The Colorado Buffaloes will honor their senior players during an emotional senior day at Folsom Field on November 4, 2023, as they take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:00 MT, with the game broadcast on ESPN2 and radio coverage on KOA (850 AM/94.1 FM).
With a stadium capacity of 51,400, Folsom Field is set to host a diverse group of seniors, each with their own unique journey. Among them is Arden Walker, a senior defensive end who initially chose to play for the University of Missouri before returning to his home state. “I’m grateful,” Walker stated, reflecting on his college experience. “It’s definitely kind of crazy to see how fast college went by.”
The landscape of college sports has significantly changed, particularly with the advent of the transfer portal. This tool has allowed many players to start their careers at one institution and finish at another, complicating the traditional narrative of senior day. Despite these changes, the day still evokes strong emotions as players prepare to close a significant chapter of their lives.
Deion Sanders, head coach of the Buffaloes, acknowledged the emotional weight of the day. “I don’t know how I’m going to act,” he remarked, recalling the poignant moments from last year when his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, participated in senior day festivities.
This year, the roster includes 37 seniors, but it remains uncertain how many will walk during the celebrations. Some players, such as Gavriel Lightfoot, DeKalon Taylor, Tawfiq Thomas, and Terrell Timmons Jr., are eligible for a redshirt year, having played four games or fewer. There are also fourth-year juniors, like cornerback DJ McKinney, who have been categorized as seniors on social media.
One player who will definitely conclude his eligibility is Camden Dempsey, a backup long snapper who joined the team in the fall of 2021. Another senior, running back Charlie Offerdahl, who walked on in 2021 and subsequently medically retired, will also participate in the ceremony.
Walker, as one of eight seniors in their third year with the program, embodies the evolving nature of college athletics. His father, Arthur Walker, played for the Buffaloes from 1986-89 and was part of the 1989 team that achieved an 11-0 regular season record. “At the end of the day, it’s your life, and you’re the one driving the ship,” Walker recounted, reflecting on his father’s advice regarding his decision to return to CU.
As the season progresses, Walker has become an integral part of the Buffaloes’ defense, a role that has brought him pride. “My parents are proud of me, my family, my god dad,” he expressed. “They just want to see me do good.”
The senior class also includes players such as linebacker Jeremiah Brown, who transferred from Jackson State to CU, echoing the sentiment of bittersweet emotion as they approach the end of their college careers. “Each day has been, the emotions have been going stronger and stronger,” Brown noted.
Among the seniors are also seven second-year Buffs, including defensive lineman Anquin Barnes Jr. and cornerbacks Preston Hodge and Ivan Yates. Yates, who previously played four years at Furman, has experienced a significant transition in joining the Buffaloes, stepping into a starting role due to injuries. “It’s been nothing but tremendous,” he said about his time at Colorado.
The largest group of seniors comprises 15 players in their first year with the Buffaloes, including quarterback Kaidon Salter and wide receiver Sincere Brown. “It’s been a long journey,” commented Zy Crisler, the starting center, who has previously played at multiple colleges. “I feel like I’m taking advantage of it really well.”
As the Buffaloes prepare to face the Sun Devils, the senior day ceremony will encapsulate a range of emotions. From pride and gratitude to nostalgia and reflection, the event is more than just a farewell; it marks the culmination of hard work and dedication for these athletes. “It’s been nothing but a blessing, for sure,” Walker concluded, highlighting the significance of this pivotal moment in their lives.
