Deion Sanders made it no secret that the Colorado Buffaloes needed to have a better offensive line in 2024. After landing the number one overall offensive tackle in the 2024 class, Sanders made another big splash this time via the transfer portal. Former UConn interior offensive lineman Yakiri Walker announced Saturday morning that he is heading to Boulder next year.
UConn transfer IOL Yakiri Walker (@yakiri_w) has committed to Colorado🦬https://t.co/l6HDDPGq0I pic.twitter.com/yy2vSv40am
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) December 9, 2023
Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes Land Yakiri Walker
Colorado needed some help on the offensive line. The team allowed 56 sacks in 12 games this year which ranked 132nd out of 133 college football teams. Sanders has clearly made it the priority of the offseason. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and talented two-way player Travis Hunter are only effective if there is time to throw the ball. According to On3 Industry transfer portal rankings, Walker was the 16th-ranked offensive lineman in the portal. This is another massive get for the Buffaloes and has people feeling more positive about 2024.
Things Are Looking Up
Once the flurry of players leaving and decommitting died down, Sanders has put together a great week. Once Jordan Seaton committed, Colorado jumped nearly 20 spots in recruiting rankings on most sites. The addition of Walker now adds another high-quality piece to the line. He might not be done either. Indiana transfer Khalil Benson announced on Friday that he is planning on visiting Boulder. While many doubted Sanders after year one, he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Can Colorado compete in 2024? Sanders seems to think so and with more signings like this, it is starting to look more and more possible.