With his third season as the head coach for the Buffaloes, it is evident from various instances, that the players have formed a perfect bond with the two-time Super Bowl winner Coach Prime. Sure, his 2024 season was a mixed bag overall, but that also had moments showing his acumen to do justice to the HC role at Colorado. And, amidst all this journey it finally seems that he has after all got a son in one of his star players. So, who is that lucky guy?
Well, the guy is none other than the senior wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. First of all, Jimmy had a decent season in 2024 where he recorded 37 receptions for 441 rushing yards. Sure, his 2024 season performance is slightly subpar in comparison to his 2023 debut season at Colorado. I mean, no Buffs fan can forget his debut, when he recorded 11 receptions for 117 yards scoring a touchdown in a thriller against TCU that ended 45-42. But the boy doesn’t take any credit for himself and has his special father figure to thank.
Speaking on the ‘BringTheJuice’ podcast on YouTube, Horn Jr. recalled how coach Sanders supported him through tough times and through his father’s incarceration. He said, “It affected me a lot on a personal level if my father’s incarcerated and stuff like that, and he been supporting me as a father figure through life on that behalf and stuff like that. And just teaching, just giving me the game of life, and then like in football, he talked to a lot of these coaches, too, and he tries to help, get me in that door right and like on the field. He tried to get me the ball and stuff like that so I could show my game.”
Well, it’s no secret that Sanders is a guy who pours his heart and sweat out to take care of his players, but that kind of support is really very generous. Notably, Horn’s father Jimmy Horn Sr. was arrested on drug-related charges and incarcerated by the Seminole County Court for an incident in November 2021. The sentence was handed to him on August 14, 2024, and Jimmy Sr. has since been incarcerated. However, before the final hearing, Sanders posted a video of himself appealing to the judge to show mercy to the WR’s father.
Sanders said, “Your Honor, I just want to tell you candidly that I’m praying for Jimmy Horn Sr., who’s been incarcerated a multitude of years and who has his court date today. His son, Jimmy Horn Jr., has left to go see his father and be there for whatever transpires. I just want you to know that I’ve talked to Jimmy Horn Sr. and, truly, he has served a multitude of years, he has repented for what has transpired, and he is truly a different man. I just wish to God you could see in your heart an opportunity that he could come out of incarceration and have a chance to resume his fatherly responsibility”.
He further added that he had faith in the judge to find kindness in his heart and give another chance to Horn Sr. Well, not only that but later he also offered to accompany Horn Jr. to the court to show support. Moving on, let’s discuss what lies ahead for Horn Jr. and Sanders in the 2025 season.
Buffaloes going into the 2025 season
The Buffaloes had a season with various ups and downs in 2024. Sure, they finished the season at 9-4, something Sanders should undoubtedly be credited for. But, they also had to face some bitter losses, for instance, their defeat in Alamo Bowl against BYU by 36-14 was very humiliating and their 28-10 loss to Nebraska on 7th September had accumulated all the dark clouds.
However, Sanders did bounce back after that whereby, their ace man Travis Hunter led their team with exceptional exploits, ultimately earning him the Heisman. Moreover, their ace QB Shedeur Sanders stepped up his game and provided us with displays that will guarantee him the top 5 picks in the NFL draft. But, what about their chances in 2025?
Well, their class of 2025 certainly looks good some good names are coming up in 5 Star QB Julian Lewis, who has the potential to step into Shedeur’s shoes. Furthermore, 4 Star London Merritt at defensive end promises so much at 6’3” and 255 lbs. So, overall there are players like BJ Green, Travis Hunter, Shilo Sanders, and Shedeur Sanders departing, but their 2025 roster has more than enough to challenge.
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