Colorado’s practices are drawing attention as redshirt freshman Kam Mikell, a four-star recruit, is already turning heads. Analysts are likening Mikell’s impact to Travis Hunter, whose ability to excel on both sides of the ball reshaped expectations in Boulder. Known for his two-way skill set, Mikell has shown flashes of becoming a similar type of dynamic playmaker.
With Sanders experimenting to shape a role that maximizes Mikell’s versatility, excitement is building around how he could contribute to both offense and defense, signaling a potential new chapter in Colorado’s evolving roster.
Colorado’s Kam Mikell Draws Travis Hunter Comparisons in Early Practice Spotlight
Colorado redshirt freshman Mikell is beginning to capture attention inside Boulder, with early glimpses at practice sparking comparisons to Travis Hunter. Kevin Borba of “Locked on Buffs” noted in a recent video that Deion Sanders “may have another Travis Hunter up his sleeve” after Mikell was spotted in a gray jersey during a Well Off Media practice clip.
Borba added that Mikell “was also seen getting some defensive back work in with defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.”
Colorado ATH Kam Mikell getting some DB work in pic.twitter.com/UIOFfWrBNW
— LockedOnBuffs (@LockedOnBuffs) September 9, 2025
Mikell, who was recruited to the Buffaloes as an offensive piece, has yet to establish a defined role while also managing injuries. According to Borba, the coaching staff may see defensive opportunities as a path for him to contribute.
“If he has an opportunity to get on the field on defense, it may benefit Colorado in the long run,” Borba said. “That way they could keep him happy and also use his versatility on defense while also figuring out a way to sprinkle him in on offense.”
Borba described the former four-star prospect as the kind of athlete who could provide Colorado with flexibility across multiple spots.
“I think this could be somewhat of a Swiss Army knife player for Colorado, but he’s got to get on the field in some capacity. So, we’ll see how that goes against Houston,” he said.
Mikell’s background suggests that type of versatility is no stretch. His ability to operate as both a defender and offensive playmaker mirrors the blueprint Hunter has become known for under Sanders. For Colorado, finding ways to maximize Mikell’s skill set could add another dynamic layer to the roster.
When Mikell committed to the Buffaloes, he pointed directly to Sanders’ influence as a decisive factor.
“Coach Prime and his marketing was a big part of my decision,” Mikell said at the time. “He can really help with my brand. Coach Prime also has played all the sports I have played, he has played both sides of the ball like me and I know he can really help me. He has been in a lot of the situations I have been in, so I believe in him coaching me and helping me develop.”
For now, Mikell’s role remains in development, but his presence in practice is enough to fuel optimism that he could soon follow Hunter’s path as a two-way contributor.