Colorado football writer deems Deion Sanders' son's return a difference-maker against K-State
On SI's Jason Jones deems Shilo Sanders' potentially imminent return to Colorado football against K-State on October 12 a "difference-maker" for a Buffs defense that has had an up and down season so far.
"Since joining the Buffaloes in Boulder, Sanders has been a pivotal player in the secondary," Jones prefaced before saying, "His hard-hitting style, football IQ, and tenacity have made him one of the key defenders on the team. Shilo has thrived under his father's leadership, helping to instill a winning mentality in the Colorado locker room. His likely return against the Wildcats could be a difference-maker, as the Buffs look to secure a statement victory under the national spotlight."
Sanders left the Nebraska game in the first half with a broken forearm. Shilo had a simple fracture that allows him to return to the field a little over a month after injury.
Coach Prime's middle son's return sparks an interesting question that only the Buffs' win loss-record after their first bye week can answer.
Shilo Sanders risks changing Colorado football's culture after three-game win streak
Shilo is a necessary cog in the Colorado machine. While not the best tackler or cover-man, Sanders is one of the most active safeties in football. Having him back gives the Buffs a legitimate future NFL day-three draft pick.
But does Shilo's presence change the secondary at all? No, in that he'll retain his starting spot. Yes because he'll be filling in elsewhere when needed per The Coloradoan's Scott Procter.
"Most coaches will say that players don't lose their spot due to injury, especially a player as experienced and productive (led the team in tackles last season) as Shilo Sanders," Procter wrote. "That's why the safe bet is to assume that Shilo Sanders will return to his starting spot in the Buffs' secondary and Stoutmire will return to his backup role with valuable experience under his belt.
"There's also the possibility that Shilo Sanders could take over Trevor Woods' dime-package role on third downs," Procter prefaced before saying, "Deion Sanders said after the UCF win that Woods has chosen to redshirt, which means Shilo Sanders could potentially step into the hybrid, pass-covering position. It would allow Shilo Sanders to utilize his tackling skills closer to the line of scrimmage and Stoutmire to continue gaining confidence in the secondary."
If CU struggles against K-State, Shilo will get heat even though the schedule ratchets up in a nearly unmatched way all year in Week 7.