Buffaloes Coach Praises Lineman for Rare Two-Way Role in Season Opener
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders singled out lineman Chauncey Gooden for playing both guard and defensive tackle in the team's 14-13 win over Georgia Tech. Sanders said Gooden was the only interior lineman in Division I to play both sides of the ball. Gooden did not allow a pressure or sack and helped the defense record three sacks while limiting the Yellow Jackets to 1.7 yards per rush.
Sanders made the announcement on Tuesday, noting Gooden was the sole interior lineman across all Division I programs to handle both offensive guard and defensive tackle duties in the opening game. This follows Sanders' history with versatile athletes, notably Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman in 2024 playing cornerback and receiver.
Gooden explained that his path to defense was contingent on mastering his offensive responsibilities first, as Sanders instructed him to dominate on offense before earning defensive snaps. After appearing in just four games as a freshman in 2025, his expanded role is expected to grow further as Colorado looks to build on their winning start.
The emergence of a two-way interior lineman could reshape roster management strategies across college football, as coaches may increasingly seek versatile athletes to maximize limited scholarship spots. This trend may also heighten concerns about player workload and injury risk, given the physical toll of playing both offensive and defensive lines. For programs lacking elite depth, such tactics could provide a competitive edge, potentially influencing how recruiting and player development are prioritized at the collegiate level.