Shedeur Sanders reacts to walk-on Charlie Offerdahl receiving scholarship

Colorado running back Charlie Offerdahl was surprised this spring with a scholarship from head coach Deion Sanders after years of hard work as a walk-on.

Originally an unranked recruit out of high school, Offerdahl caught on at Colorado under the previous regime and even enjoyed some run during the 2022 season. He carried the ball 37 times that season across 12 game appearances, totaling 150 yards and 4.1 yards per carry.

However, once Deion Sanders arrived, there was famously a massive roster overhaul and Sanders especially cashed in at the skill positions, which meant Offerdahl only wound up with two rushing attempts for 11 yards in 2023.

*Follow all Colorado Buffaloes news on Facebook here*

Perhaps he could have found an FCS scholarship offer or transferred down to take a scholarship at a smaller FBS school, but instead, Offerdahl stuck it out and returned this spring to remain part of the fold in Boulder. Now, his commitment has been rewarded in the form of a scholarship at CU.

After Offerdahl was put on scholarship, reporters caught up with Colorado QB1 Shedeur Sanders to ask him how cool that moment was.

“It was amazing. Charlie’s a hardworking kid,” said Sanders, crediting both Offerdahl and Hank Zilinskas, a freshman who shined in 2023 that actually was on scholarship.

“Like I said, him and Hank, they got the same intangibles. They never complain, never bicker, never argue, never get into it with anybody. They’re just here about business. So when you handle yourself like that, then, you know, good things will come.”

Good things certainly came for Charlie Offerdahl, who will be playing in 2024 with a free education. He also spoke after the news of his scholarship offer and was extremely grateful.

“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.”

Deion Sanders also shared some emotional words on what this moment meant for the team and Offerdahl.

“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.”

Speaking of Offerdahl’s family, Sanders holds high praise for how they brought him up.

“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.”

Amid the circus of Colorado football the last couple years, here’s a feel-good story for the program.