Colorado football X-factors: 10 Buffaloes who will matter most this season

We’re less than 100 days away from Colorado football’s season opener vs. North Dakota State on Thursday, Aug. 29.

It will be fans’ first live glimpse at a handful of new Buffaloes who joined the program via the transfer portal this offseason. Many of those newcomers will play a big role in the success of Deion Sanders’ second year in Boulder.

Sanders completely revamped Colorado’s offensive line, added a few explosive playmakers on offense and infused the Buffs’ defense with proven talent.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter will once again lead the charge, but others will have to step up in order for the Buffs to compete in the new Big 12.

Here are 10 Colorado football players who will be counted on to be X-factors this fall.

Jordan Seaton, OT

The No. 1 offensive tackle in the Class of 2024 won’t exactly be eased into college football. Seaton will start at left tackle as Sanders’ blindside protector from day one, which, depending on how you look at it, might be the most important job on the team. Sanders was sacked an FBS-high 52 times and pressured on 36.8% of his dropbacks last year. Seaton’s development throughout his true freshman season will ultimately help determine the ceiling of this offense.

“For a guy straight out of high school, his knowledge is up there,” Colorado offensive line coach Phil Loadholt said after a spring practice in March. “He’s a student of the game, he works hard, he comes up and watches film and does everything he’s supposed to do. That’s been the most impressive part of him. Obviously, physically, you can see that he’s advanced but his mental part has been impressive to me.”

Apr 27, 2024; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Jordan Seaton (77) warms up during a spring game event at Folsom Field.

Dallan Hayden, RB

The Ohio State transfer running back…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/colorado-football-x-factors-10-175111619.html

Author : The Coloradoan

Publish date : 2024-05-23 17:51:11

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