Colorado defensive back Ben Finneseth has observed Deion Sanders’ consistent presence in the football facility throughout the offseason. Following Sanders’ absence during much of the previous spring and summer while battling bladder cancer, Finneseth believes the team’s players must step up as leaders.
The sixth-year senior pointed to last season’s 3-9 finish as evidence of lacking leadership, leaving the Buffaloes with a 16-21 record over three seasons under Sanders. “Last year we just didn’t have the players that wanted to lead and were willing to lead,” Finneseth said at Big 12 media days. “I didn’t feel confident enough in myself. After getting this past year under my belt and gaining some confidence, knowing I can play at this level, it’s significantly helped me.”
Finneseth noted the team’s frustration with the lack of leadership and their determination to change course. While Sanders, now cancer-free and feeling renewed, avoided discussing the losing record, he expressed enthusiasm about the team’s progress. “I’m loving everything I’ve seen in the spring,” Sanders said. “I’m loving everything that we added. I’m loving what we did in the portal. I’m loving what we’re doing recruiting-wise. We’re right where we want to be. And we’re going to get even better.”
Tight end Zach Atkins, who transferred from Northwest Missouri State, emphasized the importance of team cohesion. “I think it starts now,” Atkins said. “I think it starts with all the work that we’ve put in since January. All the lifting days, all the conditioning days, all the player-led practices, all that stuff.”
Receiver Danny Scudero, joining Colorado after spending last season at San Jose State, looks to contribute immediately to a program known for its volatility. “I feel like I can definitely be a guy that a lot of my teammates can count on and just being a consistent guy for them,” Scudero said. “Because a lot of teams have a lot ups and downs, and in times of need you can look to a guy to kind of be a steady guy. I feel I can fit into that position.”
Finneseth emphasized Sanders’ own competitive nature, countering the notion that only players needed to overcome adversity. “And you say that he doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder, he does,” Finneseth said. “Because he’s a competitor, and he’s just as irritated as we are. Like I said, this is the most I’ve ever seen him. He’s probably sleeping in the facilities, if we’re being completely honest.”
To strengthen team bonds, Finneseth and three newcomers—defensive back Cree Thomas, defensive end Balansama Kamara, and Scudero—invested $400 in a fishing canoe with a trolling motor purchased through Facebook Marketplace. These outings, which also included trips to Sanders’ ranch near Dallas, aim to build connections beyond football. “We’ve just been taking guys out to do things they’ve never done, and seeing the light in their eyes,” Finneseth said. “It’s like you can’t take that away from someone. And showing them that you care enough to take them to do something like that… It’s really a cool feeling.”
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