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As Shedeur Sanders prepares to leave Colorado and embark on his NFL journey, the quarterback is looking to leave behind more than just memories for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes.
The former Colorado star appears to be playing a role in recruiting his potential successor - one of the nation's most highly-rated high school quarterbacks.
Sanders, who elevated the Buffaloes from a struggling 1-15 program to a national talking point, was recently seen at Overtime's OT7 event in Dallas - one of the top 7-on-7 showcases for elite high school talent. Among those in attendance was Keisean Henderson, a five-star quarterback from Houston and one of the top-ranked players in the Class of 2026.
Their interaction didn't go unnoticed.
Colorado facing uphill battle to flip Keisean Henderson
Overtime posted a video showing Henderson catching Sanders off guard at the OT7 event, leading to a lighthearted exchange between the two quarterbacks. "What you was finna do to me, bro?" Henderson joked, surprising Sanders from behind. Sanders laughed it off, saying, "[I was going to] chill...I know nobody that crazy...[my security] let you through so I knew you was straight!"
The friendly moment was telling - evidence of a pre-existing relationship between Sanders and Henderson that could work in Colorado's favor as the Buffaloes try to land a player who could carry on Shedeur's legacy in Boulder.
But it won't be easy.
Despite Deion Sanders and Colorado extending a scholarship offer, Henderson is already committed to his hometown Houston Cougars, a decision he made in May 2024. His commitment to staying close to home has been a consistent message throughout his recruitment.
According to On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine, Houston holds a commanding 96.1% chance of securing Henderson's signature.
Given Henderson's status as the second-ranked quarterback in his class per 247Sports, programs like Ohio State and Alabama have naturally shown interest. But so far, the young quarterback seems locked into his commitment to Houston.
Still, if anyone can create a late twist in this story, it's Deion Sanders. The coach's magnetic personality, combined with Shedeur Sanders' influence, gives Colorado an outside shot at pulling off what would be a shocking recruitment coup.
Henderson's talent makes him a player every elite program wants - he's known for his precision ing, pocket awareness, and athleticism that fits the modern college game. But with family and home ties strong in Houston, it may take more than even Coach Prime magic to lure him to Colorado.
And yet, under Deion Sanders, we've seen the improbable become reality before. Whether this recruitment becomes another chapter in Boulder's growing legend remains to be seen.