Deion Sanders considers what has held Alton McCaskill back from bigger role

Colorado Buffaloes running back Alton McCaskill recently returned from injury, making his season debut against the Oregon Ducks.

In his debut and the games that followed, McCaskill has seen a limited amount of action. That fact has led some to wonder whether or not this is by design or if he is not fulfilling his duties to the program under head coach Deion Sanders. As Colorado prepares for their Week 7 matchup against Stanford, Sanders revealed why McCaskill’s role in the offense isn’t bigger.

“He’s been banged up; he’s been injured. He’s just getting back to really game speed and his expectations,” said Sanders.

Colorado has played three games since McCaskill returned to action. But the Buffaloes running back only played in two games, with most of his action against Oregon. On the season, McCaskill has just six carries for 22 yards. Still, the issue of his lack of touches isn’t just based on his return from injury. It also has to do with Colorado’s loaded backfield, as Sanders explains.

“We’re trying our best to play all those backs. That’s probably the best collective group on our team — the running back room. Those guys are really good, and Coach Flea does a great job with them. But it’s just it’s just tough; it’s just tough to get them carries because they’re so good.

“(Kavosiey) Smoke is one; well, I’ll say Smoke is a dog,” said Sanders. “It’s hard to even get him a darn carry. We got to get Dylan (Edwards) much more touches. Sy’veon (Wilkerson), you know what he brings to this table, I don’t think he got a touch last game, or maybe not. It’s a daunting task to get these guys their touches. We got to do a better job in doing that. But you’re gonna see him this week. You’re definitely gonna see him this week.”

Despite being his first year leading the program, Sanders has acquired an immense amount of talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Former Houston Cougars running back Alton McCaskill was one of many who decided to join the former Jackson State head coach in Boulder, Co. Unfortunately, his lingering injury issues have limited his availability during the early part of the season, along with the sheer talent Colorado has in the running back room.

Nevertheless, as he continues to recover, from what his head coach said above, the gasket will get more opportunities to become the featured back for the Buffaloes going forward.