Colorado releases official depth chart for opener against TCU

Colorado released the first depth chart of the Deion Sanders era and there are plenty of big takeaways. First and foremost: Two-way star sophomore Travis Hunter will plan to do just that, listed as the starter at both wide receiver and cornerback ahead of the matchup with TCU.

Both of Sanders’ sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, are listed as starters. They are starting at quarterback and safety, respectively.

Star freshman corner Cormani McClain still apparently needs some seasoning, deeper down the depth chart than other defensive backs.

And there’s plenty more to learn from the Colorado depth chart.

Colorado offensive depth chart

Quarterback1. Shedeur Sanders2. Ryan Staub3. Gavin KuldRunning back1. Dylan EdwardsOr Alton McCaskill3. Anthony Hankerson4. Kavosiey Smoke5. Charlie OfferdahlWide receiver1. Travis Hunter2. Javon Antonio3. Omarion MillerWide receiver1. Jimmy Horn Jr.2. Tar’Varish Dawson3. Adam HopkinsWide receiver1. Xavier Weaver2. Cole BosciaTight end1. Michael HarrisonOr Elijah Yelverton3. Caleb FauriaLeft tackle1. Gerard Christian-Lichtenhan2. Isaiah JettaLeft guard1. Jack Bailey2. Jack WiltyCenter1. Van Wells2. Landon BebeeRight guard1. Landon BebeeOr Jack Wilty3. Kareem HardenRight tackle1. Savion Washington 2. Reggie Young

While the skill positions draw a lot of attention, Colorado’s new-look offensive line will get tested and it’s clear there’s still some lineup questions to settle. Keep an eye on the interior of the offensive line, among other spots on offense.

The running back room should also be impressive if McCaskill is healthy. How Sanders plays against higher-level competition will play a big role, too.

Colorado defensive depth chart

Defensive end1. Derrick McClendon2. Taijh Alston3. Sav’ell SmallsDefensive tackle1. Shane Cokes2. Bishop Thomas3. Amari McNeillDefensive tackle1. Leonard Payne Jr.2. J.J. Hawkins3. Chazz WallaceOutside linebacker1. Khairi Manns2. Arden Walker3. Jordan Domineck4. Taje McCoyInside linebacker1. LaVonta Bentley2. Demouy KennedyInside linebacker1. Marvin Ham II2. Jeremiah Brown3. Juwan MitchellNickel1. Myles Slusher2. Jaden Milliner-JonesCornerback1. Travis Hunter2. Carter Stoutmire3. Cormani McClainSafety1. Trevor Woods2. Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig3. Ben FinnesethSafety1. Shilo Sanders2. Rodrick Ward3. Jaden Milliner-JonesCornerback1. Omarion Cooper2. Kendrick Breedlove

There are far fewer questions about who is starting on defense, but still plenty of questions about how good the Buffaloes can be, particularly up front. However, a back end with Hunter, Myles Slusher and Omarion Cooper lining up at the three corner spots is pretty strong.

But they might be putting out fires and trying to bend and not break if the defensive front doesn’t find a way to crank up any pressure. Turnovers could be the saving grace for this unit, a la 2022 USC.

Colorado special teams depth chart

Punter1. Mark Vassett2. Jace Feely3. Trent CarrizosaPlacekicker1. Jace FeelyOr Alejandro Mata3. Christiano PalazzoLong snapper1. Cameron WarchuckOr Jacob PolitteKick returner1. Dylan EdwardsOr Xavier Weaver3. Anthony HankersonOr Kendrick BreedlovePunt returner1. Jimmy Horn Jr.2. Xavier Weaver

Who ascends to seize the bulk of the kickoffs is an interesting competition to monitor, as is the potential for another Feely to start making it as a specialist.

There is plenty of interest with how Sanders has turned over the Colorado roster. And the first depth chart is just a sneak peak into how it will play out.

We’ll all know a lot more after this squad plays four quarters of football vs. TCU.

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