When Georgia Tech opens its 2025 season against Colorado on Friday night, much of the national attention will center on Deion Sanders and the spectacle surrounding the Buffaloes. But for Georgia Tech safety Clayton Powell-Lee, the aura of Sanders’ Buffaloes doesn’t move the needle.
Clayton Powell-Lee: “We’re Playing Football. Ain’t None of Them Playing.”
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated matchup, Powell-Lee dismissed the idea that Colorado’s flashy atmosphere would rattle the Yellow Jackets.
“I know they bring out celebrities, they do all this crazy stuff, but we’re playing football. Ain’t none of them playing. They could hype people all they want to but you’re on the field not them”
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“I know they bring out celebrities, they do all this crazy stuff, but we’re playing football. Ain’t none of them playing,” Powell-Lee said. “They can hype people all they want to, but you’re on the field, not them.”
His comments highlight a veteran mindset from the junior defensive back, who has started 26 games across the past two seasons. Powell-Lee emphasized that while the environment may feel different, the mission remains the same: line up and play.
Experience in Tough Environments
The matchup at Folsom Field presents unique challenges, including Boulder’s elevation and a rowdy night-game crowd. But Powell-Lee was quick to note he has seen it all before.
“Everybody says it’s a different experience, but I’ve experienced some crazy stadiums since being here. So just knowing that, not trying to overhype it, honestly it’s another game,” he said.
His confidence is backed by performance. In 2024, Powell-Lee started all 13 games at safety, ranking fourth on the team with 53 tackles, while also recording a sack, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. The season built on a breakout sophomore year in which he was second on the team with 70 tackles and snagged an interception.
Scouting Colorado’s Offense
Beyond the atmosphere, Powell-Lee has also been preparing for what Colorado brings on the field. With Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders gone to the NFL, Colorado’s new-look offense will feature a mix of transfers and young talent, including the possibility of a true freshman at quarterback.
“I just try to get tips … like what type of quarterback is he? Is he a pocket passer, improviser? All those little things like that,” Powell-Lee explained. “Even though he’s never played a down, they’ve been hyping him up. So whenever he gets out there, we can always just keep on playing.”
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Friday’s contest marks the first-ever meeting between Georgia Tech and Colorado, adding an extra layer of intrigue. For the Yellow Jackets, it’s a chance to showcase their physical defense against one of the most talked-about programs in the country. For Colorado, it’s another opportunity to prove Sanders’ star power extends beyond headlines.
While Sanders has turned Colorado into college football’s celebrity hot spot, Powell-Lee isn’t buying into the hype. With his steady approach and proven production, the Georgia Tech safety is focused on football, not flash and he plans to prove it when the Jackets step onto the field in Boulder.
