Colorado running back Richard Young takes over starting role for Saturday's Arizona State game

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders confirmed Tuesday that running back Richard Young will start at Arizona State on Saturday. The decision follows Young's breakout performance against Kansas State, where he carried the ball 24 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders stated that Young will lead the offense regardless of whether injured teammate Micah Welch returns to practice this week.

The Buffaloes aim to convert their recent momentum into a conference victory. Colorado defeated Kansas State 27-24 in overtime on Saturday, snapping a five-game losing streak and a nine-game slide within the Big 12 Conference. This win ended a period where the team struggled to maintain consistency over the past two seasons. The Buffs now face Arizona State at 5:30 p.m. MT on ESPN2. The Sun Devils are currently 2-3 in conference play, a record shared by Cincinnati and UCF, two of Colorado's remaining opponents.

Young's role in the offense expanded rapidly this season. He transferred from Alabama, where he carried the ball just 23 times last year. With Colorado, he appeared in four of his first seven games and received only 16 carries. The Kansas State game marked his highest touch total in college football. Sanders noted that the door opened for Young partly due to Welch's injury, though the staff hopes Welch returns soon. Young's 169 total rushing yards move him to third on the team's list, trailing JaQuail Smith (361 yards) and Welch (220 yards).

Sanders praised Young's work ethic during his weekly media session. The coach said Young runs hard, prepares thoroughly, and does not miss details. Sanders observed that Young did not react emotionally after his lack of early opportunities. Instead of holding a pity party, Young continued working until he earned the starting job. Sanders said he was happy that Young did not erupt or implode but simply kept improving.

The media session was quieter than the previous week. Sanders provided a brief update on quarterback Julian Lewis, who was hospitalized last week after a medical incident during practice. Sanders said Lewis is doing well and that he spoke with the player's father on Tuesday. The rest of the discussion focused on the backfield and the upcoming road trip to Tempe.

The Buffaloes' final four games include three teams with a 2-3 conference record. Sanders said the early returns from Tuesday's practice were encouraging. He noted that the team changed up its routine and the players responded well. Sanders said the group played sound football against Kansas State despite being penalized frequently. He emphasized that the players never give up and that he loves what he sees in the locker room.