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via Getty

via Getty

Deion Sanders has faced a major setback recently because of the exodus of players from his team. Several left this year, either transferring to other schools or entering the NFL draft. The recent ones to join the list are two running backs — Sy’veon Wilkerson and Dylan Edwards.

A fifth-year senior, Wilkerson entered the transfer portal on April 23, and Edwards followed him. These two join 19 other Buffaloes who have bolted since the transfer window opened in the spring. While the running back room seems particularly depleted, an insider report suggests a specific move by Coach Sanders that might have been the driving force behind the exodus.

Deion Sanders loses players in the running back room

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The Colorado Buffaloes are losing depth at running back. Sy’veon Wilkerson and Dylan Edwards have mysteriously disappeared from practice, prompting questions. A Buffs insider confirmed, “They were not at practice today. They were not in the building today.” The source suggests their absence hints at a broader problem as he added, “I think that this is one of those things man that you just have to look at the chronological order of how things happen and I think it’s just a red flag to college football out there. There are some people that do nor want to compete.” 

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It’s no coincidence that when Coach Prime announced Charlie Offerdahl’s promotion to number two and the signing of a running back from Ohio State, two players chose to leave. Just one day after the Buffaloes secured Ohio State transfer Dallan Hayden, two existing running backs were gone. This sequence of events suggests that some players may not be ready to face increased competition within the team. However, Coach Sanders remains unperturbed by these departures.

Exodus doesn’t worry Coach Prime

Despite the departure of several talented players, Coach Sanders is resolute in his mission to swiftly replace them with top-tier recruits. The team’s running back room is undergoing a significant transformation, with players like Alton McCaskill, Sy’veon Wilkerson, Anthony Hankerson, and Dylan Edwards stepping out. While these were valuable players, they were not the team’s star performers. Coach Sanders remains confident, stating, “We good. I trust the recruiting team and our coaches.” 

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It appears that these players were not prepared for the challenge of a more competitive team. However, their departure is likely to pave the way for a more robust and competitive Buffaloes squad. The team has already welcomed Dallan Hayden, a standout freshman from Ohio State, as their new starter. Additionally, Charlie Offerdahl, a seasoned Buffs player, has been promoted to the number two running back position. With more recruits expected, Coach Sanders’ team revamp promises an exciting future for the Buffaloes.