Back in January, Shedeur Sanders made a decision to forego the recent NFL draft and play another year with Colorado football. The young quarterback is coming off a strong showing in 2023, and many expect no less than a similar (or even better) string of performances once the college football season commences. It won't be surprising if Sanders plays at a high level again — just look at his confidence. During an interview with Complex Sports, the incoming senior was asked if he was more like Tom Brady or Michael Vick. Here's what he said in response:

“Well I'll say it's a mixture because I'm able to stay in the pocket and want to deliver the ball each and every play like Brady, but (I'm) able to extend plays, and you know, if it's not there, take it like Vick,” Sanders said. “Whenever situations in the game occur, they're like ‘Hey, you gotta be Mike Vick tonight.'”

“It's a mixture of a lot of great quarterbacks that all just have a different skillset, so that's why I feel like I'm special…I wanna stay in the pocket, I wanna throw it like Tom. But sometimes those opportunities aren't there. (It) may be covered downfield and you gotta be able to make plays.”

Shedeur Sanders has been racking up the stats

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) prepares to pass during a spring game event at Folsom Field.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Any quarterback who claims that he's a mix of Tom Brady and Michael Vick will definitely turn heads. It's not easy to back up such a statement, especially when one hasn't played a single game in the NFL yet. Nevertheless, Sanders' numbers indicate that he has the potential to make it big as a dual-threat QB in the pros.

Throughout his collegiate career, the 22-year-old has thrown for no less than 3,000 yards per season. He spent his freshman and sophomore years with Jackson State, where he was already a starter right off the bat. Through that span, Sanders led the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC championships as his team finished with an 8-0 in-conference record for both seasons. As a sophomore, Sanders threw for 40 touchdowns and 3,732 passing yards, while running the ball for another six touchdowns.

He moved with his father, Deion Sanders, to Colorado football for the 2023 season, and the numbers were still impressive. The Buffaloes may have had a quiet campaign, but Sanders was able to tally 3,230 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns. In the rushing department, the quarterback added four scores in 111 carries.

So far, Shedeur Sanders' claim of being a Brady-Vick hybrid holds true in the amateurs — he can pass, and he can also run. While the NFL is a different beast altogether, the young quarterback still has another year to make forward strides and prepare himself for top-tier competition. The transition period is never easy for most prospects, but luckily for Sanders, he has none other than Coach Prime to guide and mentor him along the way.