Shilo Sanders states Colorado's secondary will be the 'no fly zone' in 2024

Colorado revamped its entire roster this offseason, reaching into the transfer portal to sign 41 new players into the Buffaloes football program.

Additions in Colorado’s secondary including DJ McKinney (Oklahoma State), Preston Hodge (Liberty), Colton Hood (Auburn) and Ivan Yates (Furman) have entered the cornerback room while Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig returns as a second-year starter at nickel after being one of the Buffaloes’ top playmakers from one year ago. Two-way star Travis Hunter returns at the cornerback position as well.

“All the new addition guys when we got back there into secondary — it’s gonna be a no fly zone,” Shilo Sanders said. “I heard they were talking crazy to some of the guys that we were the best thing during the nation. Y’all are just going to have to see.”

Shilo’s brother, Colorado starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders, chimmed in.

“The coverage has been way, way, way tighter than it was last year,” Shedeur said. “Like, way tighter.”

Shedeur Sanders competes against his brother Shilo and the rest of the Buffs’ secondary on a daily basis, so he knows better than anybody to at point what his team’s defensive backs are capable of.

“It’s like there’s no weak spots. And that’s what the offseason is all about,” Shilo continued. “Just getting better myself and the coaches are making a difference better also. That’s what they’re here to do is make our team better and make sure we have no weaknesses on defense, so that’s how we feel that we are right now.”

Other names that could see the field in 2024 include senior Travis Jay and sophomore Carter Stoutmire, who are both returning from last year’s roster. Both are safeties but have the ability to switch to cornerback given the matchup. Transfers RJ Johnson (Arkansas) and Savion Riley (Vanderbilt) help the secondary group add depth on the back end as well.

After a promising 3-0 start, Colorado finished its first season under head coach Deion Sanders with a 4-8 record. The Buffs’ defense as a whole did not excel much in 2023, finishing the year ranked No. 127 in total defense by allowing 453.3 yards per game with 52 touchdowns allowed.

Looking for an improved effort this fall, the Buffs will begin the 2024 college football season against North Dakota State on Thursday, Aug. 29. Non-conference matchups against Nebraska and Colorado State will follow before beginning Big 12 Conference play in Week 4 against Baylor.