There’s no question why Colorado head coach Deion Sanders wanted Marshall Faulk on his coaching staff.

“I brought him in, first and foremost, because of his expertise of what he does,” Sanders said of his new running backs coach. “He was one of the greatest, arguably the greatest, running back to ever play the game. I’m talking about in all phases: blocking, running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield — and a bona fide leader.”

A Pro Football Hall of Famer, College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL offensive player of the year, Faulk’s credentials speak for themselves. He’s the only player in NFL history with a least 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards, starring for both the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams in his 12-year career.

Beyond his football knowledge, however, Faulk brings a unique area of expertise to the table. Prior to being hired by CU last month, Faulk has spent the past seven years teaching financial literacy — a topic of importance for Sanders as players are now making NIL money.

“It is part of the dynamic that I bring,” Faulk said. “I’ve spent the past seven years working in the financial sector, and what we want to do. This is what I love about the man (Sanders) and the person. When these kids leave here, the most important thing that he cares about is who they become as a young man. That is the most important thing, and making sure, because he knows in sports — not just football, in sports — when a lot of athletes leave their sport, financially they’re not in good standing. And he wants to educate you on the field. He wants to educate you in life.

“He wants to make sure you’re educated in finances. Making sure that these young men take the values of football and go be great in football, but make sure you’re great in life as well. And that’s the idea.”

Sanders said he is “elated” to have Faulk, his longtime friend, on the staff and what he can bring to the players.

“You listen in on some of the talks and some of the wisdom that he’s giving these young men, it’s unbelievable,” Sanders said.

Big 12 pro days

Former CU receiver Will Sheppard put up some good numbers at Big 12 pro days in Frisco, Texas, this week.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound Sheppard isn’t known as a speedster, but made an impact in college for his athleticism in getting to the ball. He showed that off with his jumping ability, while also running a solid 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Sheppard’s 38.5-inch vertical leap ranked third out of 31 receivers at pro days. Sheppard also posted a 10-foot, 6-inch broad jump that ranked sixth. Both marks would have ranked favorably among the top receivers at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis.

Defensive lineman BJ Green also did well, posting a 4.7-second 40 and 30 inches in the vertical jump. Defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo had a 5.6-second 40 and 23-inch vertical and 26 reps on the 225-pound bench press — a number that ranked eighth in the Big 12.

Shane Cokes, ranked 13th among nearly 40 defensive linemen in the vertical leap (31 inches) and broad jump (9-4). Linebacker LaVonta Bentley had 25 reps on the bench, which was second among the 16 linebackers at pro days. Only two linebackers at the NFL Combine had more.

Receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., offensive lineman Kardell Thomas and defensive backs Travis Jay and Herman Smith III also participated.

CU will hold its own pro day on April 4.