New Colorado coach Deion Sanders 'amazed' at spring atmosphere

A year after having fewer than 2,000 people in attendance for the annual Colorado spring game, the Deion Sanders era began in earnest Saturday as over 45,000 people packed into Folsom Field for this year's version of the black and gold game.

Near-freezing temperatures and snow did not stop the sellout crowd from filing in to get a glimpse of the new-look Buffs led by their superstar head coach, who was hired in December away from Jackson State.

Sanders, donning a cowboy hat and wearing a t-shirt that said, «I AIN'T HARD TO FIND» and a jacket with «PRIME» on it, was himself much more part of the show than the actual football that happened on the field. The head coach was more hype man and emcee than play-caller — Sanders was mic'd up during the broadcast, took part in in-game interviews, conducted the band and seemed to control the volume of the crowd by merely raising his hands.

«I was amazed,» Sanders said of the Colorado crowd postgame. «It was a moment you'll never forget.»

The former Florida State and NFL star kicked things off by allowing 98-year-old Colorado superfan Peggy Coppom to take the opening kickoff. Sanders escorted her up to the ball, which she kicked to a giant cheer. After the game, Sanders called Coppom the MVP.

«She was quick, her first step was unbelievable,» Sanders said. «She was very physical when she grabbed me and made sure I held her arm.»

If there was another MVP, it was likely the offense led by Sander's own son, Shedeur, who followed his father and transferred from Jackson State. Shedeur threw for a couple touchdowns in the spring game format, including a 98-yard score to returning wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig.

Lemonious-Craig and Shedeur combined for 154 yards and two touchdowns,