Deion Sanders’ running back room is looking strong these days. Well, that’s something few expected after over 40 players left the team earlier this spring, including star RB Dylan Edwards.

Edwards, a highly rated 4-star recruit, joined the Buffs last year and made a decent impact during their mediocre 4-8 season. He caught a good 36 passes for 299 yards! His departure left some big shoes to fill, but now there’s a new name to watch: 3-star talent Micah Welch.

After losing such a high-profile player, Coach Prime shared his thoughts on the new talent stepping up. During fall practice, Sanders gathered his team to give a special shoutout to Welch. “I forgot a flat-out dawg,” Deion began, hyping up his new freshman RB. “He doesn’t say much, he works his b*tt off, and he’s 10 times better than when he got here. He’s off the chain, and I love him to life,” Coach Prime said, adding, “Micah, you it.”

The team cheered for Micah, who’s not just stepping into a big role but also following in the footsteps of someone who had been close to Sanders for years. Edwards had been under Sanders’ guidance since he was a young kid in the Texas’ Truth Youth program. Deion even reminisced, saying, “We’ve coached that kid since he was, I think, 5 or 6 years old, and his siblings.” Now, that bond initially brought Edwards from Kansas State to Colorado.

But times have changed, and Edwards is back with the home state rivals, Kansas State Wildcats. Despite that, the Buffs‘ new RB room is becoming remarkable. It seems they’re ready to take on the Wildcats and more.

Deion Sanders’ running backs are ready to shine

With Dylan Edwards gone, the starting role naturally falls to senior Charlie Offerdahl. But he’s not alone — new transfers Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden are right there with him. It might seem surprising to see freshmen stepping up to fill Edwards’ spot, but sometimes, that’s just what the team needs. The team expects players like Micah Welch to rise to the occasion and deliver big performances.

Buffs fans eagerly look forward to October 12, when these names and Dylan will face off. Earlier this month, Buffs’ beat writer Brian Howell asked Micah how he feels about being a top RB now that Edwards has left. “I got the same mentality, came in to dominate, show Coach Prime I can do it all. I can run, I can pass, I can catch, I can do everything you want me to do,” Micah confidently stated. Micah is ready to take on Edwards and the competition in the upcoming Big 12 season. 

With Offerdahl leading the charge, Micah and Hayden show real promise in practice. Even Deion Sanders is taking notice, saying after their first open practice, “We can run the heck out of the ball. I think we have ample running backs that can get the job done.” We’ll soon see that confidence play out on the field.