The Colorado senior safety, Shilo Sanders, son of the great Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, broke his arm. But, as we have seen, in the volatile environment of college football, time is not on his side. Shilo’s injury happened during one of Colorado’s worst games, a 28-10 blowout by Nebraska, and despite the expected return in two weeks, no more games lost can be afforded in this relatively short season. And as always, competition continues to intensify; one can very well imagine how Shilo wants to heal and get back to the field.

Another name is now doing the rounds in the corridors—Carter Stoutmire. The sophomore safety is working to take up the starting role, and honestly, if Shilo is not careful, he can get back from the game to lose his position to the young man. Coach Prime has made it clear: no one’s position is guaranteed, not even his own son’s. Shilo’s solo tackle record for season 2024 is 8, but nothing comes close to what Stoutmire has been pulling off.

Coach Prime has been singing the praises of Carter Stoutmire for his ability to do so much and work so hard. Deion Sanders, in a recent interview with Romi Bean on YouTube, said, “This man is so versatile. He’s a big kid, he’s a fast kid, physical, plays corner, plays safety, plays slot. He’s very versatile, and I love it.” Even this season, Carter has contributed exceptionally well for the Buffaloes’ team with 15 solo tackles and two pass deflections. Versatility is a strength for the rising star, and that is why everyone, including Coach Prime, sees him as an asset.

Carter Stoutmire has playing time whenever Shilo is absent, but he has taken the most of the available chances. A Plano, TX, sophomore, he has grown into an important player of the Colorado defense. Stoutmire has probably shocked everyone, especially the fans, with his abilities and intelligence. He has been coming off the bench, scoring goals, and most importantly, proving why he should remain in the playing arena.

Some of the work he did was done with his strength, which, according to Coach Prime, is one of his major assets. He can just as easily glide from the corner to safety without so much as a hitch in his giddy-up and can slide right into any gaps in the secondary. Just like HC added, “Whatever it takes is what it takes. You always gotta do extra. If you’re not doing extra, you’re not doing enough.”

Shilo might feel the pressure, but that is the reason for competition, especially under a head coach like Deion Sanders, who has always emphasized hard work and consistency. In Coach Prime’s words, “There’s no shortcuts to being great. You’ve got to do everything the right way.” That philosophy is helping Stoutmire move up and continue to increase his play; the more games he takes on the field, the more assured he becomes.

Carter Stoutmire is making a strong case: a father-son dilemma?

Stoutmire’s growth isn’t just about filling in for Shilo; it’s about making a long-term impact on the team. In a sport like football, one thing’s for sure: this is because the competition styling the players makes them the best. To be a contender again, Shilo has to return better in all attributes and abilities than he is now. But as we already know, Coach Prime doesn’t play favorites. If Stoutmire plays like this, it will be difficult for Shilo to return to his previous position.

The relationship Deion shares with Shilo brings another perspective to this issue. As much as he can be kindhearted like any other father, he also trains as a competitive man who is so passionate about his team. Although addressing Romi Bean in a particular interview, Coach Prime was particularly overly emphatic about the Stoutmire family, the relationship, and the aesthetics of working for pay.“His father was a workaholic. There are no shortcuts with him. He plays with passion and certainty. He’s learning every day.” These are the very principles that Deion holds in high estimation, and Stoutmire is right on the button.

However, all along, Shilo is more of a defiant character when playing football to overcome his dad’s name. Last year, he also recorded the most tackles for Colorado, which proved how much of a fighter he is on the pitch. But now with Stoutmire looking at him and expecting nothing less than hard-nosed defense, Shilo will require much more than that. In all likelihood, he will have to come back stronger—one that is determined to hustle his way to the old position.

Deion has been emphatic about this from the get-go—he is like, you can’t guarantee your position on the team, not even if you’re kin to the man at the top. It is even more complicated because it involves a father and his son. Coach Prime’s affection for his son will not affect his ability to put together a competitive team. Carter Stoutmire is gradually finding this groove, and Shilo will need to quickly regain his form and improve his already subpar numbers if he is to sustain this. I’ve been watching his journey. When we had an opportunity to sign him, it was just a blessing. He’s going to be a pro one day. He plays with passion and certainty. He’s still learning, but he’s got it,”  Deion added.

But moving past an injury takes time, and time is something Shilo Sanders doesn’t seem to have now that every game matters. As long as Carter Stoutmire continues to demonstrate he deserves a chance out on the field, Shilo has to work extra hard and try to get back in the lineup. Well, this competition might even happen within Coach Prime’s household, given how much he loves competition.