Big 12 football coaches, players impressed by atmosphere at Provo, say it will take time for BYU to flourish in new league

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders talks with media during Big 12 media days in Las Vegas, Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Coach Prime had very complimentary things to say about BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. | Lucas Peltier, Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Coach Prime made his first-ever appearance at the Big 12 football media days on Wednesday, so naturally the spotlight fell upon the second-year leader of the Colorado Buffaloes at Allegiant Stadium.

Hordes of reporters covered Deion Sanders’ every move, every utterance, and the bold and brash former NFL star delivered plenty of coveted sound bites to reward their interest.

Aside from the usual gaggle of television, radio, website and print reporters who cover BYU sports, not a lot of attention over the course of the two days was paid to the Cougars — who are picked to finish 13th in the 16-team league in 2024 and did little to distinguish themselves as newcomers in 2023.

Still, plenty of coaches and players from the other 15 programs in the league were willing to talk about BYU, most notably University of Utah quarterback Cam Rising, whose comments Tuesday have been well-publicized. The others were markedly more respectful, including Sanders himself, who praised BYU head coach Kalani Sitake during an appearance on BYUtv.

“At the Big 12 meetings (earlier this year), just sitting beside him, he was so welcoming, man, and so kind,” Sanders said. “He’s a big fella, too. So he’s intimidating. But he’s one of the best dudes, ever. And the spirit that he has, it illuminated the room.

“I love it because BYU is in good hands. That man loves the program, and not only loves the kids, but loves the game,” Sanders continued.

BYU and Colorado don’t face each other in 2024.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy speaks during Big 12 media days in Las Vegas, Tuesday, July 9,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-football-coaches-players-030000110.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-07-12 03:00:00

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