Sports

D1 Head Coach Defends Xavier Smith Amid Disparagement From Shedeur Sanders

#University of Colorado
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Austin Peay head coach Scotty Walden react on the sidelines during a football game.

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A story detailing a former Colorado player’s experience on the football team following the hiring of Coach Prime has erupted into a back and forth between the Sanders family and a number of others around the college football world.

Comments made by the former Buffalo painted a negative picture of his time in Boulder with Deion Sanders running the show. That experience was one felt by many, according to an article written by The Athletic, which followed up on roster members who were encouraged to transfer following the head coach’s arrival.

Remarks made by Xavier Smith, an ex-Colorado defensive back, have gotten the most attention.

Smith says that Deion Sanders suggested he “jump in the portal” rather than stay and compete with the “Louis [Vuitton] luggage” the coach was bringing in.

The defender opted against that advice, sticking around to try and earn a spot in the secondary. Unfortunately, he never got the chance, according to his account of the spring practice session.

Smith recalls being pushed out of competition, not being given fair opportunity to truly showcase his talents on the field. Instead, Deion Sanders is said to have given roles to players brought in, which finally broke the defensive back.

Xavier Smith transferred to Austin Peay, where he landed Freshman All-America honors last season. He’s since transferred to UTEP.

Despite the success on the field, Shedeur Sanders took the moment to disparage the safety with a jab on social media.

Replying to a post from The Athletic advertising that article, the passer wrote, “I don’t even remember him. Bro had to be very mid.”

Shedeur Sanders’ response sparked a reaction from others throughout college football.

That included a few of Xavier Smith’s Austin Peay teammates, who voiced their support. It also brought about reactions from Colorado players, who piled onto the disrespect.

Even Coach Prime got in on the beef.

Smith’s head coach at UTEP has since joined the party, giving his two cents on his experience with the DB over the last year.

“I coached Xavier at AP and now here at UTEP,” Scotty Walden wrote on X. “He is a great kid/player and led us to a conference title. He answered a question honestly in an interview and was just telling his side… I am glad he is on my team.”

A massive statement considering Smith’s rejection in Boulder.

This story keeps growing as reactions continue to flood in. Xavier Smith seems he’s found a fit in El Paso with his supportive head coach. We’ll see how he responds in his sophomore season.