Unlike With Xavier Smith or Gavin Kuld, Coach Prime Vouches for Former Colorado Prodigy as He Steps Into His Next Chapter

Coach Prime has seen a lot of players leave Colorado this year.  More than the exits, it’s the negative comments from some of those leaving that have been a blow. The team’s former five-star recruit Cormani McClain didn’t mince words, stating he simply didn’t “want to play for click.” Likewise, former safety Xavier Smith went further, accusing Sanders of “destroying guys’ confidence and belief in themselves.”

The most recent one is their former backup quarterback Gavin Kuld airing his grievances. He pointed fingers at star QB Shedeur Sanders for his selfish spending of NIL money, saying, “Look at Colorado this guy has got six cars and an apartment.” While Deion Sanders stayed above the fray, his son Shedeur fired back at the critics. He dismissed Smith as “mid at best,” claiming he barely remembered him. As for Kuld, Shedeur warned, “I learned sometimes you have to take the high road. @GKuld I’ll spare you only this 1 time.”

These exchanges have sparked criticism of how the Sanders family handles players who leave the team. However, Deion Sanders is now showing his supportive side as a head coach by publicly vouching for a former Colorado player. 

Amidst the ugly exits, one notable player who departed without any drama was defensive back Adam Hopkins. He entered the transfer portal last month and has since joined the Charlotte 49ers. A post on X congratulated Hopkins, saying, “Congrats to Adam Hopkins! Go be great!” Coach Prime reposted the message, adding his own well wishes with the words, “Good kid!” However, this is not the first time he’s posted a supportive message for Hopkins. 

Coach Prime shows love and support to Adam Hopkins

Defensive back Adam Hopkins, who consistently displayed good character during his time at Colorado, received Deion Sanders’ support even upon transferring. Back in April, when he entered the portal, Adam Hopkins’ mom shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her gratitude for the Buffaloes head coach and wishing the team a great season.

Deion Sanders even responded with a warm message of his own, saying, “Much love and RESPECT. Let me know if u need us in any way. God bless u.” This proved that Deion is not willing to burn bridges and likes to maintain positive relationships with players who leave the program. In fact, even for Cormani who ditched him on ugly terms, the head coach wished, “I pray to God that he goes to a program that challenges him.” It seems like Deion takes pride in supporting his players, even after they leave the Colorado program.