It’s safe to say that there was no love lost between Shedeur Sanders and Nebraska over the two years he played for the Colorado Buffaloes. His arrival at quarterback was parallel with both his father taking over the Buffs and Matt Rhule taking over the Cornhuskers and because of that, it reignited what was already a bitter rivalry.
That’s why it is more than a little surprising that Rhule could be one of Shedeur’s biggest cheerleaders outside of the Sanders family. That’s certainly what NFL insider Pete Thamel found out when looking for insight into how the former Colorado quarterback - who just had his number retired in Boulder - will fare at the next level.
Matt Rhule’s praise for Shedeur Sanders turns Nebraska rivalry into respect
Thamel said he called several coaches about the gunslinger, who could be drafted anywhere from Top 5 to second round, depending on who you listen to. He reported that we can count the Nebraska head coach among those who believe the ex-CU star should be a top priority for the New York Giants.
“I would take him No. 3 overall. Without a question," Rhule, a former Giants assistant coach, said. “I think he’s tough. You can quote me on this. This is how strong I feel. He took 12 hits against us. 12 hits. There were 7 sacks. He’s accurate, smart. Sees coverages. Can run if he has to. He’s gone to 2 places that haven’t won and they won.”
The Husker head coach also believes that it takes a special makeup to handle the pressure that a job like the Giants, especially offers.
“He’s the guy who can handle the spotlight in New York. He’s the only person raised from (childhood) to know to handle the spotlight. Who are some of the greatest-ever QBs in NY – Broadway Joe and Eli Manning.”
That Shedeur is Deion Sanders’ son is a big reason why Rhule thinks everything will work out for him in the Big Apple.
“Shedeur was trained at the foot of his dad. He’s got a completely different demeanor. The spotlight there is so large. I think he’ll crush it.”
On the one hand, it’s a bit of a shock to hear a Nebraska football coach come out so vociferously for a Colorado player. Especially considering the allegations this particular CU player leveled at Rhule. However, the Huskers head man has shown he doesn’t let that get in the way of how he views the game, or even opposing players.