Deion Sanders: Isaiah Hardge 'blessed us' playing running back

The Colorado Buffaloes are looking to answer questions at the running back position. However, one player who head coach Deion Sanders is looking to help with that group is Isaiah Hardge.

Hardge came to Colorado as a wide receiver and has played in the defensive secondary. According to Sanders, he’s now blessing the program by playing running back too.

“Isaiah is an athlete,” Deion Sanders said. “This is a kid who came a receiver, flipped over to defensive back because we were desolate at that position. He went back and blessed us and played running back for us and got it done. I mean, he’s an athlete. He’s a ballplayer.”

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Isaiah Hardge was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida. He was a wide receiver coming into college and was the 163rd-ranked player at that position.

As a freshman, Sanders had Hardge play on the defensive side of the ball, where the Buffaloes lacked depth. Now, he’s moving to running back to help fill in where he’s needed.

“You’re never gonna see him late for anything. You’re never gonna see him uncommitted. You’re never gonna see him have problems with grades. Yes, sir. No, sir type of guy. Always on time. I love the young man. I really do. He went out there and displayed his versatility tremendously,” Sanders said.

“I love what he brings to the table, offensively or defensively.”

Colorado is no stranger to two-way players under Deion Sanders. Travis Hunter plays both defensive back and wide receiver for the team and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a player like Isaiah Hardge become another two-way player for Colorado.

Deion Sanders on Transfer Portal departures

With 43 Colorado players currently in the Transfer Portal, Deion Sanders has a message to the players on the move from his program.

“I love what we’re building in this locker room and if you’re not a part of that thought process or that desire, you don’t fit. So now you see the gallop to the portal. Even with those guys, I wish them the best. I don’t want them to die along with the 3,500 young men (in the portal). I want you to have a plan when you go,” Sanders said.

“Don’t just go, have a plan to enter — preferably a relationship that we can help you with so you can go to another school and have an opportunity to continue your dream. That’s my problem with people who jump in the portal. Just have a plan.”