Pat Shurmur claims fans will not appreciate Shedeur Sanders' talent until he leaves Colorado

Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has been around some impressive quarterbacks during his time coaching at the professional and collegiate levels. That being said, it’s evident Shedeur Sanders has made a different kind of impact on him during their time together in Boulder.

Speaking with the media ahead of their final game together, the Alamo Bowl against BYU, Shurmur spoke to Sanders’ ability, believing he won’t be truly appreciated until he moves on to the next level. Despite his flaws, the offensive coordinators thinks whichever NFL teams decides to take Sanders will be in a tremendous position.

“Well, I’ve already told all 32 teams multiple times probably what I would tell you, but most players that make it in the NFL obviously have great skill and ability, which Shedeur has, have performed at a high level, which he does, has a true love for the game, which he has. Then he’s going to be an outstanding teammate. Really those are the four cornerstones with what makes a great pro,” Shurmur said, regarding what he’ll tell NFL teams about the quarterback. “You have to have talent. You have to perform. You’ve got to love the game. That’s where a lot of times guys fall short. They don’t love the game. Then you have to be — it’s the greatest team sport in the world, so you have to have an appreciation for being a good teammate, whether you are a leader, follower, whatever.

“So I’ve been able to just talk about — I mean, I don’t think we realize how good Shedeur is, and we won’t until he is gone. I just am really, really looking forward to him finishing this thing out the right way and then watching him play at the next level and just really killing it. I think it’s going to be fun for me.”

Alas, Shurmur knows what it takes for a quarterback to succeed at the NFL level, and he believes Sanders has it in spades. What he’s done for the Buffaloes has been incredible, as Sanders helped change everything for Colorado in a short span of time.

Perhaps it’s been a little overlooked, but Shedeur Sanders should be revered in Boulder for many years to come for his contributions. Pat Shurmur certainly believes so, and the offensive coordinator will be following the quarterback’s career close as he moves on with his football journey.