“Who wants to go in and back up the coach’s son?” was the direct digger of ESPN host Pete Thamel, aimed at Deion Sanders. Well, this time, Prime came armored with a name. It was one big bombshell, Deion Sanders opening up about the backup QB situation in the Buffs locker room. Pat Shurmur and Deion Sanders have been on the hunt for the perfect replacement QB for the Buffs once Shedeur Sanders leaves for the NFL. Their several-month-old quest might have finally concluded. The best part? Deion Sanders did not have to rely on any QB outside of their roster.

Sure, their chase after five-star prospects like Julian Lewis would continue but they have someone in their locker room to rely on. Ryan Staub. The freshman who red-shirted his first year seems to have impressed Deion Sanders enough to earn the spot of the backup QB of Shedeur Sanders, potentially even leading the program once he leaves.

“I love what Staub has accomplished, man. I love what he did in the last game, last season. I love what he’s done and in the Camp, in Spring ball,” Prime said, praising the QB on the PreGame Network. Further elaborating on why he is sold on Staub, Prime said, “I love what he has shown me. Man, he’s not flinching. I try to encourage him as much as I can because I know it’s tougher going against the wands like he’s doing.” 

Now all that is left to see is if Staub, too, would leave Colorado amid the ongoing criticism. “Mainly because Deion came in and insulted most of the ones who were in the room and scared them off,” Thamel said. While the claims are ever-growing, will Staub seize the chance? Looking at what he’s done at CU and based on Prime’s words of his performance impressing him, the likes lean toward Staub staying with Colorado.

Is Ryan Staub a good Shedeur Sanders replacement?

The 6-foot-1 QB might be the perfect replacement for Shedeur Sanders Deion Sanders and Co. can have. Deion Sanders is already well aware of things Staub has to offer, while Staub is also familiar with things in Colorado and the ways of Deion Sanders.

The three-star prospect out of West Ranch was ranked as the No.24 QB in the class by ESPN. After making a statement at West Ranch, Staub debuted against Nebraska in the home opener in 2023 and completed his first career pass with 3 yards.

The QB also started a game against Utah in 2023, where he recorded 17 completed passes of 24 passes (70.8%) for 195 yards and first career touchdown to Travis Hunter. It will be on this year’s performance whether Staub would get the starting QB spot or would a transfer portal star like Julian Lewis would steal it.