Was Deion Sanders' recruiting strategy called out by a Colorado regent?
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Was Deion Sanders' recruiting strategy called out by a Colorado regent?
Brent Schrotenboer, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
·
4 min read
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Deion Sanders'new athletic director at Coloradohas made a commitment to do something that Sanders hasn't really done in his three years as Colorado's football coach – build relationships with Colorado high schools and improve recruiting ties with them.
This change is a priority for the new athletic director,Fernando Lovo, according to the University of Colorado Board of Regents. The regents approved Lovo's hiring at a meeting on Monday Dec. 29 and got a commitment from Lovo to improve relations with Colorado high schools, according to one of the nine board members, Frank McNulty.
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By contrast, Sanders himself barely has any relations with Colorado high schools, according to his recruiting practices. Hedoesn't make off-campus recruiting visits to high schoolsand has signed only three Colorado high school recruits to football scholarships in his last three recruiting classes of 43 high school players combined.
But McNulty said at the board meeting that Lovo has promised to emphasize "relationships within the state of Colorado and particularly with our high school coaches, not just for football and basketball, but for all of our student-athletes in the state of Colorado."
The Board of Regents governs the University of Colorado system and approves the contracts of Colorado's chancellor, athletic director and head football coach. Lovo, 37, previously served as the athletic director at New Mexico and will start his new job as Sanders' boss on Jan. 1. Whether Lovo will tell Sanders to change his recruiting strategy to meet this new in-state commitment isn't clear, but USA TODAY Sports contacted McNulty to learn more about it.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his father Deion Sanders on the sideline before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season with the Browns, going 3-4 in those games.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
2024: Deion Sanders embraces Travis Hunter after the wide receiver/cornerback won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
(Todd Van Emst, Heisman Trust via Imagn Images)
2024: Shilo Sanders (21), Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following a win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
2023: Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and celebrity guest picker Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson exchange pleasantries on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the Buffaloes game against Colorado State at Folsom Field on Boulder, Colorado.
(Andrew Wevers, USA TODAY Sports)
2023: Colorado coach Deion Sanders in attendance before the national championship game.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
2022: Deion Sanders is introduced as the head coach of the University of Colorado.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)
2022: Deion Sanders during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders went 27-6 in three seasons leading Jackson State.
(Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders enters the field with his team before the start of the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla., on Sept. 4, 2022.
(Rich Storry, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
2021: Deion Sanders coaches during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders required a scooter following blood clot issues that ultimately led to the amputation of some toes.
(Mickey Welsh, USA TODAY NETWORK)
2017: Deion Sanders, working for NFL Network, interviews New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount during Super Bowl LI Opening Night at Minute Maid Park.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Melissa Stark (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Kurt Warner (right) smile during an NFL Network broadcast at the Super Bowl XLIX NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center on Jan. 26, 2015.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Rich Eisen (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Michael Irvin on the NFL Network set before the "Thursday Night Football" game between the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Dec. 5, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
2013: Deion Sanders as "Leon Sandcastle" of Primetime University arrives on the red carpet prior to the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
NFL network broadcaster Deion Sanders interviews San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 29, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders reports the action from the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
Deion Sanders makes his return to football with the Baltimore Ravens after a three-year retirement in the 2004 season opener iat Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 12, 2004. The Browns beat the Ravens, 20-3, in the game.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
Deion Sanders and family celebrate Kids Day at the New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Hornets NBA game at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 29, 2003.
(Ray Amati, Getty Images)
Washington's Deion Sanders jukes the Detroit Lions' Brock Olivo at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, on Sept. 10, 2000.
(JEFF KOWALSKY, AFP via Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys' Deion Sanders outdistances Indianapolis Colts defensive back Tito Wooten to score a touchdown at the RCA Dome on Oct. 31, 1999.
(JOHN RUTHROFF, AFP via Getty Images)
Deion Sanders at the plate for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1997 season. The Reds were among four different MLB teams that Sanders played for during a nine-season career.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders covers San Diego Chargers receiver Shawn Jefferson during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers, 49-26.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
On Oct. 11, 1992, Deion Sanders played in a game against the Miami Dolphins, then flew to Pittsburgh for the Atlanta Braves' NLCS game against the Pirates (he did not appear in the game).
(H. DARR BEISER, USA TODAY)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Deion Sanders (21) on a kick return against the Green Bay Packers at Fulton County Stadium on Dec. 1, 1991.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
The Atlanta Braves' Deion Sanders bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 7, 1991.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
1991: Deion Sanders attempts a steal against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Fulton County Stadium. Sanders spent four seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 1991-94.
(USA TODAY Sports)
1990: Pro Football Hall of Famers duel at Milwaukee County Stadium as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders covers Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
The Atlanta Falcons' Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys, 21-17, on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Deion Sanders was a two-time All-American, the 1988 Jim Thorpe Award winner and a 2011 College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
(Allen Steele, Getty Images)
Deion Sanders in action for Florida State during the 1987 season.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
1/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his father Deion Sanders on the sideline before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season with the Browns, going 3-4 in those games.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
1/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his father Deion Sanders on the sideline before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season with the Browns, going 3-4 in those games.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
2/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2024: Deion Sanders embraces Travis Hunter after the wide receiver/cornerback won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
(Todd Van Emst, Heisman Trust via Imagn Images)
3/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2024: Shilo Sanders (21), Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following a win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
4/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2023: Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and celebrity guest picker Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson exchange pleasantries on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the Buffaloes game against Colorado State at Folsom Field on Boulder, Colorado.
