Colorado's Shilo Sanders stays "on brand" for the sake of a comeback in Big 12 opener

Buffs' cornerback plays safety against TCU after Ramon Dumas suspension

Former five-star recruit Shilo Sanders has a chance to prove himself at a new position in Saturday's Big 12 opener against TCU.

After suffering a torn ACL in August 2021, Sanders returned to the field last fall and primarily played outside cornerback for the Buffaloes.

However, due to the suspension of starting safety Ramon Dumas, Sanders will slide over to safety for the game against the Horned Frogs.

Sanders has embraced the challenge of playing safety, saying that he is "excited" to learn a new position.

"I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team win," Sanders said. "I'm a team player, and I'll play wherever the coaches need me to play."

Sanders has been working closely with safeties coach Greg Brown to learn the nuances of the position.

"Shilo is a very talented player," Brown said. "He's a great athlete, and he's smart. He's learning the position quickly, and I'm confident that he can be a valuable contributor to our defense."

Sanders isn't the only one who is confident in his ability to play safety.

Head coach Karl Dorrell said that he believes Sanders has the potential to be a "special player" at the position.

"He's got great instincts and he's a physical player," Dorrell said. "I think he can be a really good safety for us."

Sanders will get his first chance to prove himself at safety against TCU on Saturday. The Horned Frogs have a talented passing attack led by quarterback Max Duggan, so Sanders will be tested early and often.

But Sanders is confident that he is up to the challenge.

"I'm ready to play," Sanders said. "I'm excited to show everyone what I can do."