PHX Reporter

Boulder, Colorado was the center of the college football universe last year. The Buffaloes hired Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders to become their head coach, bringing one of football's biggest personalities to the team.

Nobody had a better view of the "Prime Time effect" than Xavier Weaver, now a rookie wide receiver for the Cardinals. He was the primary target for Sanders' offense and felt the eyes of millions watching him and his teammates on any given Saturday.

"It was a roller coaster in every way with the ups and downs, on and off the field," Weaver said. "But then again, it was fun, for real. The whole world was watching us for the whole season, but the first couple weeks, it was crazy."

Weaver's path to the league has not been linear. He spent his first four years at the University of South Florida before committing to Coach Prime and Colorado. In 2023, he hauled in 68 receptions for 908 yards.

Despite being projected as a day three selection in the NFL Draft, Weaver did not hear his name called. The Cardinals signed him as an undrafted free agent.

Sanders had a motivational message for Weaver after the draft: "He just told me, 'go prove them wrong and show the other teams what they missed out on,'" Weaver said. "At the end of the day, I got to be myself."

Weaver noted that he didn't have much communication with Cardinals management ahead of the draft but had always considered Arizona as a potential destination.

"We came out here last year to play Arizona State and I told all of my buddies that I'd live in Arizona," Weaver said. "It all played out."

Undrafted players often face an uphill climb to see playing time, but the Cardinals have a notable track record of signing undrafted prospects who make it onto their 53-man roster. Wide receiver Greg Dortch and running back Emari Demercado are examples.

Coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized that once players arrive at camp, their draft status becomes irrelevant.

"It's about the amount of reps you get and you make your reps count," Gannon said. "The guys that do really well in this league take advantage of their opportunities and run with it. I think that's what we're going to need from some of our guys."

The wide receiver room is deep heading into training camp with Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Dortch, and Zay Jones expected to see significant playing time. Weaver acknowledges that everyone is "hungry to take somebody's job because at the end of the day, it's a business. But we're all real close."

Last season with Colorado, Weaver experienced significant buzz around campus due to high-profile appearances like Lil Wayne walking out with the team against Colorado State or frequent media coverage.

Now with similar hype surrounding him at Cardinals facilities throughout offseason activities, Weaver aims to make his mark.

"I just needed my foot in the door and I got the opportunity," he said. "(Going undrafted) definitely put a little bit more fuel to fire but it's a blessing to be here."