Deion Sanders feels good about the state of the Colorado offensive line.

That group stands to be put to the test right away against TCU on Saturday. The 17th-ranked Horned Frogs are coming off a dream season that culminated in a national championship appearance. TCU was embarrassed in that game, but Sanders just expects the group to come out all the more emotional because of it.

The defensive front has to replace last year’s leading disruptive force — Dylan Horton had 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks — but there’s a mix of potential and returning experience in that group.

And they’ve heard all offseason about how exciting Colorado will be.

The Buffs will be tested. But if they can hold up in pass protection, Sanders likes CU’s chances.

“I would like to feel real good — and I feel good — about protecting 2 (Shedeur Sanders),” Sanders said Tuesday. “You protect 2, give him a clean pocket, there’s gonna be some problems (for the defense).”

The junior from Dallas spent two seasons playing for his father at Jackson State, where he established himself as a proven difference-maker.

Sanders led Jackson State to two SWAC championships and a 23-3 record. He set school records for passing touchdowns in a season (40) and finished with the second-best season in program history by yardage (3,752)

Across two years as a starter, Sanders completed 68% of his passes and threw 70 touchdowns against just 14 interceptions.

How does that translate to the Power Five level? That’s the question everyone wants to know.

CU doesn’t doubt it has a start on its hands. Wideout Travis Hunter thinks the younger Sanders can challenge for a Heisman Trophy.

Can Colorado give him the time he needs to make plays down the field?