EDMONTON – Tristan Marois, a defensive conclude from Saint-Bruno, Quebec, recently shared insights into his three years playing football for the University of Colorado Buffaloes under the guidance of head coach Deion Sanders. Marois’s experience, marked by a unique blend of high-profile attention and a commitment to personal development, is now informing his pursuit of a professional career.
Sanders, known as “Prime Time” during his celebrated NFL career, transitioned to “Coach Prime” upon accepting the Buffaloes’ head coaching position in December 2022. Marois joined the team during the summer following that appointment, entering a program rapidly gaining national attention.
“There’s nobody else like Coach Prime in the world,” Marois stated. “He’s one of a kind. A lot of celebrities were around the team, including Ray Lewis, since of our coach’s many connections. The stadium was packed.”
Marois observed that Sanders maintained the same charismatic presence that defined his NFL playing days as a cornerback. “His personality hasn’t changed. He’s a family guy who values loyalty. He’s really sharp and wants to share all of his experience.”
Despite primarily contributing on special teams, Marois garnered individual attention from Sanders, who playfully nicknamed him “Jesus” due to his long hair. “It’s a pretty unique character,” Marois said with a smile. The atmosphere surrounding the program was often highly visible, resembling a reality television show, with cameras frequently present in the locker room and during team meetings.
Warren Sapp’s Influence
Marois also had the opportunity to learn from another NFL legend, Warren Sapp, who served as a defensive consultant. Sapp spent considerable time with the defensive linemen, sharing his expertise. “He also has a big personality. He talks loud, he always talks, but he knows his stuff,” Marois noted.
While appreciative of the experience, Marois didn’t fully embrace all of Sanders’s methods. “To create energy, he didn’t mind players fighting during practice. I’m aged school and believe in discipline, and I grew up with different values.”
From Starter to Walk-On
Marois began his collegiate career as a starter at Robert Morris University for two seasons before transferring to Colorado without a scholarship. He maintained walk-on status throughout his three years with the Buffaloes. According to the University of Colorado Athletics website, Marois played in all 12 games of the 2025 season, primarily on special teams, and contributed 32 snaps across seven games on defense. University of Colorado Athletics
“I wanted to face the best competition possible,” Marois explained. “At Colorado, there were resources to aid me develop. I was remarkably light (212 pounds) when I arrived and now weigh 250 pounds. That proves my choice worked.” He added that he sought a more complex defensive system, expressing gratitude for the scholarship and starting position he received at Robert Morris, but recognizing the need for a change to reach his full potential.
Marois acknowledged the financial sacrifices made by his family to support his pursuit of football at Colorado. “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 in his ability to contribute at the professional level. “I can contribute right away on special teams. As for getting on the field defensively, I’ll have to take advantage of opportunities in Edmonton because I don’t have any game film.” He has received interview invitations from seven of the nine teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Marois is scheduled to participate in his pro day at Colorado on Tuesday, providing an opportunity to showcase his skills to professional scouts. TVA Sports reported on his experience, highlighting the unique environment created by Coach Prime.
The experience at Colorado, while unconventional, appears to have been transformative for Marois, both physically and in terms of his understanding of the game. His dedication to improvement and willingness to embrace novel challenges will be key as he navigates the next stage of his football career.
Marois’s pro day performance will be a crucial step in determining his future in the CFL. Teams will be evaluating his athleticism, technique, and potential to contribute at the professional level. The CFL season is set to begin in June, and Marois will be hoping to secure a roster spot and begin his professional journey.
Worth a look
