We’ll have to wait till the fall games kick off to see if the Colorado Buffaloes’ offensive line has stepped up. But, if you listen to what Coach Deion Sanders said last year versus now, it sounds like we might be in for a big improvement.

On April 8, 2023, Sanders was asked about the progress of the offensive line. He took a moment, then replied, “The team you see now won’t be the same in Texas for our first game… I think that says it all, right?”

On Thursday, he was asked who on the new offensive line has been getting better.

“All of them stick together like glue, you know? It’s like they’ve got this unbreakable bond. You hardly ever catch one of them flying solo; it’s always a little posse rolling deep. Tyler Brown? That guy’s on fire! His performance? Top-notch. And he’s consistent, like clockwork. When it comes to running that ball down the field? Oh, we’ve got it covered. These guys? They’re like family, and they’re crushing it out there.”

When asked if this year’s success comes from talent or teamwork, Sanders gave props to the new offensive line coach, Phil Loadholt, without skipping a beat.

Sanders couldn’t praise Phil Loadholt enough. He’s experienced, and respected, and his communication skills are top-notch. The team looks up to him and tries to follow his lead. Sanders also gave a shoutout to Analyst Gunnar White for his stellar work.

These kids? They’re something else. Seriously, they’ve got a fire in them. They’ve got a real purpose driving them, you know? And they’re not just talking the talk; they’re walking it. I mean, they attack practice like it’s game day, and they hold each other to a high standard. They’ve got each other’s backs, no question. It’s something to be proud of, truly.

In 2023, the Buffs struggled big time on the field, especially in the trenches. They couldn’t get their rushing game going, and poor Shedeur Sanders took a beating as the most-sacked QB in the nation. And now, all the main starters from that tough season are out.

Coach Prime and his crew made some big moves. They snagged the top high school offensive line recruit, Jordan Seaton, and added five seasoned FBS starters to beef up the front line. Plus, they’ve got Brown back in action after sitting out last season due to an outdated NCAA rule for repeat transfers.

Only Hank Zilinskas and Kareem Harden returned to the line from last year.

Even though we won’t know for sure until autumn, we’re already noticing a change.

Shedeur and his brother Shilo, who plays safety and is a senior, had a chat about how tough the team is. Shedeur brought up how well the line performed this spring, sparking the conversation.

Shilo chuckled, “The offensive line, they’re ready to rumble every single day. But here’s the thing about offense: you win a one-on-one battle, and suddenly you’ve got a crowd around you. They just started ganging up like that this spring.”

Shedeur chuckled, “Nah, we’re past all that now. We’re just about football, you know? Taking each play as it comes, trusting each other, and giving it our all out there. If a D-lineman even lays a finger on me, my teammates have my back. It’s all about sticking together.”

For now, the atmosphere with the line feels much improved compared to last year.