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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Top Colorado football player performances from the CU spring game

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Former Colorado Defensive Coordinator Reveals Travis Hunter's Ideal NFL Role
Former Colorado Defensive Coordinator Reveals Travis Hunter's Ideal NFL Role originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Few players in college football have sparked more debate, and awe than Travis Hunter. And few coaches know him better than Charles Kelly. Advertisement The former Colorado defensive coordinator spent a season witnessing Hunter's generational two-way talent up close. Now the head coach at Jacksonville State, Kelly recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on where Hunter should line up in the NFL, and it's a strong vote for defense. 'I'm playing him on defense and let him play offense in situations,' Kelly told reporters at the Alabama Sports Writers Association convention. 'He can go get the ball… he is deadly when his eyes are to the quarterback.' For Buffaloes fans who watched Hunter's 2023 breakout, this endorsement comes as no surprise. That season, Hunter captured the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player and earned All-American honors. In just nine games, he notched 3 interceptions, 31 tackles, and 5 pass breakups, all while racking up over 700 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on offense. But for Kelly, Hunter's true value lies not in highlight-reel touchdowns, but in game-changing defensive vision. Advertisement 'When he can see where that quarterback is looking, he can find the ball,' Kelly said. 'That's what hurt us with him—we weren't good enough up front to play a lot of zone. We had to play a lot of man-to-man.' It's a telling reflection. Even while Colorado struggled defensively in 2023, Kelly still saw glimpses of Hunter's elite instincts. Special instincts that, in a more complete defense, would have been fully unleashed. Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Travis Chenoy-Imagn Images The NFL has taken notice. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024, becoming the first two-way player to do so since Charles Woodson, Hunter was selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jags intend to use him as a two-way weapon, but Kelly thinks they'd be wise to lean into his ball-hawking abilities on defense first. Advertisement 'I do think he can play offense,' Kelly acknowledged. 'You can put things in scheme-wise to get him open. But when his eyes are on the quarterback? That's when he's at his best.' For Colorado fans still glowing from Hunter's legacy in Boulder, it's gratifying to hear a respected voice like Kelly's reinforce what they already know: Hunter isn't just a versatile star, he's a defensive difference-maker with a rare gift. And in the NFL, where turnovers change games and instincts can't be taught, Kelly's advice to Jacksonville might be the smartest game plan yet. Travis Hunter Colorado Buffaloes defense interception NCAA football This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tony Grossi Has Words for Shedeur Sanders Hype: ‘He's a Developmental QB'
Tony Grossi Has Words for Shedeur Sanders Hype: 'He's a Developmental QB' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The honeymoon phase for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland might be short-lived, at least if you ask longtime Browns analyst Tony Grossi. Advertisement As hype continues to swell around the Colorado Buffaloes legend following his selection in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Grossi is stepping in with a reality check. Appearing on 850 ESPN Cleveland, the veteran radio personality made it clear: the media is overhyping Sanders' early flashes, and it could be doing the young quarterback more harm than good. Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) catches a ballKen Blaze-Imagn Images 'The media are doing Shedeur a disservice by inflating where he's at right now,' Grossi said. 'He's a developmental quarterback, just like Dillon Gabriel—he's not a franchise quarterback.' Grossi's words were blunt but calculated. While many headlines are praising Sanders' accuracy in open OTAs, Grossi says the narrative doesn't match the reps. Sanders is the only QB in the Browns' room not taking consistent snaps with the starters, a telling sign for a team actively evaluating its future at the position. Advertisement Despite being one of the most high-profile names in college football under Coach Deion 'Prime' Sanders at Colorado, Shedeur slid to the fifth round in April. He now finds himself behind Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, journeyman Kenny Pickett, and Oregon standout Dillon Gabriel, who, it's worth noting, was drafted before Sanders. Grossi didn't mince words on the depth chart either. 'Overinflating expectations is just not good,' he added. 'He's not close to being QB1.' This might feel like a gut punch to Colorado fans who watched Sanders throw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024 despite playing behind one of the most porous offensive lines in college football. Still, Grossi's point isn't about talent, it's about timing and development. Advertisement The Cleveland Browns are notoriously cautious with quarterbacks, and with Flacco likely serving as a bridge, the team can afford to let Sanders mature behind the scenes. That's not the narrative fans want, but it may be the one that sets Shedeur up for long-term success. Colorado fans know what Shedeur can do. They've seen him perform under pressure, carry a program in transition, and silence critics with his arm and poise. If there's anything we've learned from Shedeur Sanders' journey so far, it's this: doubt him at your own risk. So, let's keep receipts. Whether Grossi is spot on or shortsighted, time, and Shedeur will tell. Advertisement Related: Deion Sanders Cancels Speaking Engagement as Rumors Swirl Related: Colorado Replaces Folsom Field's Grass Amid Former Heisman Calling Out Risks This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jordan Domineck Joins Athlon Sports as College Football Reporter
Jordan Domineck Joins Athlon Sports as College Football Reporter originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jordan Domineck joins Athlon Sports as a reporter covering various schools, including Colorado and Georgia Tech. Advertisement Domineck spent last year in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes. In 56 career games, he made 188 total tackles (41 for loss), 21.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, including two for touchdowns. The Lakeland, Fla. native graduated from GT with honors before his final two collegiate years. Domineck was also co-host of Sports Illustrated's Buffs Beat Weekly with former NFL vet Nick Ferguson during his senior year in Boulder. Domineck brings a fresh perspective after playing in multiple power conferences (SEC, ACC, Pac-12). He was part of Deion Sanders' original "Louis Luggage" transfer portal class at Colorado in 2023. The Buffs went 4-8 during Coach Prime's first year, but caught the attention of the sports world with the 'Prime Effect' surging to become an international sensation. The TV ratings for CU Football was at an all-time high an average audience of 3.84 million. Follow Domineck's journey as he covers the Buffs and more in the new era of college sports. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.