UTEP football coach Scotty Walden defended safety Xavier Smith after Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders criticized him on social media. The issue began with Smith’s comments about Deion Sanders in The Athletic, where he claimed that the coach’s approach was damaging players’ confidence. Shedeur Sanders called Smith “mid” in response, prompting Walden to defend his player’s character and abilities. Walden praised Smith as a great player who led their team to a conference title and expressed his satisfaction with having him on the team.
Smith had issues with Deion Sanders’ coaching approach, feeling that things could have been handled better. He highlighted his optimistic mindset going into a meeting with Sanders as a redshirt freshman, hoping for support and guidance from the coach. However, Sanders bluntly suggested that Smith should enter the transfer portal and not waste time trying to earn a spot on the team. This interaction left Smith feeling upset and unappreciated, leading him to ultimately transfer to UTEP in pursuit of a better situation.
Despite facing challenges with injuries, including a broken leg and hamstring issues, during his senior season, Smith remained determined to continue his football career. He believed that he could contribute positively to a team, but felt disheartened by the lack of support and understanding from Coach Prime. Smith’s decision to transfer to UTEP reflects his desire for a fresh start and a more supportive environment where his talents and efforts are recognized and valued.
Walden’s defense of Smith is rooted in a strong belief in the player’s capabilities and character. Having coached Smith at Austin Peay and now at UTEP, Walden attested to Smith’s leadership and performance on the field. He emphasized Smith’s honesty in expressing his perspective and experiences, highlighting his status as a freshman AA and a player with a promising future. Walden’s support for Smith serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing players’ contributions and perspectives, even amidst disagreements or challenges within the team.
The exchange between Shedeur Sanders and Xavier Smith sheds light on the complexities and tensions present in the world of college football, where players, coaches, and programs navigate various pressures and expectations. Smith’s candid reflections on his experiences with Deion Sanders illustrate the impact of coaching styles on players’ confidence and well-being. By sharing his story and perspective, Smith brings attention to the importance of empathy, communication, and mutual respect in the coach-player dynamic, emphasizing the need for a supportive and nurturing environment for players to thrive and grow.
In the midst of dialogue and disagreements surrounding coaching approaches and player experiences, Walden’s defense of Smith underscores the significance of standing up for players and advocating for their well-being. As Walden prepares for his first season with the Miners, his support for Smith sends a powerful message about the value of integrity, loyalty, and belief in players’ potential. By championing Smith’s character and abilities, Walden exemplifies the role of coaches in nurturing and empowering student-athletes, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and growth within the team.