Coach Prime Advised to “Mimic the Processes” of Nick Saban & Co. To Address Colorado’s Recruitment Concerns

Coach Primе is causing a stir with his groundbreaking “no-visit” recruiting technique, shaking up the traditional methods of college football recruiting. Without leaving campus, Dеion Sandеrs managed to secure commitments from 24 new players for the Colorado Buffaloes’ 2024 season, including highly sought-after talents like 5-star offensive tackle Jordan Sеaton.

Sandеrs’ rеcruitment prowess received wide acclaim, particularly after his 2023 class of transfеr rеcruits claimed the top spot nationally and his 2024 class ranked 22nd overall. However, with only seven high school resumes in the 2024 class, questions remain: Can this unconventional strategy sustain success, particularly in the pursuit of establishing a winning culture?

While Coach Primе’s approach has garnered attention and reportedly saved Colorado an estimated $200,000 in transportation costs annually, CFB analysts remain skeptical about its long-term viability.

In a recent episode of On3, analyst J.D. Pickеll urged Dеion Sandеrs to take cues from seasoned coaches to establish a winning culture in Colorado. “I think we’ve known for decades now who Dеion is as a personality, as an actor, you know, as someone who’s been in the public eye for quite some time now,” said Pickеll. “What’s the difference between that and being a high football coach? If you’re trying to be great at anything, I think mimic the processes of those that are succeeding at a high level in what you’re trying to do.”

Pickеll suggested that Sandеrs should emulate the recruiting tactics of successful programs like Alabama, Nick Saban, or Michigan during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, which heavily emphasized “home visits” to secure top talent.

However, amidst swirling speculation, Dеion Sandеrs recently shed light on his rationale behind adopting the “no-visit” recruitment approach.

College football recruiting with a transfer portal focus

During Wednesday’s Spring Press Conference, Sanders highlighted that Colorado focuses primarily on transfer players from the transfer portal rather than high school recruits. Transfer recruits are older players who have already moved out of their homes and often do not require traditional home visits from prospective coaches. “We target mostly guys that are in the portal,” Sanders explained. “When do you make visits to the portal guys’ homes? Anyone do that? Do they do that? Anybody? Have you guys heard of that?”

Read Also: Deion Sanders Accused of Making “Excuses” After Revealing His Unorthodox “No Visit” Recruiting Style

Sanders emphasized that older players in their 20s who are seeking their last shot at college football success prioritize practical aspects like playing time, NFL prospects, and financial considerations over sentimental recruiting tactics. Moreover, his fame as a Pro Football Hall of Famer and celebrity pitchman sets him apart from other coaches on the recruiting trail, allowing him to become known to more potential recruits while also making it harder to travel in certain respects.

Sanders’ strategic shift in recruitment tactics underscores his adaptability and understanding of the evolving landscape of college football recruiting. While some analysts remain skeptical, Sanders’ approach reflects a calculated effort to optimize resources and target players whose priorities align with the program’s objectives.

Read More: “Minimising One of His Greatest Assets”: Coach Prime Called Out for Stringent Recruitment Strategy