Amid Xavier Smith Controversy, Colorado Football Lands Former Michigan State OT to Help Offensive Line in Protecting Shedeur Sanders

The spring transfer portal has brought about significant changes to college football, notably the departure of running back Xavier Smith from the Colorado Buffaloes. While Smith’s exit, attributed to issues with the coach, has undoubtedly altered the team’s dynamics, the Buffaloes have shown remarkable resilience by welcoming former Michigan State offensive lineman Ethan Boyd to Boulder. 

The new alliance was unveiled through the Buffs’ official Instagram account, ‘NoSkoZone.‘ This recruitment is a crucial part of Coach Prime’s strategic plan, aptly named ‘protection, commitment.’ The plan was set into motion at the start of the spring transfer portal when Sanders’ offensive line faced significant challenges. Boyd’s addition to the team, the ninth transfer offensive lineman this offseason, is a testament to the team’s meticulous strategic planning and unwavering commitment to success.

Sanders gets lucky with a new OL possession

At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, the big blocker spent the past two seasons as a backup and was set to start in East Lansing. However, the Michigan native leaves home for the first time to join hands with Sanders. The numbers Boyd is known for are mentioned in the caption: “Pro Football Focus gave Boyd an overall grade of 60.5, a run-block grade of 67.7 and a pass-block grade of 43.3 for his 2023 campaign.”

Boyd’s arrival is a game-changer for Sanders’ Buffaloes. In the 12 games he participated in, Boyd made three starts at right tackle, showcasing his potential. While playing for the Spartans, he executed 313 snaps and gave up two sacks, nine hurries, and 13 quarterback pressures. Now that he has joined Sanders’ team, he will be among other transfers who have been starters at their schools, including Justin Mayers, Tyler Johnson, and Kahlil Benson. Boyd’s addition raises the question of why Sanders is focusing so much on bolstering the offensive line, a move that could potentially have a significant impact on the team’s performance. 

Recent blows to Deion Sanders’ Colorado

The Colorado football has been exposed to back-to-back blows. On April 29, running back Smith shared he felt demotivated by Sanders’ coaching style and moved out of Boulder to join UTEP. Their offensive line suffered another setback in March when offensive guard Jack Bailey entered the transfer portal after spending only one season at Colorado. 

After his debut season, Sanders’s biggest problem was the program’s offensive line. Meanwhile, the Buffs HC promised protection for his quarterback son. He vowed to upgrade his offensive front, particularly after a 3-0 start ended with a 4-8 finish in his first season. Another highlight of the new-look O-line is freshman Jordan Seaton, who admitted that last year’s offensive line has been “kind of horrific.” However, he re-iterated Sanders’ promise, “this year’s going to be different.”

With these moves by his father, Shedeur, who was sacked 52 times last season had been convinced. The next test for Deion Sanders and the Buffs’ newly revamped offensive line will be on August 31, against North Dakota State. It is now to be seen whether the OL fulfills the bigger purpose, cushioning Shedeur from sacks.