Deion Sanders’ message to Colorado players received well internally despite backlash: ‘He spoke the truth’

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Deion Sanders has made the Colorado Buffaloes relevant again, and he has yet to coach a game. 

Since arriving in Boulder in December, "Prime Time" has made Colorado a destination, pulling in a top-25 recruiting class and a top-5 transfer portal.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders speaks during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club in Boulder, Dec. 4, 2022. (Ron Chenoy-USA Today Sports)

And while Sanders’ presence has certainly been a boon for the program – CU will set an attendance record for its spring game in April – it does not come without its challenges. 

Sanders will make headlines, as he quickly did upon taking the job to lead the Buffaloes. 

COLORADO'S DEION SANDERS LAYS OUT RULES FOR JERSEY NUMBERS: 'EVERYTHING YOU DO AROUND HERE WILL BE EARNED'

Sanders’ message to returning players went viral in his first meeting with CU, imploring players to "go ahead and jump in that [transfer] portal" as he was bringing players with him to Colorado.  

His message may have caused a stir, but it garnered support within the Colorado program. 

"A little bit I thought, 'Dang, that could be construed as rude, disrespectful,' but at the same time, he wouldn't be here if we didn't need him," Darian Hagan, former CU player and member of the football staff told ESPN. "The truth is the truth, and he spoke the truth. The guys that got in the portal, they didn't deserve to be here, because if you let words convince you to move on and not fight for what you believe in and what you signed up for, you shouldn't be here."

Colorado Buffaloes head football coach Deion Sanders speaks to the media about National Signing Day at the Dal