AD George enjoying Sanders’ initial impact
From the carpet in the head coach’s office to the menu in the cafeteria, a lot has changed within the walls of the Champions Center since Colorado athletic director Rick George hired Deion Sanders on Dec. 3.
The primary change, however, is one that can be felt, but not seen.
“Our attitudes,” Sanders said of the biggest change he’s seen since coming to Boulder after three seasons as the head coach at Jackson State. “Everyone in this building has a commitment to excellence. Everyone in this building is on 10. Everyone has a different pep in the step about them.
“Everyone, they see it. They see that it can really happen. Hope has been established, I truly believe. I think it’s been there, but sometimes you just need to light that switch of hope. And hope is in the house. Hope is in the air. Hope is in the city. Hope is in the community.”
George initially didn’t fully comprehend the immediate impact Sanders could have on the program and the fan base, but he knew the hire would flip that switch of hope.
“I certainly knew that he was going to be a transformational hire, no question about it,” George told Buffzone. “Just what he brings in this element of celebrity, great coach, awesome guy — all those things combined, I knew it would be transformational. Plus, he understands the landscape of college athletics and college football.”
George was confident Sanders could recruit, because he made a big splash in that regard during his short time at Jackson State.
George got a first-hand look at Sanders’ charisma as a recruiter during a recent event at CU in which some of the nation’s best class of 2024 players were on campus.
“He can really engage with young people and their parents,” George said. “I got to sit in on his junior day and sit in on a couple of one-on-one visits with family and he’s gonna be really good recruiter.”
Since Sanders was hired, interest in season tickets and merchandise has been record-breaking for CU and the program has received unprecedented national attention because of Sanders’ celebrity status and appeal. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Sanders has made numerous appearances — in CU gear — on national TV since being hired.
“( The immediate impact) certainly exceeded my expectations, but I’m not surprised by it,” George said. “It’s been great for not only our football program and our athletic department, but I think for the university and the community and the state.”
Within the Champions Center, there has been a physical makeover.
Previous head coaches Mike Macintyre, Mel Tucker and Karl Dorrell occupied the same office as Sanders. The furniture and décor changed with each coach, but the room was essentially the same. None of them would recognize it today, though.
There is new black-andwhite carpet, fresh paint and Sanders’ favorite phrases on the wall, plus a different vibe of furniture. A room adjacent to the office that used to be a conference room is now a lounge and dressing room for Sanders.
No. 12 Kansas St. 82, No. 17 TCU 61
MANHATTAN, KAN.>> Markquis Nowell scored 18 points and No. 12 Kansas State finished strong, snapping a two-game skid by beating No. 17 TCU 82- 61 on Tuesday night.
The Wildcats outscored TCU 17-2 to end the game.
No. 18 Indiana 66, No. 24 Rutgers 60
BLOOMINGTON, IND.>> The milestone moments keep piling up for Trayce Jackson-davis.
Only one really mattered Tuesday night.
While he scored 20 points to become the sixth player in Hoosiers’ history with 2,000 and the first among that group with 1,000 career rebounds, the most satisfying celebration came after No. 18 Indiana beat No. 24 Rutgers 66- 60 — Jackson-davis’ first win in the series.