A look at Colorado football projected offense after a week of fall practice. Who are the likely starters?
As Colorado football's third fall camp under head coach Deion Sanders, several question marks remain on both sides of the ball regarding who will start where.
Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, along with several other key contributors from last season, are off to the NFL. There are a few starting positions locked up, but with a significant roster turnover, Coach Prime's third fall camp won't lack any competitive position battles.
On offense, the Buffs will have a new offensive line aside from All-American left tackle Jordan Seaton, a vastly different wide receiver group, a new starting running back and most importantly, a new starting quarterback.
Check out our projected two-deep offensive depth chart heading into Colorado football's second week of fall camp.
Quarterback
Starter: Kaidon Salter
Backup: Julian Lewis
I could see Deion Sanders going with a two-quarterback system because Salter and Lewis offer a different dynamic. However, given Salter's experience, I expect him to get the first nod to start.
Running Back
Starter: Micah Welch
Backup: DeKalon Taylor
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has repeatedly said that he wants to run the ball this season, and after a week of fall camp, he is not lying. While the departure of Isaiah Augustave hurts, the Buffs have a stable of backs ready to step up. I expect a running back by committee, but Micah Welch will start the season opener.
Wide Receiver (1)
Starter: Omarion Miller
Backup: Hykeem Williams
The wide receiver room got a major makeover this year, but Omarion Miller is back and healthy. Expect a big year from the now junior wideout.
Wide Receiver (2)
Starter: Sincere Brown
Backup: Joseph Williams
The battle for the second outside receiver spot will be one of the biggest during fall camp. Sincere Brown and Joseph Williams both transferred in this offseason and will likely be rotated in and out fairly consistently.
Wide Receiver (slot)
Starter: Dre'lon Miller
Backup: Isaiah Hardge
Miller should be a star for the Buffaloes in 2025. His versatility is his best trait as he will line up all over the formation. Isaiah Hardge and freshman Quentin Gibson will also get a chance to star out of the slot.
Tight End
Starter: Zach Atkins
Backup: Sav'ell Smalls
Colorado hopes to have the tight ends more involved this season with a ton of talent departing the wide receiver room. Atkins, a transfer from Northwest Missouri State, can be that vertical threat from the tight end position.
Left Tackle
Starter: Jordan Seaton
Backup: Andre Roye Jr.
Seaton is the most locked-in starter, perhaps, on the entire Colorado roster. He will challenge for a first-team All-American spot and continue to prove he should be a top-10 NFL draft pick in a few years.
Left Guard
Starter: Xavier Hill
Backup: Cooper Lovelace
Hill can play every spot along the offensive line, but so far through camp, he has been at left guard. He, along with Seaton, makes a very formidable left side of the line.
Center
Starter: Zarian McGill
Backup: Yahya Atti
McGill should be a significant upgrade at center for the Buffs after a rotating door last season. The transfer from Louisiana Tech has plenty of college starting experience at center.
Right Guard
Starter: Zylon Crisler
Backup: Aki Ogunbiyi
Crisler started 28 games at right guard for Illinois and he steps right into the same role with Buffs.
Right Tackle
Starter: Larry Johnson III
Backup: Phillip Houston
The battle for the starting right tackle job will be one to watch. Johnson has been there during the first week of camp, but Houston was the Buffs' starting right tackle in 2024. He missed the final two games due to injury, so he will need to prove he is healthy.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football offense depth chart projection a week into fall camp
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