Colorado Buffaloes Optimistic About Improved Run Game

New offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's 'Go-Go' scheme aims to boost CU's ground attack.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Colorado Buffaloes football game or practice, with sharp planes of green, gold, and white representing the team's players and field in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the Colorado Buffaloes' renewed focus on an improved rushing attack under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.Boulder Today

After struggling to run the ball effectively in head coach Deion Sanders' first three seasons, the Colorado Buffaloes are hopeful their new offensive coordinator's system will revitalize the team's ground game. During the Buffs' spring game scrimmage, the offense showed flashes of promise in the running attack, led by transfers Damian Henderson and Richard Young.

Why it matters

An improved rushing attack is crucial for the Buffaloes' success under Sanders, as the 'Go-Go' offense installed by new coordinator Brennan Marion relies heavily on an effective run game. If Colorado can establish a consistent ground game, it would take pressure off the passing attack and open up more opportunities for the offense.

The details

Henderson, a junior transfer from Colorado State who played for Marion at Sacramento State last year, rushed for 47 yards on eight carries in the spring game. Young, a transfer from Alabama, and returning junior Micah Welch are also competing for carries in the crowded Buffs backfield. Sanders believes an upgraded offensive line and Marion's creative playcalling will help get the run game going in the regular season.

  • The Buffaloes held their annual Black & Gold spring game scrimmage on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Colorado will take a break from spring practice and reconvene this summer for offseason workouts.

The players

Deion Sanders

Head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team, entering his fourth season.

Brennan Marion

Offensive coordinator for the Colorado Buffaloes, brought in this offseason to install his 'Go-Go' offense.

Damian Henderson

Junior running back transfer from Colorado State, who played for Marion at Sacramento State last year and led the Buffs' run game in the spring game with 47 yards on eight carries.

Richard Young

Running back transfer from Alabama, competing for carries in the Buffs' backfield.

Micah Welch

Junior running back returning to the Colorado roster.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to be all right running the football, I know. It's just who's going to be those (top) two guys? That's the thing. Who's going to be those two guys?”

— Deion Sanders, Head Coach

“All those guys can hit the home run, they've proven that. And I think our running backs, really, when it gets physical, when it gets violent and it gets loud, that's when they're at their best – when they really can get their pads downhill, run through people, put their shoulder down.”

— Brennan Marion, Offensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Buffaloes will look to add at least one more quarterback to their roster this offseason to provide depth at the position after the tragic passing of walk-on Dominiq Ponder.

The takeaway

Colorado's struggles running the ball have been well-documented, but the new 'Go-Go' offense installed by coordinator Brennan Marion appears to be energizing the Buffs' ground attack. If the offensive line continues to improve and the running back group led by Damian Henderson and Richard Young can establish consistency, the Buffs' offense could take a big step forward in 2026.