Colorado football establishing identity within the trenches

Colorado defensive pass rush coordinator Warren Sapp has found a key role in producing one of the Big 12's best pass rushes. (Photo by Roy Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports)

Football has always been won and lost in the trenches, and losing an abundance of talent to the NFL has shifted the 2025 Colorado Buffaloes' focus back to smashmouth football. 

Offensively, the Buffs have lacked production from the run game for both years under head coach Deion Sanders. Nearly two weeks down into fall camp of year three, a new scheme and acquisitions are dedicated to getting it done on the ground.

Offensive line transfers Zy Crisler, Xavier Hill and Larry Johnson III have brought physicality and competitiveness, impressing in camp so far. With Jordan Seaton being the only returning starter, the group will have to gel fast to be efficient by Week 1.  

“It all starts up front. No matter how many tight ends we put in the core or how many wideouts, we need physicality and by in and play hard from all five of those guys,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. “I feel like we’ve brought in some guys who are better people and better players.”

With quarterback Kaidon Salter likely to be at the helm, a three-headed running attack featuring a fresh rotation could be just what the doctor ordered for Colorado. Although Shurmur was reluctant to share his offensive plan, running backs teased some new formations.

“You will see two backs on the field,” running back Micah Welch said. “One thing about the running back room, all of us can play. It don’t matter which back comes in the game, you will see somebody make a play.”

In the running back room, new faces DeKalon Taylor and Simeon Price have brought depth and speed as transfers with heavy upside. Combining efforts with Dallan Hayden and Welch, all four backs could see meaningful playing time this season.

Colorado's run game will be a key focus in 2025, and former Ohio State Buckeye back Dallan Hayden will have a golden opportunity to succeed in a 'balanced' offense. (Roberto Patrick Gerra/Sko Buffs Sports)

“I would say we’re more balanced this year,” Hayden said. “Our offensive line and different personnel groupings that the coaches are putting together allow us to be more balanced.” 

Defensively, the Buffs' pass rush was a strength last season, leading the Big 12 in sacks. With key returners on the edge and additions to the middle, a smothering run defense would elevate the group to a new level. 

A formidable secondary has been the early focus during the offseason, while a senior-stacked line has gotten to work. Standing out as an early leader and elevating his game, defensive end Arden Walker has impressed senior defensive coach George Helow.

“The thing about Arden is he leads by doing. To me, that’s the best form of leadership,” Helow said. “His example and how he practices, the pad level he plays with, his effort and energy to the ball, the way he’s been communicating…Has been really good stuff.”

New to the team, defensive line coach Domata Peko has played a “Good Cop, Bad Cop” role with Warren Sapp, bringing more NFL experience to the coaching staff. All three minds have worked collectively to establish a violent run defense and culture of toughness within the unit. 

“For the first week, man, I feel like we’ve been doing a good job building a run wall and all of us playing with good pad level,” Peko said. “I’m really excited about our run defense this year. I feel like that’s one of my strengths as a coach.”

Week 1 comes closer with the conclusion of every practice. As the Buffs stack days, their words echo a commitment to old-school football. While only time will tell if they carry any weight, the violent optimism is only growing.