There is a new talent in Colorado’s roster, an equivalent of Travis Hunter. The two-way star is now no longer the only player in the Buffs’ gray practice jersey club. Isaiah Hardge has joined him as one of the two players in Colorado who can excel on both sides of the ball. 

This revelation first broke out on Thursday with an IG post by CU trainer Lauren Askevold. In the video, Isaiah, who was a redshirt freshman last season, was seen putting on a gray Buffs jersey signifying that he’ll be joining Travis in playing both on offense and defense this fall. This achievement earned the appreciation of HC Deion Sanders who lauded the 5’10, 160-pounder.

GUCCE on X posted a screenshot of Colorado CB Isaiah Hardge putting on a gray jersey. The caption read, “Isaiah Hardge has earned a grey jersey!! My dawg goin both ways. Pause. #SkoBuffs.” Acknowledging his player’s accomplishment, Deion Sanders couldn’t help but share the post with a heartfelt caption, “Love this young man 2 Life.” 

Isaiah has proven his ability to dominate both offense and defense by playing cornerback, wide receiver, and running back. He joined the Buffs in the 2023 recruiting cycle as a 3-star WR prospect out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Last season at Colorado, he was listed as a defensive back as a true freshman and played three games mostly on special teams. But this spring, he found himself having to take up the role of an RB where he earned the starting nod. He impressed everyone by rushing for 65 yards with a 40-yard TD run making him an elite two-way star prospect. And this isn’t the only time Deion Sanders put Isaiah on a pedestal.

Deion Sanders is highly appreciative of Isaiah Hardge 

During the spring game in April, Deion Sanders lauded Isaiah for his versatility by seamlessly filling in the role of an RB due to a lack of players. This is what Coach Prime said of him even back in April. “Isaiah is an athlete. This is a kid who came a receiver, flipped over to defensive back because we were desolate at that position. He went back and blessed us and played running back for us and got it done… I love the young man. I really do… I love what he brings to the table, offensively or defensively.”

Travis Hunter shone like a true star as a two-way player earning the Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player for the 2023 season. These two stars will get a chance to prove themselves once more this season before Travis leaves for the NFL next year. Will Isaiah be the new Travis Hunter? Time will tell.