'Not just a dawg': Colorado LB Gideon ESPN Lampron earn high praise from Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders was boarding a commercial fight to see his son, Shedeur, in a late-season game for the Cleveland Browns last year. But the start of the trip quickly turned into a recruiting visit. Former Bowling Green linebacker Gideon ESPN Lampron introduced himself to the Hall of Famer and only had a small window to pitch the fact he was in the transfer portal. Sanders acted and told his staff to dig up tape on Lampron. As fate would have it, Lampron committed to the Colorado Buffaloes a few days later. Talk about perfect timing for both of them to be in the same environment. The airline encounter will go down as one of the more unique recruiting stories in Buffs history. Sanders was up in first class with Lampron further back, which forced the defender to be quick and direct with his pitch. Lampron got his wish and is now one of the players who is turning heads in fall camp. Colorado's revamped defense under new defensive coordinator Chris Marve will feature Lampron as a playmaker. The Buffs linebackers will look different ahead of the 2026 season. Liona Lefau (Texas) and Tyler Martinez (New Mexico State) are two transfers on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's top collegiate linebacker. For Lampron, this will be about getting into the right rotation and swarming the ball every change he's on the field. "Gideon has exceeded expectations," said Sanders at CU Media Day last week.  "Gideon is not just a dawg. He's a bona fide leader. He's a playmaker. He's a guy who loves to practice, loves the game, shows affection to his teammates." he's a bona fide leader. He's a playmaker. He's a guy who loves to practice, loves the game, shows affection to his teammates." Lampron hasn't had the easiest road to Power Four play. He's earn it every step of the way. Last year, he racked up 119 tackles with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles at Bowling Green. After being coached by former NFL legend Eddie George, Lampron will now turn to another great in his collegiate career. Many might ask about Lampron's middle name and why it's ESPN. As it turns out, it was the idea of his father, who is a huge fan and landed on the most recognizable tag in sports. That's a whole new level of fandom. Lampron and his teammates will have their work cut out for them this season. Colorado was the worst Power Four team against the run last year, giving up 222.5 yards per game. Marve, who was promoted after being an assistant for Colorado last year, replaced Robert Livingston, who left to take a position with the Denver Broncos. Colorado opens the season on the road in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. The Big 12-ACC meeting on Sept. 3 will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. More Colorado Buffaloes News:  Deion Sanders says EA Sports wasn't paying enough for College Football 27 Where Colorado ranks in latest college football program valuations Projecting Colorado football's 2026 season using ESPN's FPI Deion Sanders hires ex-NFL players to staff making less than previous ones