Deion Sanders‘ team is undergoing a significant transformation.  With a wave of departures, the team is actively seeking new talent, particularly focusing on strengthening the safety position. Deion was hoping to have young players like Cormani McClain and Omarion Cooper switch to safety for the 2024 season, but they decided to ditch him and join other teams that would likely “value them better.”

After facing such setbacks that tarnished their reputation, the Buffs, under Deion’s determined leadership, sought to rebuild their image. In a significant move towards this goal, they recently persuaded a talented safety from Vanderbilt to join Colorado. This new player will be the fourth member of the team’s secondary, alongside RJ Johnson, Ivan Yates, and Colton Hood to protect the back of the field. Now finally some good news for Coach Sanders as he continues to rebuild and strengthen his team for the future.

Deion Sanders lands a “very good” DB for Colorado

On May 11, Magdog TV reported that “Coach Prime isn’t taking any days off including Mother’s Day weekend. He has just landed another very good DB from Vanderbilt and when I tell you guys he’s very good.” True to the words, the Colorado landed the 6-foot-2 tall and 205-pound giant figured Savion Riley who spent the past two years at Vanderbilt. He visited Colorado and met with Coach Sanders just one week ago and soon on Saturday, he announced his verbal commitment to the CU Buffs.

Riley played in eight games last season and even started two for the Vanderbilt. “Vanderbilt is known of having aggressive defensive players they aren’t afraid to come up and make the tackle and that is absolutely what we need when we think about the secondary” the video noted. Befitting the statement, Riley played 343 snaps and made 48 tackles, showing that he’s not just a backup but can also help the experienced starters Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Shilo Sanders in upcoming games. 

Sanders bolsters Buffs’ defense with new safety recruit

Deion Sanders trusts his son, Shilo Sanders, as a capable safety. But the departure of Jaden Milliner-Jones left the Buffaloes’ defense thin at the position. Now, Savion Riley’s addition brings much-needed experience and youth to the role. Interestingly, former Buff Omarion Cooper, initially a cornerback, transitioned to safety at Florida State with mixed results. He later joined Deion Sanders’ team, hoping to find his footing, and was expected to contribute as a safety. However, with Cooper’s recent return to his home team FSU, Savion Riley steps in to fill the vacancy and appears to be a more natural fit for the role.

Now, the Colorado Buffaloes offense looks solid with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter. This offense even beat their own defense in the “Black and Gold” spring game. The game also highlighted the need for defensive improvement, which Deion addressed by adding Riley. It will be interesting to see what other changes he brings to rebuild the roster.