“Changed the Culture”: Deion Sanders’ Ex-Teammate Jerry Rice Opens Up on Coach Prime’s Influence on College Football

As far as Deion Sanders’ impact on college football is concerned, there is no second thought about his greatness. Coach Prime’s ex-mate from Jackson State, Jerry Rice, does not disagree. Rice is all praise about the current Buffaloes Coach. He shared his thoughts about Sanders on the YouTube show All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson. Even though Sanders has left Jackson State, his impact still reverberates with people who shared their tenure with Coach Prime. 

Rice seemed convinced about Sanders’ success in Colorado, with his sons being the flag bearers of his legacy. It has been possible for the changes Deion Sanders has brought to both the programs.

Rice commends Sanders as a trailblazer

As the rumors go, there was a time when Rice was envious of Deion as a competitor. He used to fear Coach Prime’s capability and was convinced to be failing in front of Sanders. As Rice sat for the interview, he could not deny but accept his former teammate’s impact. Rice claimed, “I think Deion did a fantastic job at Jackson State. He brought a lot of recognition. He changed the culture there.”

According to the Hall of Fame wide receiver, Sanders brought a newfound recognition and energy to the historically black college. With this, he revitalized the football culture that garnered national attention. However, Coach Prime, after that, chose to continue making waves in the college football landscape and seamlessly transitioned to the University of Colorado. In both the programs, Deion Sanders ensured to leave his impact with his unique strategizing.

Ways in which Sanders is unique

According to the reports, Jackson State’s fortunes changed on September 21, 2020, when Sanders joined the program as head coach. In 2021, the coach signed the highest-ranked recruiting class, and Jackson State went undefeated against other teams in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Also Read: “I Am Straight”: Deion Sanders Reveals Three Big Reasons Why He Never Wants to Be an NFL Head Coach

He piloted an instant rebuilding strategy called the “40-40-20 formula.” He aimed to recruit a team with 40% graduate transfers, 40% undergraduate transfers, and 20% from high school. Similarly, even in Colorado, Deion Sanders outplayed everyone with his recruiting strategy.

When he joined the Buffaloes program, he adhered to an unusual recruiting style. Coach Prime did not make a single off-campus or home visit. This allowed Sanders to attempt to save money for CU, and the $200,000 travel budget assigned to him remained untouched. Hence, Coach Prime sets himself a high bar regarding changing the college football landscape.

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