At the start of Saturday’s spring game, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders walked to midfield with 98-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom.

With Sanders holding her hand, Coppom booted the ball off the tee to kick off the spring game.

“Peggy balled. Peggy was the MVP of the game,” Sanders said. “She was quick. The first step was unbelievable. She was very physical when she grabbed me and made sure I held her arm.

“She’s a gift from God. I’m very appreciative that we were able to do that for her and give her her moment. She deserves it.”

It was a cool and special moment, yet unfortunately the highlight of the day in the kicking game.

Projected starting kicker Alejandro Mata, who followed Sanders from Jackson State, had an extra point and 42-yard field goal attempt blocked. And, at one point Sanders ditched a PAT attempt when the Buffs couldn’t get the right personnel unit on the field on time.

“Special teams, as far as the extra point and field goal, that was horrible,” Sanders said. “I mean, that was hot garbage, so I got tired of that. I didn’t want to see that anymore.”

The first block, by former Jackson State linebacker Jeremiah Brown, was returned the length of the field for a score by the defense. The second, by linebacker Mister Williams, was followed by a long return from Tayvion Beasley — another former JSU Tiger.

“Two scoop and scores darn near, that is uncalled for,” Sanders said. “I understand it will be a lot of product that we’re gonna get in that won’t be out there (in the fall), but still, whatever you do, do it with all your might and do it with a commitment to excellence, and we didn’t do that on that particular special teams.”

Star-studded affair

The Buffs could have fielded an all-star team with the former players that attended the spring game.

More than two dozen former CU greats were on hand, including Kordell Stewart, Michael Westbrook, Alfred Williams, Laviska Shenault, Mason Crosby and many more.

“Those guys are legends, and it was big to me,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful, I’m happy. I just want to rekindle the fire and the passion that they have for the university and let’s keep it going because the more those guys are around, I’m happy. I’m enthused and they just bring something to the table when they come, especially when they’re allowed to speak to the team in some capacity.”

QB play

Starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders was exceptional, unofficially completing 16 of 19 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Second-string quarterback Ryan Staub, a true freshman, had a good day, as well, completing 8 of 11 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

“I think they fared well,” coach Sanders said of the quarterbacks. “I don’t believe we threw the ball to the (defense), so that’s a plus. That’s always a plus. They got the ball down the field. … I’m happy with their productivity.”

Sophomore Drew Carter and walk-on Colton Allen ran the third-team offense, but neither led scoring drives.

Sanders hinted that the Buffs might be looking for an upgrade at the No. 2 quarterback spot in the transfer portal, however.

“Of course, we need to find some people that can step up and do some things, the type of things that we’re expecting Shedeur (Sanders) to do as well,” he said.

Notable

Because of the wet field, CU’s live mascot Ralphie did not do her pregame or halftime runs. “You guys have had a sick day. Ralphie needs one too,” Sanders said. … Running backs Dylan Edwards, Anthony Hankerson and Victor Venn also flashed throughout the day with nice runs. Hankerson had a 1-yard touchdown run. … Jordan Domineck, a transfer from Arkansas, posted a sack, and returning Buff defensive lineman Jalen Sami batted down two passes at the line of scrimmage.

Former Kentucky safety Tisdale commits to Buffs

More depth at safety is on the way to Boulder.

On Saturday, former Kentucky safety Vito Tisdale announced that he has committed to Colorado.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 176 pounds, Tisdale missed the entire 2022 season with a knee injury. He was then dismissed from Kentucky’s team in March for a violation of team rules.

Prior to his dismissal, Tisdale was projected as a starter for the Wildcats.

A product of Bowling Green, Ky., Tisdale recorded 39 tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup in 19 games played during his time with the Wildcats.

Tisdale is the third safety transfer this offseason, along with Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig (Jackson State) and Myles Slusher (Arkansas). The Buffs also have several experienced returners, including Trevor Woods, Tyrin Taylor and Jeremy Mack Jr.