Shilo Sanders on Henry Blackburn: 'I really wanted to whoop that dude'

Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn better hope he doesn’t cross paths with Colorado defensive back Shilo Sanders again any time soon. Blackburn delivered a late hit on Buffaloes receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter on Saturday night that resulted in an injury for Hunter, and Sanders made it clear how he felt about the play.

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday, the Buffaloes safety told reporters that he “wanted to whoop that dude” after the game. He also talked about the impact of losing Hunter, who is likely to miss multiple weeks.

“Man, losing Travis is like losing two players because he plays offense and defense,” Sanders said. “I just had to make sure he was all right. I really wanted to whoop that dude that did that to him like after the game or something. If I see him just around here somewhere, he’s gotta watch out.”

On the play in question, Hunter was running a go route down the left sideline as quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw the ball in his direction. However, it was well in front of him and he had no chance to catch it. But as Hunter began to slow down his stride, Blackburn came barreling with a lot of force and knocked him to the ground.

Shilo Sanders continued to explain why the play, which he believes was “dirty” upset him so much. He said he’s grown close to Hunter while playing with him the past two years and the two frequently stay in the same hotel together when the team travels.

Sanders was the first team member to reach out to Hunter after the Buffaloes star was taken to the hospital. It was later revealed Hunter suffered a lacerated liver as a result of the hit.

“That really made me mad, just seeing (Blackburn) trying to play dirty like that,” he said. “That was crazy. I thought something would happen punishment-wise. If one of us did something like that, if I did something like that, I think it would be way crazier than that. They would’ve kicked me out for sure. I didn’t really like that. I just called to make sure he was all right.”

Hunter had been spectacular in the early going to total 16 catches for 216 yards along with nine tackles, an interception and two passes defended. He’ll be missed on both sides of the ball as Colorado aims to keep rolling after a 3-0 start.

The Buffaloes face their biggest test yet when they hit the road to take on No. 10 Oregon in Week 4 without arguably their best player.