Shedeur Sanders, star quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, has stepped into the limelight of college football recruitment, leveraging his influence to bolster his team’s offensive lineup. In a bold move, he has publicly advocated for the recruitment of former Florida Atlantic University (FAU) wide receiver LaJohntay Wester to join the Buffaloes, emphasizing, “We want @la_wester in Boulder.”
Wester, a junior wide receiver, entered the transfer portal in mid-December, showcasing an impressive collegiate career at FAU. His stats speak volumes: 2,703 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. In the previous season alone, Wester soared with 1,168 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and an average of 97.3 receiving yards per game.
Beyond his receiving abilities, Wester proved his versatility in special teams, amassing 290 kick return yards, 632 punt return yards, and securing his first punt return touchdown against the University of South Florida. Nationally recognized, he ranked second in receptions per game, 11th in receiving yards, and receiving yards per game in the 2023 season.
Wester’s exceptional performance grabbed the attention of college football giants. Auburn swiftly extended an offer to the talented wideout, aiming to bolster their receiving corps after a lackluster performance the previous year. The Tigers, already securing one transfer wide receiver in Robert Lewis, recognized Wester’s stellar track record and swiftly pursued him.
Competition Between Colorado and Auburn
Both Colorado, under the influence of Shedeur Sanders’ vocal interest, and Auburn are vying for Wester’s talents. His accolades as the 2023 American Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Year and his AAC first-team honors for wide receiver and return specialist underline his significance in the sport.
With offers from two powerhouse programs, the decision now rests in LaJohntay Wester’s hands. Will he align with Colorado, inspired by Shedeur’s passionate recruitment push, or opt for Auburn’s promising offer?
Impact on Colorado’s Offense
If Wester chooses Colorado, his addition would be transformative. The Buffaloes’ receiving corps boasts talent, including Vanderbilt transfer Will Sheppard, Jimmy Horn Jr., Omarion Miller, and Travis Hunter, the 2023 Paul Hornung Award winner. Wester’s inclusion would add another dimension to this already strong unit, potentially elevating Colorado’s offense to new heights.
Beyond Football: Family Connection
Shedeur’s interest in Wester might extend beyond football prowess. The Sanders family values run deep within the Colorado football program. With LaJohntay Wester potentially joining Colorado, Shedeur’s campaign could pave the way for another family connection. Wester’s younger brother, Jaylen, also a promising talent, officially entered the transfer portal recently, potentially adding depth to Colorado’s lineup.
Final Thoughts
Shedeur Sanders’ bold and public recruitment of LaJohntay Wester signifies a strategic move to enhance Colorado’s offensive firepower. With Wester’s remarkable track record and the intense pursuit from Auburn, the decision now lies in the hands of the talented wide receiver. Should Wester choose Colorado, it could mark a significant turning point for the Buffaloes’ offensive strategy in the upcoming season.
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