Deion Sanders Highlights Colorado's Latest 2-Way Player After Travis Hunter's Success

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders highlighted the two-way impact of lineman Chauncey Gooden during the team's season-opening 14-13 win over Georgia Tech.

Sanders announced that Gooden "was the only interior lineman in all of Division I football that played both ways" on Tuesday, per USA Today's Brent Schrotenboer.

Sanders has plenty of experience coaching two-way players, as Travis Hunter earned Heisman Trophy honors in 2024 after excelling at both cornerback and wide receiver for the Buffaloes.

As for Gooden, he started at guard while also spending time at defensive tackle against Georgia Tech.

Gooden put together an impressive performance, as he didn't allow a pressure or sack during the game (h/t Scott Procter of DNVR Sports). Colorado's defensive front also thrived in the win, amassing three sacks and limiting the Yellow Jackets to an average of 1.7 yards per rush as a team.

Gooden detailed the process that led to him becoming a two-way player when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

"Coach Prime just believed in me on the field, whatever I'm doing," Gooden said. "First off, it was on the offensive line. So, he made it clear that I need to handle what I need to handle on the offensive side to be able to play defense. Defense is always something I've had the heart for."

"Coach Prime said you dominate on offense and then you'll be able to play defense," he added. "That's all I want to do. Anything to help my team win at the end of the day."

Gooden only appeared in four games during his freshman season in 2025, but it seems as though his role will continue to expand as the Buffaloes attempt to build upon their 1-0 start this year.