Deion Sanders on Georgia Tech football: ‘Thank God that quarterback is gone’

“Thank God that quarterback is gone,” Sanders told reporters at a news conference Monday. “That kid refused to lose a year ago, and he was definitely a difference maker.”

Both teams will look different from a year ago. Each has a new offensive and defensive coordinator.

The Jackets will start Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza at quarterback in place of King. They’ll also feature Michigan transfer Justice Haynes as part of a deep running back group.

The senior rushed for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns in just seven games last season before surgery to repair an injured foot.

“Kid can play, man,” Sanders said. “We’ve got to do what we got to do to keep him contained. We are fully aware of wherever he’s going to line up on Thursday night. We will be aware of who he is. Trust me, this kid can flat-out play.”

Sanders said he is excited for his return to Atlanta. The former Falcons and Braves player enters his fourth season as Colorado coach with a 16-21 record.

Former Buffaloes star Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 while playing on both sides of the ball, but Colorado stumbled to a 3-9 record last season, including a 27-20 loss to the Jackets in Boulder.

“Truly a challenge going to Atlanta,” Sanders said. “Coach (Brent) Key is one of my favorites. Played the game. Tough, hard-nosed, detailed coach. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge, but I love it.”

Colorado hired offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and defensive coordinator Chris Marve in the offseason. Despite the unknowns that come with staff and roster turnovers, Key said he started studying Colorado in May. He has a simple approach for preparing to play teams with significant changes from a year ago.

“You better look good in your base offense, defense and special teams,” he said. “You really don’t know what the other side is going to do.”

Colorado is expected to start Georgia native Julian Lewis, of Carrollton High, at quarterback.

Lewis appeared in four games as a freshman last season. He completed 55% of his passes for 589 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

“What I’ve been proud of the most (regarding Lewis) is how he’s learned to practice at a high level,” Marion said last month. “You saw in the games that he played last year. He played good enough for them to win the game. He’s done all the little things right in camp.”

The Buffaloes have 17 players from the Peach State on their roster, including three other former Carrollton stars: Bryce Hicks and brothers Alex and Christian Ward.

Thursday’s game will offer both teams an early test with new pieces in place. Tech looks to regain form after last season’s 8-0 start was followed by losses in four of its final five games. Colorado aims to rebound and return to a bowl game.

Sanders said his team will be ready.

“For my knowledge of the game of football, we’re pretty good to me,” he said. “The level and understanding of situational football in the game, these young men are really stepping up to the challenge.”