Can Coach Prime turn Colorado Football around in 2023?
By Dante Pryor
![Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f2554d8d9a2a20c717200c3eeae28c4a7d196677c99a2b46bb8b1a64b02fae7e.jpg)
Can the Colorado football defense be competitive?
Much like the offense, the defense primarily comprises transfers in 2023. The only starter that was part of the 2022 roster is safety Trevor Woods. Last season’s defense was non-competitive, finishing last or in the bottom quarter of every significant statistical category.
The Buffs were next to last in total defense, 113th in pass yards allowed, last in rush defense, and last in third-down defense.
The crown jewels of defensive coordinator Charles Kelly’s defense are cornerbacks Cormani McClain and Travis Hunter. However, if Hunter shows more value at receiver, will Sanders continue to play him on defense?
Kelly and Sanders know that success on defense begins with the front seven. Kelly is a Sabin guy, so they’ll be multiple, but the defense begins and ends with the interior. Fresno State transfer Leonard Payne, Jr. is crucial because he’ll spend most of the time playing right over the center.
Colorado football finished last in sacks, so Jordan Domineck and Derrick McLendon have to produce some pass rush. The Buffaloes will use a lot of 4-2-5 looks, so Kelly will blitz from everywhere.
Prime and his staff did a fantastic job of bringing in talent through the transfer portal. Can it all come together to make this defense more competitive?