BYU knows who it needs to prepare for.
While college football bowl games have become optional for some athletes looking to transfer schools, protect themselves from injury or begin preparations for the NFL, the Cougars’ next opponent has made one thing clear: participation is mandatory.
University of Colorado coach Deion Sanders said this week that the Buffaloes’ biggest stars will be on the field when they face BYU later this month in the Alamo Bowl.
“We have a plethora of seniors who are pro-bound,” Sanders said. “And guess what? Every last one of them is going to play. We don’t tap out. We don’t sit out. This is a blessing to play this wonderful game. Our kids are going to play.”
That includes likely first-round draft picks Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.
“We’ve got a kid that’s … matter of factly going to pick up the Heisman Trophy this week and he’s going to play,” Sanders said of Hunter, the two-way standout who is the favorite to win college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Hunter has caught 92 passes for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. On the other side of the ball, he’s been one of the nation’s top cornerbacks with 11 pass breakups and four interceptions on 39 targets.
Sanders’ promise also applies to his son, Shedeur. The Buffs’ quarterback threw for 3,926 yards (third most in the nation) and 35 touchdowns (second most) this season.
“He’s going to play,” the Colorado coach said. “We cannot wait to put on our best suits and our uniforms.”
