Colorado coach Deion Sanders said Tuesday he wants defensive lineman Lamont Lester Jr. to be a "full go" against Oklahoma State after playing on three snaps in Saturday's 27-24 loss to Utah.
Lester missed the Texas Tech game with an injury before returning against the Utes. The Buffaloes enter Saturday's trip to Stillwater at 2-4 overall and 0-3 in Big 12 play, facing an Oklahoma State offense ranked fourth nationally in passing yards per game.
Lester established himself in the opener
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Monmouth transfer made an immediate impact in Colorado's season-opening 14-13 victory at Georgia Tech, recording three sacks for 22 yards in losses and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Lester played just 12 passing snaps in that game. Each sack ended a Georgia Tech possession with a punt, helping
him earn co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week recognition on Sept. 7.
He has four sacks this season, giving defensive coordinator Chris Marve an experienced pass-rushing option as Colorado seeks its first conference victory.
Monmouth production carried into Colorado
Lester arrived after recording 9.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss at Monmouth in 2025. He earned first-team All-CAA recognition and was named the conference's Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Jersey City, New Jersey, native played at Don Bosco Prep before spending two seasons at Monmouth.
Oklahoma State presents another protection test
Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker averages 323.3 passing yards per game, second nationally, and has passed for at least 300 yards in five consecutive games. Oklahoma State also ranks 10th nationally in fewest sacks allowed.
Lester's availability will give Colorado another option to pressure Mestemaker alongside Toby Anene and Santana Hopper. Saturday's sold-out homecoming game kicks off at 5 p.m. MT on FS1 at Boone Pickens Stadium.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders gives injury update on Colorado's Lamont Lester Jr.
