AllBuffs.com - Covering CU-Boulder Athletics

Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

Wester made an impact for the Buffs, but how will he fair in the NFL?

The young man behind Colorado’s miraculous Hail Mary against Baylor had his shot to impress at the NFL Combine, and LaJohntay Wester made the most of it.

After stepping into the starting slot role midseason following Jimmy Horn Jr.’s injury, Wester became one of the Buffs’ most reliable playmakers. Now, with the NFL Draft approaching fast, his stock is starting to take shape.

NFL Combine Performance​

Wester’s 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds was solid, though some expected him to be slightly quicker given his short-area burst. His 10-yard split (1.53 seconds) was just 0.05 off the fastest time among all receivers, showing how quickly he can accelerate off the line.

His vertical jump (32 inches) was on the lower end for receivers, but Wester has never been known for his leaping ability. His strength lies in his quickness, change of direction and ability to shake defenders in tight spaces.

One number that stood out was his broad jump, which measured 10-foot-1 — it’s not elite, but respectable for a shifty slot receiver who wins with his route running and separation rather than pure athleticism.

NFL Combine Grades and Draft Projection​

Here’s where Wester ranks based on the official NFL Combine grading system:

• Production Score: 30th among WRs
• Athleticism Score: 38th among WRs
• Projected Draft Range: Late Day 3

Wester isn’t a freak athlete, which isn’t helped by his small size, and he likely won’t be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact at the next level. His hands, quickness and route running fit the modern slot receiver mold that NFL teams love.

NFL Outlook​

Wester’s best path to an NFL roster is as a slot receiver and return specialist. He has the crafty route running and intangibles to contribute in the right system and teams looking for a reliable slot option with special teams value will give him a serious look.

If Wester aces his Pro Day, especially by improving his 40-yard dash, he could sneak into the later rounds of the draft. Even if he goes undrafted, he’s the type of player who can earn a roster spot and surprise people at the next level—just like he did all year at Colorado.

by Jacob.Thompson
Continue reading...

William Purnell-Imagn Images

The Buffs aren’t done yet.

The Colorado Buffaloes’ season isn’t done quite yet. Tad Boyle and his squad have accepted a bid to play in the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas.

With a regular season conference record of 3-17, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Buffs have missed out on both March Madness and the NIT. However, winning two games in the Big 12 Tournament last week was enough for Colorado to earn a spot in the brand-new, Fox-backed third-tier tournament.

After a disappointing season, nobody would’ve faulted the Buffs for staying home and not rubbing salt in their wounds by having to play in a third-tier tourney, but they probably didn’t have a choice. The Big 12 is one of three conferences that agreed to send two auto-qualifiers to The Crown, so they may have been contractually obligated to accept the bid.

Regardless, playing in The Crown will provide good developmental opportunities for Colorado’s youngsters like Bangot Dak, Sebastian Rancik and Felix Kossaras. CU’s first game in “The Crown” will be against Villanova on April 1 at the MGM Garden Arena. If they beat Nova, they’ll play the winner of Tulane and USC on April 3.

by RylandScholes
Continue reading...

Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

There’s a silver lining to everything.

There’s a silver lining to everything.

Although the Buffaloes just narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament, their season is still alive after being named as a one-seed in the WBIT.

The Buffs will host games in Boulder all the way until the quarterfinals, which will be held at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Other one-seeds include St. Joseph’s, James Madison and Virginia Tech.

Being named as a one-seed in the WBIT means that Colorado was one of the first four teams to be left out of March Madness.

That sucks. There’s no way to cut around that, but it means that JR Payne and her team will get to play in front of Buffs Nation in Boulder at least one more time. Fans will get the opportunity to send off seniors like Frida Formann, Kindyll Wetta and Sara-Rose Smith with one last goodbye on their home floor.

CU’s first WBIT matchup will be against Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, March 20. If the Buffs beat the Lady Lions, they’ll play the winner of Gonzaga vs. UTSA on Sunday, March 23 at the CU Events Center.

by RylandScholes
Continue reading...

Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

The Buffs weren’t healthy enough to make their best case as an at-large bid.

For the first time in four years, the Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team has been left out of the NCAA Tournament.

The bracket was released Sunday evening, with at-large teams Columbia, Washington and Princeton being chosen over the 20-win Buffs. Bubble teams like Colorado were further squeezed by bid stealers Oregon State, San Diego State and George Mason, whose conference tournament wins turned

CU fans shouldn’t be too upset about this result, as the Buffs only had four wins combined in Quad 1 and 2 games. Things would have looked different if Colorado had won a few more games down the stretch — home vs. Baylor, at Texas Tech — but the team struggled with injuries at the time.

The Buffs should be one of the favorites in the WBIT. As a top-4 seed, they will host the first two rounds in Boulder, possibly more if they advance deep into the tournament. It’s a good way to send off seniors like Frida Formann, Kindyll Wetta and Sara-Rose Smith, who will play their final games in the black and gold.

We’ll keep you updated here at Ralphie Report as soon as there’s news about Colorado’s WBIT bid.

by Sam Metivier
Continue reading...

CU needed new coaches at crucial positions: Running back; offensive line; and defensive line ... Coach Prime, though, brought in inexperienced coaches, including another Hall of Famer ... Anyone betting against CU's chances? ...

Stuart
Continue reading...