
The official visit slate has been a busy one for Xavier Payne this month. The Central New York native, now prepping at Miami (Fla.) Edison High School, took a midweek official visit to Colorado most recently and Coach Prime's program made a strong impression on the longtime Florida State Seminoles verbal commitment. Advertisement "It was great," Payne told Rivals. "The best part was being to sit down with the offensive line coaches and truly building that connection while getting to see their plan for me and how I fit into the program. "As I was sitting in the room it really hit me how much NFL experience is on the staff. So not only do they know how to get there because they did it, but also because they have sent so many in their years of coaching." It was the big blocker's first time in Boulder. "The main coaches with me were the entire offensive line group and mainly coach Gunnar (White)," Payne said. "The place has definitely given me some things to think about. Advertisement "I meshed really well there. Don't count them out of my recruitment." CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State Payne even got to match wits with one of the most notable Buff players at the position in Jordan Seaton. The former five-star ran into the top recruit and something clicked. "Me and Seaton actually got on the board for a little and compared my high school plays and showed me how they would run it," he said. "We both love the game deeply and love talking football. Like him sitting with me wasn't because of the coaches, he had just popped up in the offensive line room to hang a poster up and we just hit it off." Advertisement The Freshman All-American's time with the freshman-to-be emphasized how CU could potentially utilize the versatile blocker should he choose the program. "They visualize me as a tackle and told me exactly what I have to fix to become a great tackle rather than interior," he said. "They also showed me to the drills on exactly how those issues would be fixed before college." Payne, who has also taken an official visit to Syracuse and plans to return to Florida State this weekend, says the December pledge to the Seminoles remains a strong one. "This weekend will reveal a lot," he said. "After FSU I'm done. And where I'm at is where I'm at. My recruitment will be shut down by the end of this month or early next month."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Legend Deion Sanders Is Battling ‘Unspecified' Illness, Cancels Speaking Engagements
University of Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders is dealing with an illness that's keeping him away from the team and other professional obligations. Sanders, 57, currently has an 'unspecified health issue' and has been away at his home in Texas, according to USA Today. Advertisement The health situation comes as the University of Colorado's annual slate of summer camps get underway in Boulder. Sanders was present for the camps in both 2023 and 2024. Sanders' involvement in the camps is 'listed as one of the official duties in his employment contract with CU,' per USA Today. Deion Sanders Told Travis Hunter to Get a Prenup in Resurfaced Video After Relationship Drama The NFL Hall of Famer is preparing to enter his third season as head coach at the school. Us Weekly reached out to the University of Colorado for comment. Sanders was also forced to cancel a scheduled speaking engagement at the Sickle Cell Disease Research and Educational Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday, June 8. Advertisement "Due to an unavoidable last-minute scheduling change, our originally scheduled Foundation Keynote Speaker, Deion Sanders 'Coach Prime,' is unable to attend,' the organization posted via X on Thursday, June 5. 'We are grateful for his support and look forward to future opportunities to welcome him." Sanders' son Deion Jr. provided a vague update about his father's well-being in a YouTube livestream on Sunday. 'He'll tell y'all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,' Deion Jr., 31, reportedly said, insisting his father was 'feeling well.' He added, 'When we get back in Boulder, I don't know. I'm waiting until my dad leaves. When he leaves, then I'll go. Until then, I'm gonna sit here with him.' Advertisement Deion Jr. is one of Deion's five children. He shares Deion Jr. and daughter Deiondra, 33, with his first wife, Carolyn Chambers. Deion shares sons Shilo, 25, and Shedeur, 23, and daughter Shelomi, 21, with his second wife, Pilar Biggars-Sanders. Shedeur Sanders' Mom Pilar Sanders Offers 'No Apologies' Following NFL Draft Drama The upcoming college football season will be Deion's first without son Shedeur at quarterback since 2020. The father-son duo had two seasons together at Jackson State before they both jumped to Colorado for the 2023 season. Shedeur was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns in April's NFL Draft, ending a dramatic freefall after some draft experts predicted he would be drafted in the first round. Advertisement Last month, Deion addressed Shedeur's draft slide, arguing it will give his son the fire he needs to be successful in the NFL. "It did hurt,' Deion said on the 'Say What Needs To Be Said' podcast on May 30. 'But the Bible says God uses the foolish things to confound the wise. There was some foolish stuff that went on, but that gave them something that they needed.'
