Sanders, a highly touted transfer from Jackson State, lived up to the hype. He completed 15 of 19 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his precision and leadership.
"I'm just trying to get better every day," Sanders said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to play here and lead this team."
Newcomers made their presence felt on both sides of the ball. Wide receiver Omarion Hampton, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, caught five passes for 87 yards, including a leaping touchdown grab. Defensive end DeShawn Page, a transfer from Texas A&M, recorded two sacks and four tackles.
"These guys have worked so hard since they got here," head coach Deion Sanders said. "They're a big part of what we're building."
After struggling in recent years, Colorado's defense showed signs of progress. They held the first-team offense to just 14 points and forced two turnovers.
"We still have a lot to work on, but I'm encouraged by what I saw today," defensive coordinator Kent Baer said. "Our guys played with a lot of energy and focus."
Colorado has a long way to go before the regular season, but the spring game provided plenty of reasons for optimism. Sanders looks like a star, and the new transfers are quickly becoming integral parts of the team.
"We're not where we want to be yet, but we're taking steps in the right direction," Sanders said. "I can't wait to see what this team can accomplish in the fall."
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