Alvin Kamara Visits Colorado and Gives Running Backs Useful Advice

New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara made a surprise visit to the University of Colorado’s spring practice on April 8, 2025, hosted by head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, and spent the day mentoring a young Buffaloes running back room . Kamara conducted both on-field drills and film sessions, emphasizing vision, discipline, and patience in the run game—most notably advising players: “Don’t be cutback heavy… the front side will be the money side” . He reunited with his longtime strength coach, Andrew Swasey—now Colorado’s strength and conditioning coach—and even squeezed in a workout together, underscoring the pro-level preparation Coach Prime is instilling in the program . His visit coincided with rising NFL draft buzz around quarterback Shedeur Sanders, fueling speculation about possible Saints–Sanders connections, though Kamara stressed his primary goal was mentorship rather than recruitment . This high-profile visit not only provided invaluable tips for the Buffaloes’ backs amid roster turnover—highlighted by Isaiah Augustave’s move to the transfer portal and depth chart questions behind veterans like Charlie Offerdahl and freshman Kam Mikell—but also cemented Colorado’s growing NFL network and credibility under Coach Prime .

Introduction and Context

The Colorado Buffaloes, under the leadership of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, have swiftly woven professional-level mentorship into their daily program. On April 8, 2025, they hosted one of the NFL’s most dynamic backs, Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints, at their spring practice in Boulder . Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year, has amassed over 9,000 all-purpose yards in his eight seasons with New Orleans, making his insights particularly valuable for Colorado’s developing running backs room .

Kamara’s presence in Boulder also arrived amid heightened NFL draft chatter surrounding coach Sanders’ son, QB Shedeur Sanders. Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock projections placed Shedeur as a late first-round candidate for the Saints, adding fuel to the narrative . However, Kamara emphasized that his sole purpose was to impart knowledge and elevate the Buffaloes’ backfield, rather than influence Shedeur’s draft stock .

The Purpose of the Visit

Timing and Setting

Kamara’s appearance came just days before Colorado’s highly anticipated spring game. The visit blended seamlessly into the Buffs’ spring practice schedule, allowing Kamara to join position coach Marshall Faulk—a Hall of Famer himself—in guiding running backs through drills and discussions . The integration of pro-level players into college routines exemplifies Coach Prime’s vision of “daily NFL camp” for his athletes .

Mentorship Over Recruitment

Although headlines linked Kamara’s visit to potential recruitment of Shedeur Sanders by the Saints—sparked by mock draft speculation placing Shedeur at pick No. 9—the running back was clear about his mentoring mission . His focus remained squarely on the Buffaloes’ backs, providing guidance drawn from his own decorated career rather than acting as an NFL scout.

Key Advice Nuggets

Emphasizing Vision and Patience

In a film room session captured by Well Off Media, Kamara drilled home the importance of vision:

“Don’t be cutback heavy… if you pause that tape—on that cutback—the front side will be wide open. It will be the money side.” .

This counsel stressed discipline in trusting the play design and reacting quickly to the primary run lane, rather than overcommitting to the cutback option.

Footwork and Running Lanes

On the practice field, Kamara worked with backs on footwork drills—focusing on quick, choppy steps to maximize balance and explosiveness through designed gaps. He illustrated how subtle foot placement can open up seemingly closed lanes, reinforcing drill concepts already taught by Faulk and co. .

Game Awareness and Processing

Beyond physical mechanics, Kamara stressed mental acuity: recognizing defensive alignments, anticipating linebackers’ reads, and making split-second decisions. His message highlighted how mental processing times can distinguish good backs from great ones at the NFL level .

Reuniting with Strength Coach Andrew Swasey

Andrew Swasey, Colorado’s new strength and conditioning coach, has been instrumental in Kamara’s pro development since 2015.

• Historical Bond: Swasey once predicted Kamara would become a “$100 million” player if he adhered to his training regimen—a prophecy fulfilled through Kamara’s nine-figure earnings .
• Joint Workout: While in Boulder, the pair conducted a joint workout, blending NFL-caliber strength training with college athletics, underscoring the high-level preparation Coach Prime demands .

Impact on Colorado’s Running Back Room

Roster Turnover and Competition

The Buffaloes’ backfield has undergone significant changes: Isaiah Augustave, the 2024 leading rusher, has entered the transfer portal, leaving a gap behind returners Charlie Offerdahl and others . Freshman Kam Mikell—originally recruited as a wide receiver—has impressed coaches with his versatility, earning a look in the backfield as Colorado seeks multidimensional threats .

Infusing Confidence and Credibility

Hearing pro-level advice from an active NFL star provides instant credibility to college teaching points. Kamara’s tips on vision, balance, and patience reinforced coaches’ messages and boosted players’ confidence, illustrating the next level of performance standards .

Broader Implications for Coach Prime’s Program

Enhancing NFL Networking

Colorado’s strategic engagement of current NFL talents like Kamara strengthens its professional network, positioning the program as a pipeline to the league. This pro influence can sway recruits looking for early exposure to NFL environments .

Recruiting Momentum

Kamara’s visit, followed by high-profile guests like future NFL first-rounders, signals to prospects that Boulder is a destination where college players receive direct NFL mentorship. This message amplifies coach Sanders’ recruiting pitch and enhances the Buffaloes’ national profile .

Quotes and Reactions

• Kamara on Cutbacks:
  “Don’t be cutback heavy… the front side will be wide open. It’ll be the money side.”
• Faulk on Kamara’s Impact: While Marshall Faulk did not add new quotes publicly, his endorsement of Kamara’s advice underscores how peer mentorship elevates established coaching philosophy .
• Social Media Buzz: SkoBuffsGoBuffs captured the moment:
  Saints RB Alvin Kamara talking with Coach Prime and Marshall Faulk at Practice today.

Conclusion

Alvin Kamara’s surprise visit to Colorado Buffaloes spring practice provided far more than a media spectacle—it delivered practical, pro-level instruction that aligns with the ethos of Coach Prime’s program. By emphasizing vision, discipline, and patience, Kamara enriched both the physical and mental toolkit of a young running back room facing roster turnover and fierce competition. His reunion with strength coach Andrew Swasey highlighted the importance of established professional relationships, while the timing of the visit amid Shedeur Sanders’ draft buzz illustrated Colorado’s rising NFL relevance. As the Buffaloes continue to cultivate a pro-style environment, moments like Kamara’s visit are poised to leave a lasting imprint on the team’s culture, recruiting power, and on-field success.