UTEP head coach Scotty Walden defended former Colorado defensive back Xavier Smith amid an uproar over criticism lobbed at Deion Sanders.
UTEP football coach Scotty Walden came to the defense of safety Xavier Smith on Tuesday after Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders took a shot at the ex-Buffaloes player on social media. The issue stemmed from Smith’s comments about Deion Sanders in The Athletic earlier in the week. Smith, who eventually transferred to UTEP from Colorado, said the coach’s approach to his roster overhaul last season 'was destroying guys’ confidence and belief in themselves.
Smith, who entered the 2022 season trying to get healthy from a broken leg he suffered in his senior season and then a hamstring injury during the season, told the outlet he was optimistic going into a meeting with Sanders, thinking that Coach Prime would work with the younger players. He was only a redshirt freshman at the time. He said he was brought into the office with safety Oakie Salave’a and heard from defensive coordinator Charles Kelly and Sanders.
He later transferred to UTEP. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Colorado's Shedeur Sanders says he doesn't 'even remember' former teammate who criticized Deion SandersColorado became one of the most intriguing teams in the country almost instantly after Deion Sanders arrival, but his methods have also seemed to alienate some players.
Read more »
Shedeur Sanders shines, new transfers step up in Colorado’s spring gameShedeur Sanders' father and coach, Deion, is trying to lead the Colorado Buffaloes to their first winning record in a full season since 2016.
Read more »
Deion Sanders Calls NFL Reports on Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter a ‘Stupid Lie’The Colorado coach set the record straight on his previous 'Eli' comments.
Read more »
At 22, future NFL draft prospect Shedeur Sanders eyes being a billionaireSanders recently spoke to Bloomberg about crypto mistakes, partnering with his dad and other investment advice.
Read more »
Deion Sanders says son Shedeur, Travis Hunter would consider only 6 NFL teamsColorado coach Deion Sanders says his top players should be selective about their NFL future.
Read more »
2025 NFL Draft odds: Shedeur Sanders favored to go No. 1Led by Sanders, seven QBs sit at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft oddsboard. See which signal-callers are in the running to go No. 1.
Read more »