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Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Prime tried the same method on Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor last season.
Colorado is gearing up for the fall, practicing in pads and playing full contact. Or rather half contact, actually, as Deion Sanders has created exceptions for his top players.
Grant Hughes of 247 Sports reported that Coach Prime has banned players from tackling not only the quarterbacks, but the receivers, and in particular Travis Hunter.
“We’re in pads. We’re having contact,” Sanders said in a video uploaded to TikTok. “Take care of your guys. Do not touch the receivers. Don’t get near the quarterback. Leave Travis alone.”
Deion said he’s not playing favorites, just being realistic. He wants to protect his most valuable players, Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Both are Heisman contenders and likely first round NFL picks.
This is not the first time Deion has a made a rule specifically for Hunter. The two-way star has been load managed during practices in order to keep him fresh for the 100+ snaps he sees on game day. Hunter doesn’t necessarily practice every day, nor does he do the same physical training as his teammates. Deion has admitted as much.
It’s a tough look at a program with all eyes on it, but this happens all over the country. This team rides or dies with Shedeur and Travis and no coach would unnecessarily risk injury or overworking them. The difference is that Deion is saying the quiet part out loud and posting it online.
by Sam Metivier
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