(Andrew Wevers, USA TODAY Sports)
5/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2023: Colorado coach Deion Sanders in attendance before the national championship game.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
6/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2022: Deion Sanders is introduced as the head coach of the University of Colorado.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)
7/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2022: Deion Sanders during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders went 27-6 in three seasons leading Jackson State.
(Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)
8/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders enters the field with his team before the start of the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla., on Sept. 4, 2022.
(Rich Storry, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
9/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2021: Deion Sanders coaches during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders required a scooter following blood clot issues that ultimately led to the amputation of some toes.
(Mickey Welsh, USA TODAY NETWORK)
10/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2017: Deion Sanders, working for NFL Network, interviews New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount during Super Bowl LI Opening Night at Minute Maid Park.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
11/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Melissa Stark (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Kurt Warner (right) smile during an NFL Network broadcast at the Super Bowl XLIX NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center on Jan. 26, 2015.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
12/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Rich Eisen (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Michael Irvin on the NFL Network set before the "Thursday Night Football" game between the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Dec. 5, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
13/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2013: Deion Sanders as "Leon Sandcastle" of Primetime University arrives on the red carpet prior to the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
14/30
Deion Sanders through the years
NFL network broadcaster Deion Sanders interviews San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 29, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
15/30
Deion Sanders through the years
NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders reports the action from the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
16/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders makes his return to football with the Baltimore Ravens after a three-year retirement in the 2004 season opener iat Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 12, 2004. The Browns beat the Ravens, 20-3, in the game.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
17/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders and family celebrate Kids Day at the New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Hornets NBA game at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 29, 2003.
(Ray Amati, Getty Images)
18/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Washington's Deion Sanders jukes the Detroit Lions' Brock Olivo at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, on Sept. 10, 2000.
(JEFF KOWALSKY, AFP via Getty Images)
19/30
Deion Sanders through the years
The Dallas Cowboys' Deion Sanders outdistances Indianapolis Colts defensive back Tito Wooten to score a touchdown at the RCA Dome on Oct. 31, 1999.
(JOHN RUTHROFF, AFP via Getty Images)
20/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders at the plate for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1997 season. The Reds were among four different MLB teams that Sanders played for during a nine-season career.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)
21/30
Deion Sanders through the years
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders covers San Diego Chargers receiver Shawn Jefferson during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers, 49-26.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
22/30
Deion Sanders through the years
On Oct. 11, 1992, Deion Sanders played in a game against the Miami Dolphins, then flew to Pittsburgh for the Atlanta Braves' NLCS game against the Pirates (he did not appear in the game).
(H. DARR BEISER, USA TODAY)
23/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Deion Sanders (21) on a kick return against the Green Bay Packers at Fulton County Stadium on Dec. 1, 1991.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
24/30
Deion Sanders through the years
The Atlanta Braves' Deion Sanders bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 7, 1991.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
25/30
Deion Sanders through the years
1991: Deion Sanders attempts a steal against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Fulton County Stadium. Sanders spent four seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 1991-94.
(USA TODAY Sports)
26/30
Deion Sanders through the years
1990: Pro Football Hall of Famers duel at Milwaukee County Stadium as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders covers Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
27/30
Deion Sanders through the years
The Atlanta Falcons' Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
28/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys, 21-17, on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
29/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders was a two-time All-American, the 1988 Jim Thorpe Award winner and a 2011 College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
(Allen Steele, Getty Images)
30/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders in action for Florida State during the 1987 season.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
What does this emphasis mean for Deion Sanders?
McNulty didn't mention Sanders by name or single out football. But football is the university's biggest sport in terms of visibility, revenue, players and coaches.
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"It's important to me that the University of Colorado is active in high school athletics, that we support our high school coaches and that we build those relationships and appreciate this candidate's emphasis on that and his commitment to it," McNulty said at the meeting.
"While we hear from Colorado high school coaches and parents about football, it's not just football," McNulty replied. "CU's athletic programs need to be present for coaches and student athletes in Colorado high schools. It is our responsibility and our opportunity as the state's flagship university. Recruiting visits are certainly a part of it. It's also building relationships. These are priorities that we discussed with Director Lovo. While I don't expect CU Boulder or (UC Colorado Springs) to land every top athlete from Colorado high schools, I do expect these young men and women to know that CU is an option for them."
Lovo wasn't available for comment.
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Deion Sanders takes different approach
Sanders has relied on transfer players from other universities to build his roster and has said he'smore selective about which high school players he takes. He also has liked to recruit players from Florida, Texas and the South.
His 2025 freshman class included three players from Georgia, three from Florida, two from Tennessee, two from Texas and one from Colorado. In June, Colorado also hosted football camps for high school and younger players in Boulder, butSanders wasn't there because he was recovering from bladder surgery.
For the 2026 freshman class, Sanders then signed only one Colorado high school recruit to a scholarship − offensive lineman Josiah Manu from Loveland, who ranked as the 18thbest recruit in the state, according to247Sports Composite rankings. The 17 players ranked above Manu all signed with colleges outside the state, such as Oregon, Texas, Oklahoma and UCLA.
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By contrast,Colorado coaching legend Bill McCartneyonce signed 12 in-state players to his team in 1984 as he built the program toward a national championship in 1990.
