With a healthy Coach Prime, Colorado players look to their own leadership for turnaround

Colorado’s turnaround push is being framed around internal leadership as Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders returns to full health. At Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas on Tuesday, defensive back Ben Finneseth said he’s been constantly seeing Sanders in the program this offseason after the coach spent much of spring and summer receiving treatment for bladder cancer. Finneseth tied last season’s 3-9 finish to a lack of players willing to lead, noting Colorado went 16-21 over three seasons under Sanders. Sanders, who recently declared himself cancer-free and feeling like his old self, agreed on the value of a player-led team, citing spring work, portal activity, and recruiting. Newcomers such as Zach Atkins and Danny Scudero emphasized aligning the group, while Scudero suggested he can provide steady leadership.