Charlie Offerdahl on getting a scholarship: 'It's unbelievable'

Colorado running back Charlie Offerdahl received a scholarship from head coach Deion Sanders after working his tail off for years.

It was one of the feel good moments of the spring season for the Buffaloes. After three years, he was finally on scholarship following his production as a walk on.

While Offerdahl’s role changed under Sanders in 2022, he stuck around the program and appreciated the opportunity to play under Coach Prime.

“I mean, it’s unbelievable,” Offerdahl said. “You know, all the praise, all the glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You know, but I really just want to thank everybody, you know this organization. You know all of Colorado, coach Prime. It’s a blessing. I love it.”

Offerdahl was unable to participate in the spring for the second year in a row due to injury, but he’s eager to get back on the field.

“I mean, obviously disappointed I couldn’t play in the game,” Offerdahl said. “Went to the ER the other day but doing good now. You know, moving forward, this team’s got a lot of big things ahead of us. You know, we’re gonna win, and we’re gonna win this year. You know, led by coach primes door, Travis, I mean, we’re gonna do great things.

Offerdahl has spent the past three seasons with the Buffaloes, redshirting as a freshman before rushing for 150 yards on 37 carries in 2022 to set a season record for most rushing yards by a walk-on in program history.

Last season in year one under Sanders he rushed for just 11 yards, primarily contributing on special teams where he recorded one tackle. But his hard work and dedication have clearly showed since Coach Prime’s arrival, named the MVP of spring practice along with earning a scholarship.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Offerdalh was not ranked, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He played his high school football at Littleton (Col.) Dakota Ridge.

“Teary, teary-eyed,” Sanders said when asked what the moment was like. “I mean I was in there boo-hooing like I was part of the family, which I feel like I’m part of the family.”

“He was raised correctly, wonderful mother and father who supported him 100% of the way. His brother is gonna follow in his footsteps with his toughness, and physicality, and stick-to-itiveness. 4.0 student, honor roll student, Charlie is the prototype man. He’s a man.”