Deion Sanders announced that veteran linebackers Trevor Woods and Jeremiah Brown have opted to redshirt for the remainder of the season. This decision comes after both players participated in the first four games, with their absence against UCF marking the beginning of their efforts to preserve a year of eligibility. The two didn’t make the trip to Orlando over the weekend.

Woods, who has been a pivotal part of the Buffaloes since joining in 2021, transitioned from safety to linebacker midway through the previous season. Throughout the 2023 campaign, Woods accumulated 56 total tackles and two interceptions. However, his production this season has been limited to just 14 total tackles, including one tackle for loss. Notably, he played a crucial role in securing Coach Prime’s first victory at TCU, showcasing his ability to perform in critical moments.

Brown brought significant experience to the linebacker corps. Having spent his first two college seasons under Coach Prime at Jackson State, he made the transition to Colorado smoothly. His contributions have been modest this season, with six total tackles to add to the 11 he recorded last year.

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With Woods and Brown now sidelined, LaVonta Bentley and Nikhai Hill-Green are expected to take on greater responsibilities in the inside linebacker positions. Additionally, Jaylen Wester, who is the younger brother of standout wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, has emerged as a promising option following an impressive performance against UCF. As Colorado navigates the rest of the season, the coaching staff will need to rely on this emerging talent to maintain their defensive strength.

There were several players who didn’t make the trip to Orlando with Colorado on Saturday to face UCF. Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders addressed the reason why for a few of those names after a 48-21 victory against the Knights.

He revealed that offensive tackle Kahlil Benson and edge rusher Dayon Hayes were both dealing with injuries that kept them out of practice this past week. Additionally, linebacker Trevor Woods has opted to redshirt and will not play for the remainder for the season.

Hayes had totaled 16 tackles (four for loss) and two sacks through the first four games. We’ll wait to hear more on both his and Benson’s status ahead of Week 7, as they will have a bye to recover this week.

Sanders revealed the reason they didn’t travel with the team is that is his policy for players who don’t practice.

“If you hurt and you don’t practice, I’m not putting you on the plane,” the coach explained. “That’s my rules. I’m just old school, I’m sorry. Why would I take that in that situation? I don’t do that.”

As for Woods, he started nine games last season but has yet to record any stats this year. He will have one year of eligibility remaining to use next year either at Colorado or elsewhere if he decides to transfer.

Even with the missing players, the Buffaloes dominated Saturday’s contest against UCF to improve to 2-0 in Big 12 play. They rushed for a season-high 128 yards in the win as quarterback Shedeur Sanders also threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns to one interception.

With the win, Colorado has already tied its total from last year and looks to be a contender in the Big 12, at least early on. The Buffaloes will next face Kansas State on Oct. 12 in Boulder.