This College Football season is nearing its halfway point and Coach Prime and Colorado football have captivated the masses. Buffalo games are drawing better ratings than games involving teams like Alabama and Texas. Deion Sanders is a very likable personality and that bodes well for him especially on the recruiting trail. Add to that his Hall of Fame playing career, his knowledge of the game and the overall cache he has, it's understandable why some programs might feel threatened by his success. Despite his success, his detractors also have been very vocal. Some students have held up signs referencing his 2 toes that had to be amputated. They claim he's too cocky. He's bad for the sport. All he cares about is the showmanship. They bring up that his sideline during games compares to court side at a Lakers game. Also that he hasn't paid his dues to be a head coach at this level. In essence, he's a media whore. But opinions are like mouths. We all have them.
In the Bible Mark 4:28 states For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Other coaches see the blade forming and what could result. Colorado has already tripled their win total from last season. This shows the program has made exponential progress in Primes brief tenure. Some coaches are envious of his popularity and now that Colorado has lost 2 straight games many are finding joy in their struggles. They act as if this wasn't a downtrodden program that only won 1 game last season. Instead Colorado is being held to standards akin to programs like Alabama and Ohio St. Deion has stated on several occasions he's probably 7 or 8 players away from contending at a high level. He still expects his kids to compete just as they did in 2nd half against Southern Cal. This program is in its infancy and other coaches see what potential threat he could pose to them. They see Deion like Thanos with the Infinity Gauntlet and as of right now only one stone. He's formidable but not where he ultimately wants to be. So whatever can be done to keep him from getting the rest of the Infinity Stones they'll do it.
But I despise how some have disparaged the character of this man. He doesn't curse. He cares about academics and helping these kids grow up to be upstanding young men. If I'm a top flight recruit why would I not want to learn from an alltime great player and now coach who has my best interest in mind. Prime is good for the game. Coaches are judged much like the Qb position . If you don't capitulate to societal norms you are often ostracized. Often cast astray. You aren't taken as seriously and every deficiency or abnormality you exhibit is scrutinized. Case in point, Cam Newton. While he isn't a perfect Qb by no means. Why isn't he on someone's roster as at least a backup? He was a former MVP and rookie of the year and still could be an asset as a veteran. Players like Andy Dalton and Blaine Gabbert from his same draft class, neither of which come close to his credentials are still in the league. Why is this so? Cam, much like Deion has a certain swagger about himself. His leadership style doesn't fit the status quo. Some decision makers are just intimidated by that image? If Deion's demeanor was more like Todd Bowles, he'd be easier to accept by some. But his demeanor is also why so many others gravitate to him. Deion isn't a pioneer, but he is one of the few black head coaches on the BCS, formally D1 university. What he does today and going forward impacts whether some coaches are seriously considered for the head coaching or position coach jobs. Prime has God with him and a vision. The possibilities are limitless.
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