Kaidon Salter and four other standout performances from Colorado's spring game
Kaidon Salter and four other standout performances from Colorado's spring game
With Colorado's spring game finally in the books, reactions from fans and even head coach Deion Sanders himself were a mixed bag.
For his part, Sanders said after the game that the team would look to the transfer portal to fill the roster gaps. However, these five players managed to stand out above the rest at the Buffaloes' annual Black and Gold game.
Kaidon Salter
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Though the spring game featured the highly anticipated debut of 5-star freshman Julian Lewis, it was the veteran transfer who managed to impress at the spring game.
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Early on during the scrimmage period, Salter looked much more patient in the pocket and used his legs effectively to keep plays alive. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur kept Salter rolling out for much of his action. While Slaters ended up settling for mostly check-downs, he operated the offense more efficiently compared to Lewis.
While Salter may have given himself a slight edge, Sanders said after the game, both quarterbacks have "a way to go."
Antonio Branch
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes mascot Ralphie is run onto the field before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Colorado's defense was by far the more impressive unit during the spring game, and Branch was a significant factor in their success.
While just a true freshman, Branch made several plays throughout the day, culminating with an interception off a tipped pass in the red zone. Branch looked fluid in coverage, primarily covering check downs, and laid some big hits for a spring game.
Joseph Williams
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Colorado Buffalos helmet at Arizona Stadium.
The young wide receiver transfer from Tulsa turned a lot of heads, despite the offense's struggles. Primarily working with Salter, Williams was by far the best receiver on the field.
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The highlight of Williams' day was a 22-yard connection between him and Salter, which resulted in a touchdown, one of the few offensive scores of the day.
Arden Walker
Colorado's Arden Walker celebrates after a sack against Texas Tech in a Big 12 football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Colorado's defensive line has a lot to live up to after last season's Big 12-leading sack numbers, and Walker looked like he could be a welcome presence on the line.
Walker's highlight came early, beating stud left tackle Jordan Seaton to get a spring game sack of Lewis. Walker showcased nice bend and burst off the line, and with edge rusher Keaten Wade not suiting up, Walker could be the key piece for the Buffaloes to start the year.
Zach Atkins
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes tight end Zach Atkins (85) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Tight end was a position Sanders highlighted as a position the Buffaloes still need help at, but Atkins showed off some impressive skills at the spring game. Salter and Atkins provided the first offensive highlight early on, connecting for a 22-yard catch and run.
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The Division II transfer won't be setting any new 40-yard dash records, but he displayed a knack for making defenders miss in the open field. Atkins' ability to gain yards after catch will be a welcome addition to the Buffaloes' offense, as they lost their top two pass catchers.
These five players were far from the only standouts at the Buffaloes' spring game, but with uncertainty on the horizon, Colorado fans should expect to see them making plays in the black and gold when the games count this fall.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Top Colorado football player performances from the CU spring game
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