Deion Sanders made the jump to Colorado from Jackson State making waves along the way. It was unheard of for a head coach from an HBCU to take over as head coach at a Power Five program. Granted Deion Sanders wasn’t your typical HBCU coach, he’s not your typical anything.
But he didn’t come alone, other players from Jackson State joined Colorado through the portal. Even Vincent Dancy left his post as coach of Mississippi Valley State to join Sanders as an assistant. While all players and coaches have an equal role in the success of the program, the HBCU kids have a little more at stake beyond the game.
“I was talking to Rock’s father yesterday, Tyler Brown. I said he’s not just playing for Colorado and playing for me, I love your son. You know that, sir. That’s why he’s here. Because I love him and because he chose to be here. But when he’s dominant, as I feel he can be. Because of all the talent and strength and vibrance that he brings to the table, he makes it better for many kids in HBCU because that’s where he came from,” Sanders said.
Sanders believes that the impact of winning and dominant performances from transfers like Brown will shed a light on HBCU talent. There could be a belief of some that HBCU talent is less than when compared to FBS players. The same thoughts exist in some circles when it comes to HBCU coaches as well. But with the spotlight that will no doubt follow Colorado this season, Sanders sees it as a great opportunity to dispel the notion.
“So now they say you’ve got that. over there? Same thing for Shedeuer. So they got that over there, same thing for Cam same thing for Travis, all the kids that we brought over here. Not only that, the coaches. They coach like that? So it is a tremendous opportunity for them all. But they are carrying a flag that can open up doors for a multitude of people.”
It’s an opportunity to open doors and hopefully some eyes as well.
