The 2025 four-star prospect TJ Lateef believes in staying ahead of the curve. Regarded as one of the best replacements for Shedeur Sanders, TJ Lateef knows how perfectly everything aligns for him and the Buffs at the end: Shedeur Sanders leaving for the NFL, and the Buffs needing a reliable quarterback. And being the quarterback phenom he is, Lateef was not about to miss out on the chance to spend a day with the maestro of it all, Deion Sanders.

Thus, the Orange Lutheran QB embarked on a journey to Boulder. The visit proved to be a turning point for him, leaving him with a fresh outlook and a rekindled passion, all thanks to the inspiring words of Deion Sanders during their meeting about the potential successor of his son in Colorado. “Being able to sit in a room and talk to Coach Prime for a whole 30-45 minutes speaks a whole lot… because I am pretty sure he doesn’t do that with everybody,” Lateef reflected on his extended conversation with Deion Sanders.

What truly distinguishes Lateef from his peers vying for the Buffs is his unwavering dedication to CFB. Unlike many players driven by financial gain, Lateef arrived in Colorado with a pure love for the game.“I just want to get on the field. I don’t care about the money, I don’t care about none of that… I just want to play ball,” the highly regarded QB prospect expressed about his NIL expectations.

The talks of Lateef being one of the top prospects as a replacement for Shedeur Sanders started swirling when he elected Colorado as one of his Top 7 picks. Yet, he’s not the only one who has caught the eye of Deion Sanders and Co.

Other top competitors of TJ Lateef

While securing a visit does give the QB an upper hand over his competitors, TJ Lateef can hardly let his guard down, especially with his fierce competitors lining up for the QB role at Colorado. Madden Iamaleava, the younger brother of Nico Iamaleava, is one. Iamaleava was reportedly contacted by Pat Shurmur and staff assistant Nate Dodson for the class of 2025. The Warren High School QB is a top four-star prospect for the Buffs’ to-be vacant QB role.

READ MORE: Doomsday Preparation in Full Swing as Colorado Targets New 4-Star QB Prospect to Replace Shedeur Sanders in the Long Run

It’s clear that Lateef and Iamaleava are fighting a fierce battle for the role. However, one crucial factor could determine the winner: meeting Coach Prime’s standards. “So if something were to happen to Shedeur, they could step right in and make it happen. That’s what we’re looking for,” Sanders revealed to USA Today. So, who do you believe more accurately embodies the Shedeur Sanders mold? Share your thoughts in the comments.

READ MORE: “Do What You Are Told to Do”: Coach Prime Reprimands Son Shilo Sanders for Ignoring Instructions During Spring Practice

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