EDMONTON – Tristan Marois’s journey to professional football has been anything but conventional. The Quebec native spent the last three years immersed in the unique atmosphere surrounding the University of Colorado Buffaloes and head coach Deion Sanders, an experience he believes has prepared him for a shot in the Canadian Football League.
Sanders, known as “Prime Time” during his celebrated NFL career, transitioned to “Coach Prime” when he took the reins of the Buffaloes in December 2022. Marois joined the team during the summer months, stepping into a program quickly gaining national attention.
“There’s nobody else like Coach Prime in the world,” Marois said. “He’s one of a kind. A lot of celebrities were around the team, including Ray Lewis, because of our coach’s many connections. The stadium was packed.”
The defensive lineman noted that Sanders projected the same charismatic persona he displayed during his NFL playing days as a cornerback. “His personality hasn’t changed. He’s a family man who values loyalty. He’s really ‘sharp’ and wants to share all of his experience.”
Despite primarily seeing action on special teams, Marois garnered individual attention from Sanders, who playfully nicknamed him “Jesus” due to his long hair. “He called me Jesus because of my hair,” Marois recounted with a smile. “He’s a pretty unique character.”
The atmosphere surrounding the program often felt like a reality television display. “At times, it was practically a reality show,” Marois explained. “Cameras were always present in the locker room and during team meetings.”
Warren Sapp as a Consultant
Marois also had the opportunity to learn from another NFL legend. Former defensive tackle Warren Sapp served as a defensive consultant, spending considerable time with the defensive linemen. “He also has a sizeable personality. He talks loud, he always talks, but he knows his stuff.”
While appreciative of the experience, Marois didn’t always align with Sanders’ methods. “To create energy, he wasn’t bothered by players fighting during practices. I’m a bit old school, valuing discipline and having been raised with different values.”
From Starter to Walk-On
Marois began his collegiate career as a starter at Robert Morris for two seasons before transferring to Colorado without a scholarship. He maintained walk-on status throughout his three years with the Buffaloes.
“I wanted to face the best competition possible,” Marois explained. “Colorado had the resources to facilitate me develop. I was very light (212 pounds) when I arrived and now weigh 250 pounds. That proves my choice worked.”
He also sought a more complex defensive system. “I’m grateful to Robert Morris for offering me a full scholarship and a starting position, but I needed a change if I wanted to reach my full potential. At Colorado, I found better competition in practice. I have no regrets.”
This experience wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support of his father. “My parents have always supported me and covered the costs for my three years. It was a big sacrifice for the family. My father always encouraged me, no matter the cost. I’m really grateful.”
Despite not playing significant defensive snaps during his time with the Buffaloes, Marois is confident he can contribute in the CFL. “I can contribute right away on special teams. As for getting defensive opportunities, I’ll have to grab advantage of the opportunities to showcase myself in Edmonton because I don’t have any game film.”
Marois received interview invitations from seven of the nine CFL teams and is scheduled to participate in his pro day at Colorado on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The CFL Combine, presented by Anytime Fitness, recently highlighted Marois as one of six NCAA prospects to watch, alongside Eric Rascoe (Angelo State), Malick Meiga (Coastal Carolina) and Christian Rolan (Jackson State), among others. The CFL website detailed the potential of these athletes as they prepare for the draft.
Tristan Marois’s story is one of ambition, adaptation, and family support. His time under the guidance of Deion Sanders at Colorado, while unconventional, has undoubtedly shaped him into the player and person he is today. As he prepares for his pro day and the CFL draft, Marois hopes to translate the lessons learned from Coach Prime and Warren Sapp into a successful professional career in Canada.
Marois’s path to the CFL is particularly noteworthy given his walk-on status at Colorado. The University of Colorado football program has undergone significant changes since Sanders took over, as detailed in a recent eligibility chart from 247Sports. These changes have brought increased scrutiny and excitement to the program.
The CFL’s interest in Marois reflects a growing trend of scouting American college players. The league continues to seek talent from various sources to enhance the quality of play and attract new fans. His pro day performance will be crucial in solidifying his draft stock and demonstrating his potential to CFL teams.
Marois will be looking to impress scouts with his athleticism and versatility. While his experience at Colorado was primarily on special teams, his size and strength suggest he could develop into a valuable defensive lineman in the CFL. The upcoming pro day will provide a platform for him to showcase his skills and prove his worth to potential employers.
The next step for Marois is his pro day at Colorado, where he will have the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to CFL scouts. Following the pro day, teams will evaluate his performance and consider him for the upcoming CFL draft. Fans can follow updates on Marois’s progress through the CFL website and social media channels.
