We are a little over a month away from the college football season starting and what better way than to evaluate athletes who are on the rise. This segment will feature University of Colorado’s dual-threat signal-caller Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders has always been surrounded by the game of football. With an NFL Hall of Fame father, the teachings instilled in the young Sanders have primed him to reach the league and continue his father’s legacy.

Since starting his collegiate career with the Jackson State Tigers in 2021, Sanders has accumulated an impressive resume as a dual-threat quarterback. The biggest accolade is his touchdown to interception ratio and how little he turns the football over.

Sanders has thrown for over 10,000 yards (10,193) and has thrown 97 career touchdowns to only 17 interceptions. He carefully picks apart an opposing defense and utilizes his football knowledge taught by his father and his coaches that place him in position to be a star at the next level.

After the 2024 season concludes, Sanders will have a chance to reach the NFL level, a feat his brothers have struggled with. The 22-year-old, 6-foot-2 inch 215 pound offensive weapon, has been compared to the likes of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.

Just recently, NFL analyst and former scout Daniel Jeremiah discussed the comparison between Smith and Sanders and how the youthful Sanders is very dynamic as both a passer and a ball-carrying athlete.

Like Smith during his time with the Mountaineers, Sanders plays in a wide-open college offense that showcases his polish as a passer. Both Smith and Sanders have beautiful throwing motions and deliver a firm/catchable ball. While each is capable of taking the free yards presented in the run game, neither is dynamic as a ball-carrier.

Smith ended up being a second-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. While his career did not pan out right away, he has solidified himself as an NFL caliber quarterback over the last four seasons in Seattle.

Shedeur Sanders’ Collegiate Statistics:

2021: 272 Completions out of 413 for 3,231 Passing Yards, 30 TDs to 8 INTs, 151.7 Passer Rating

2022: 341 Completions out of 483 for 3,732 Passing Yards, 40 TDs to 6 INTs, 160.4 Passer Rating

2023: 298 Completions out of 430 for 3,230 Passing Yards, 27 TDs to 3 INTs, 151.7 Passer Rating

2024: TBD

Statistically speaking, Sanders has what it takes to reach the NFL level. He is projected to be a top-10 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and can instantly help an organization on offense.

This upcoming season will determine whether or not team’s trust him as their future franchise leader and he will be a college player to watch come September.

Discussion Question: Let us know in the comments below, do you think Sanders will have a huge year in 2024? Why or why not.