Colorado’s wide receivers have become a talking point before the Buffaloes have even played a game.
Photos and video from the opening days of fall camp have once again sparked another round of social media debate, with some questioning whether Colorado’s skill players are simply too small to compete in the Big 12. It’s a familiar conversation, one that has surfaced nearly every preseason since Deion Sanders arrived in Boulder.
Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has heard the criticism.
“One, I have zero reaction,” Marion said. “The other one I have is, as the kids would say, pull up.”
The quote has quickly gained traction online, but Marion’s message wasn’t simply about ignoring outside noise. Throughout his media session, he repeatedly described an offensive identity centered on physicality, versatility and demanding more from his receivers than simply catching passes.
Basketball on Grass
Marion offered perhaps the clearest glimpse yet into how he wants Colorado and Coach Prime's receiver room to operate this season.
“Our guys play basketball on grass,” he said. “Musical chairs. They move to multiple spots.”
The philosophy goes far beyond lining receivers up outside and asking them to win one-on-one matchups. Marion expects his receivers to understand every position in the formation, motion before the snap, block in the run game and create mismatches all over the field.
“Some of our guys came from places where one guy just dominated the ball,” Marion said. “You line up on the left side, run a go route. Until you play a better team and then you don’t have any catches because you don’t know how to motion, you don’t know how to be on another side. You don’t know how to play multiple spots.”
That philosophy could be especially beneficial for a player like Quentin Gibson, who is expected to emerge as one of Colorado’s top playmakers this season.
Listed at 5-foot-9, Gibson is among the smaller receivers on the roster, but Marion’s offense isn’t built around imposing size. Instead, it’s designed to create favorable matchups by moving receivers throughout the formation and making defenses account for them before the snap.
Honoring Jason Phillips’ Legacy
Marion was also asked about the departure of veteran receivers coach Jason Phillips, who stepped away from the program to spend time with his family.
Rather than quickly pivoting to new receivers coach Rashad Davis, Marion spent much of his answer praising Phillips’ impact on Deion Sanders' program.
“That’s my dog. I love that dude,” Marion said. “He’s a truth teller.”
Marion credited Phillips with establishing the culture inside the Buffaloes’ receiver room and noted that Davis has spent years learning under him.
“I love what he brought to our team. The culture that he put in that room. What he taught Coach Shad over the years...I’m happy for him to spend time and be with his family. You don't replace a person like that. You just hope to honor them with the way that the receivers play out there on the field this year.”
Marion’s comments about his receivers and his response to the size criticism weren’t separate conversations. They reflected the same philosophy.
Throughout his availability, he repeatedly returned to words like “physical,” “violent” and “contact” while discussing Colorado’s offense.
“We’re always going to be able to run the football,” Marion said. “We practice offense with a defensive mentality. We love contact. We love physicality.”
Whether that identity ultimately changes the perception surrounding Colorado’s roster won’t be decided by photos from August practices or social media debates but on the field this fall. Until then, Marion’s answer remains unchanged.
"Pull up."
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