Practice makes perfect, but at Colorado, one wrong move during quarterback drills could cost players dearly. Head coach Deion Sanders just laid down the law with a warning that has everyone on the team paying close attention.
As the Buffaloes near their Friday, August 29 season opener against Georgia Tech, what drill could get even Colorado’s best player in trouble during practice?
Why Is Deion Sanders So Protective of His Quarterbacks?
After a breakthrough 9-4 season, Sanders hopes to build upon that success, despite losing key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. At fall camp, Sanders addressed the team about several issues. However, none was more important than the rule he ensured every player in the room understood completely.
“So, today is vital. So, get your mind right. Let’s focus,” Sanders told his players.
“Let’s go out there and have a great day. We’re going to have to try to have a quick whistle to try to protect some of the guys. We don’t want any injuries. Do not touch the quarterbacks. If the quarterback is touched, there will be repercussions. I’m telling y’all right now, do not touch the quarterbacks,” he continued.
This directive has several possible meanings. First, it serves as a warning to pass-rush coordinator Warren Sapp, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle known for his ability to generate pressure while occasionally pushing the boundaries. When Sanders mentioned a quick whistle, he appeared to be trying to simulate in-game conditions where officials won’t hesitate to use flags and whistles.
Additionally, the message also focuses on protecting the quarterbacks competing for the starting position: senior transfer Kaidon Salter and true freshman Julian Lewis.
While Sanders and his staff haven’t officially named any starting quarterback yet, it is widely believed around the sport that Salter will lead the offense, at least for the first game.
What Are the Consequences for Breaking Sanders’ No-Contact Rule?
For players who violate this rule, the consequences could range from up-downs — jogging in place, dropping to your stomach, and popping back up — for dozens of reps to stadium runs — starting at the bottom level of Folsom Field and running to the top and back down for an undetermined number of repetitions.
Notably, this isn’t a new phenomenon in football. Oftentimes, when seasons are just beginning and players are still getting warmed up to contact drills — or even into the meat of the schedule — quarterbacks will wear different-colored practice jerseys to tell defenders not to rough them up.
Still, the stakes are high because both quarterbacks bring different skill sets to the table. In Salter, the Buffaloes have a veteran with a 21-4 record over his last two seasons at Liberty.
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Salter is a dual-threat quarterback who feels more comfortable getting to the boundary than dropping back in the pocket. This is a departure from Shedeur Sanders, who profiled as strictly a classic dropback passer.
Meanwhile, Lewis, according to 247 Sports, brings a spread approach to the game, relying on his arm far more than his legs. Under those circumstances, he may fit Pat Shurmur’s offense better than Salter, who doesn’t possess the same level of touch and passing precision.
As mentioned, Colorado opens against Georgia Tech on August 29 in Boulder. Sanders wants his quarterbacks healthy and ready to compete for the starting role. Whether the Buffaloes can ensure their signal-callers stay protected heading into the opener remains the key question as fall camp continues.
