"Coach Prime said to come in and earn it": Colorado's high-profile recruit reveals his eye-catching interaction with Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders has transformed Colorado into one of the most attractive programs in the country. Coach Prime's Buffs have made some top recruits this offseason, including wideout Joseph Williams, who recently recalled his decision to transfer to CU.

In Sunday's episode of the "Reach The Media People" podcast, Williams opened up about his interaction with Sanders that lured him to Colorado.

"I'm not gonna say the school, but the school made the phone call when I told them I wanted the No. 8 (jersey)," Williams said. "He said, 'yeah, reserve the number until I say otherwise.' Like, I had the number. But then, Coach Prime said I had to come in and earn it.

"What really got me is he's not gonna give me what I want. Because he knows he has other guys that are, like, good, also. So, I have to come in and earn everything I get. So, with my jersey number, things I need, things I want, stuff like that. He said I have to come in and earn it, he's not gonna give it to me. Other schools weren't telling me that."

Williams played his freshman year of college football at Tulsa. He recorded 588 yards and five touchdowns on 30 receptions, earning AAC Freshman of the Year honors for the 2024 season.

It will be interesting to see if Williams can take his game to the next level under Sanders at Colorado in the 2025 season.

---

Deion Sanders signed a blockbuster contract extension at Colorado this offseason

Colorado Buffaloes HC Deion Sanders - Source: Imagn

Deion Sanders signed a five-year, $54 million contract extension at Colorado in March. He will remain in Boulder through the 2029 season.

Colorado hired Sanders in December 2022. In his first season, he led the Buffs to a 4-8 record.

However, in the 2024 season, Sanders' Colorado posted a 9-4 record. The Buffs also had Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders won't have some of his key players from last season since they have entered the NFL. However, Coach Prime is still confident that his Buffs will be better and stronger in the 2025 season.