Deion Sanders picks experience over youth at QB for Colorado's season opener, Kaidon Salter to start

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BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders went with experience over youth at quarterback in choosing Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter to start the season opener.

Salter will take over the offense for Shedeur Sanders when the Buffaloes kick off the season Friday night at home against Georgia Tech. Salter emerged with the job after a close race with teenage freshman and five-star recruit Julian “JuJu” Lewis. They're different styles of quarterbacks, with Salter more of a dual threat and Lewis a pocket passer.

Deion Sanders explained Tuesday that with Salter, “this is not his first time running out of the tunnel and getting the start. He’s done it before, and his experience is vital." Sanders added that he hopes to work Lewis, who doesn't turn 18 until next month, into the game as well.

“Feeling darn good about them. We've got two guys that are capable of getting the job done,” Sanders said.

It's going to be a different look on offense with Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter now in the NFL. Sanders, who set numerous single-season team records last season, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.

Salter made big plays with his arm and his running ability while at Liberty. He was responsible for 66 touchdowns over the past two seasons — 47 passing and 19 rushing. In 2023, Salter helped lead Liberty to a 13-1 record. The Flames' only loss was to Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl. His teammates went to the Bahamas Bowl last season but he skipped it to enter the transfer portal and end up in Boulder.

“The kid wants to win. He wants this opportunity. He wants to shine on this stage,” Deion Sanders said. “This is the largest stage that he’s ever been on, and I don’t think he’s going to faint in regards to the light that shines upon him. I think he wants that smoke. He wants that heat.”

Lewis has a quick release and poise in the pocket. He spent three seasons at Carrollton High School in Georgia, throwing for 11,010 yards. He arrived on campus after his high school season to get a jump-start on learning the offense.

Sanders said he didn't really need to say anything to Lewis because his young QB realizes his value. He constantly is working with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and mentor Byron Leftwich to sharpen his game.

“He knows how we see him, and he knows what we expect of him,” Sanders said. “Our kids know me, man, so we don’t have to have those in-depth conversations."

For the opener against Georgia Tech, the Buffaloes will wear black jersey, gold pants, white socks, black shoes and gold helmets. That combination is in honor of Bill McCartney, who died last January at 84. McCartney coached the Buffaloes to their lone national title in 1990. The Buffaloes were co-champs that season with Georgia Tech.

The players plan on wearing a patch on their uniforms to honor the longtime coach.

Sanders believes the switch from natural grass at Folsom Field to artificial turf this season will be a big benefit, especially in night games.

“It's a dew or a mist ... that is on the field and it's a lot of slipping going on. We tried to get away from that,” Sanders said. “Our teams are consistently fast football teams. Our kids can run. We want to eliminate any slippage or anything that may cause us misfortune throughout the game.”

Sanders said he's praying that his son Shilo gets another opportunity in the NFL. The undrafted safety was released by Tampa Bay Buccaneers a day after he was ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch.

“I prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports,” Deion Sanders said. "That’s part of fathering, that’s part of parenting, that’s part of having a relationship. He is mentally where he needs to be. Physically, where he needs to be.

“He’s going to be straight. All the Sanders are going to be straight — with or without football. You better believe that. You better believe that. I take care of mine, and I always have, and you all know what I mean. You better believe that.”

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