“Coward”: Deion Sanders’ Innocence Shines as Dylan Edwards and Father’s Behavior Exposed in Fiery Feud With Colorado Buffs

Remember what Coach Prime’s first impression was like after coming to Colorado? “I want y’all to get ready and jump in the portal and do whatever you’re gonna get.” Considering he said this, it shouldn’t have been a surprise when cornerback Cormani McClain entered the transfer portal. The thing is, Deion Sanders may have seen it coming. But what he didn’t see coming was running back Dylan Edwards doing the same. Especially after his recent comments.

Less than a month ago, Edwards said, “This year is gonna be fun. Just getting me hot early; that’s something I really want this year. I feel like my game is elevated so I’m definitely ready for anything that’s coming my way this year.” With everything else he inferred about his sophomore year, it was enough to get DJ Blessone, aka IsmokeHiphop, riled up on their YouTube show, IsmokeHiphop Live.

They started, “This man has yet to apologize to Deion,” referring to how Edwards hasn’t yet talked to Coach Prime after entering the portal and joining Kansas State. “If he doesn’t want to apologize like the coward he is, speak to the man who knew you since you were seven years old.” It may seem fair to make the connection that Sanders didn’t give anyone prior intimation about his intention to rebuild the team completely, so Dylan Edwards wasn’t obliged to inform Sanders about his decision. However, IsmokeHipHop laid out how the running back’s move was “disrespectful.”

DJ Blessone stated that a week before Edwards made his decision, “Prime had a camp going on, and he asked everybody – he was intimate ’cause he was losing players. He’s like, ‘Look, just let me know now [if you’re entering the portal]. I don’t want no surprises. Who wants to leave? Dylan was right there with his hands down and wanted to stay.” According to Blessone, “Dylan ‘Coward’ Edwards” assured Coach Prime & Co. again just four days before leaving. In light of that, Sanders held a press conference, discussing how the team would give Edwards the opportunity he wanted.

Sanders acknowledged Edwards, saying, “Dylan is a tremendous asset. We’re going to try to get the ball to Dylan in all forms and facets. [Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur] is going to do a great job of getting him the ball where he needs to get the ball on the go.” Despite a disappointing 4-8 record last season, Edwards proved himself as one of the main players on the team. He led the Buffs in rushing yards (321) and ended the season with 36 catches for 299 yards, averaging 9.3 touches per game. Seeing his potential, Sanders & Co. wanted to get the ball in hands more this year. Even he knew what was coming.

“It’s crazy because this year I’m playing way more receiver,” Edwards said. “I’m more dynamic in our offense. I’m just an all-around threat to the defense.” Explaining how Shurmur will be the driving force behind his development this season, he added, “Just having Coach Shurm call plays and give me the opportunity is something that I need and that I’m waiting for.” However, something must’ve changed in the next few days because Dylan Edwards entered the portal and signed with Kansas State.

Reaction Info: Do you think Dylan Edwards made the right decision?

Something else that IsmokeHipHop didn’t appreciate was Edwards suggesting he transferred to Kansas State because it had better quarterback play. Throwing shade at Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes despite getting that assurance that he’d be one of the leading players didn’t sit right with many. And that prompted Blessone to say,  “You guys are cowards, man.”

Many didn’t appreciate the lack of accountability on Edwards and his father’s part. But for others, the running back had all the right to leave the way he did, especially after Coach Prime’s initiation speech last season. While there are questions about why he chose to leave in the first place, the bottom line is that he’s already set to sail in the Kansas State boat. So, what awaits?

Why did Dylan Edwards choose Kansas State?

Having grown up in Derby, Kansas, Dylan Edwards came very close to becoming a Wildcat straight out of high school. Having committed to Kansas State in 2022, followed by Notre Dame, the four-star prospect finally decided to come to Boulder. Despite his flourishing stats – 321 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 76 carries – he couldn’t display his true potential throughout the season.

Being part of the pass-heavy team in Colorado, he did not have many opportunities to flaunt his skills. But isn’t that what the Buffaloes were going to focus on this year? Considering their plans for Edwards, Uncle Neely was confused about why the running back decided to leave. In an interview with DNVR Sports, he said, “I think this was one of those things where you have to look at how chronological things happened. It is no coincidence to me that when Coach Prime said Charlie Offerdahl was going to be No.2, and then we sign a running back from Ohio State, two guys leave.”

Suggesting that Edwards didn’t want to compete with the incoming talent, Neely added how he transferred for better opportunities. But that’s where he didn’t understand the decision. “I don’t know what better opportunity you can have than being on a team with Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, and you’re still getting featured in the playbook.”

Perhaps wanting to follow in his father Leon Edwards’ footsteps – who played for the Wildcats in the 1990s – Dylan will be scouting to find a bigger role that will shoot his NFL draft stock. Kansas State, coming off a decent 9-4 season with a Pop-Tart Bowl win, can be a team where he’ll be the No.1 running back. But will the opportunity be as good as the one in Colorado would’ve been?