Deion Sanders believes Boo Carter could become a top-five pick

Deion Sanders has been high on Boo Carter since the Tennessee transfer arrived in Boulder and perhaps even before that, when he tried to recruit him to CU out of high school. On Friday, he raised the ceiling again. Speaking at Colorado's Fall Sports Media Day, Sanders said Carter could play his way into the first round of the NFL draft as soon as next year. If the defensive back stays with Colorado for two seasons, Sanders believes the upside could be even higher. "I feel he's a first-rounder when he puts it all on tape," Sanders said. "He could be a bona fide top-five pick if he stays here two years." Carter arrived from Tennessee as one of Colorado's most versatile additions. The 5-foot-11 defensive back is expected to work primarily at cornerback, but Sanders has discussed using him at safety, in the slot and in the return game. That flexibility is a major part of the appeal. At Tennessee, Carter earned All-SEC freshman recognition in 2024 and led the conference with a 16.5-yard punt-return average. He followed with a 13.2-yard average in 2025, including a career-long 40-yard return. Colorado needs more from that area after finishing last season with 11 punt returns for 79 yards and no touchdowns. Sanders also mentioned that Carter is "attitude-wise, mentality, A+." The staff has not had any problems with him whatsoever, and he's not "problematic whatsoever." The projection for Carter is ambitious, but it matches the role Colorado has in mind for him. If he holds up on defense and becomes a dependable returner and finishes without any major injuries, he could have plenty of NFL eyes on him, which Sanders said is already happening. "When scouts come out, [Boo Carter] is one that they ask about," Sanders said. Follow James Carnes on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions. This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders believes Boo Carter could become a top-five pick