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Will Sheppard and Shedeur Sanders headlined a jam-packed day

Colorado’s 2024 senior class took the field one final time in Boulder, capping off their experience as Buffs with CU’s 2025 Pro Day.

The event was headlined by Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and top quarterback Shedeur Sanders showcasing their skills in front of all 32 NFL teams, but primarily consisted of 14 other of CU’s NFL hopefuls chasing their opportunity to hear their names called in Green Bay at the draft in late April.

From the weight room to the indoor practice field, the Buffs put on a show during their time in the spotlight. Here is where Colorado’s players clocked in during the measurable portion of Pro Day:

NOTE: All numbers listed are unofficial. When official numbers are provided, this article will be updated.

40-Yard Dash: (Attempt One, Attempt Two)​

Jimmy Horn Jr.: 4.40, 4.47

Will Sheppard: 4.56, 4,54

LaJohntay Wester: 4.53, 4.50

Shilo Sanders: 4.52, 4.59

Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: 4.65, 4.79

Lavonta Bentley: 4.80, N/A

Shane Cokes: 5.20, N/A

BJ Green II: 4.57, 4.70

Justin Mayers: N/A

Chidozie Nwankwo: 5.59, 5.59

Travis Jay: 4.64, 4.60

Herman Smith III: 4.63, 4.62

Kardell Thomas: 5.26, 5.25

Mark Vassett: 4.65, 4.77

Bench Press: (225 pounds)​

Bentley: N/A*

Cokes: 29 reps

Green: N/A*

Mayers: 28 reps

Nwankwo: 30 reps

Thomas: 26 reps

* - Benched at Big 12 Pro Day

Vertical Jump:​

Sheppard: 40.5 inches

Jay: 33 inches

Silmon-Craig: 30.5 inches

Smith: 36 inches

Bentley: 30.5 inches

Cokes: 30 inches

Green: 31.5 inches

Mayers: 32.5 inches

Thomas: 25 inches

Nwankwo: 28 inches

Broad Jump:​

Sheppard: 10’11”

Horn: 10’8”

Jay: 10’1”

Mayers: 9’1”

Nwankwo: 8’6”

Shilo Sanders: 9’5”

Silmon-Craig: 9’8”

Smith: 9’9”

As expected, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter DID NOT participate in any measurable drills.

Recap and Reactions: ​

• Shedeur Sanders capped off Pro Day festivities by throwing to his receivers in front of NFL scouts. He showcased his ability to put zip on the ball in his short and medium-ranged passes and put great touch and airtime on long balls. Sanders and his receivers had great chemistry during the scripted passing portion, with only a handful of incompletions. The highlight of the passing portion was a 60-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Horn, resulting in Horn doing a standing backflip in the endzone.
• Travis Hunter’s only action on Pro Day came during Sanders’ throwing portion, stepping up to catch passes for his QB. Hunter primarily showcased his shiftiness and route-running ability in the short to mid-range passing game.
• The day's biggest winner was wide receiver Will Sheppard, who put NFL scouts and coaches on notice at the beginning of the day with his 40.5-inch vertical. Sheppard was snubbed of an invitation to the NFL Combine, but his vert would have clocked in as the third-best amongst receivers in Indianapolis. Sheppard continued his momentum with a 10’11” broad jump and 4.54 second 40-yard dash time. The 6’3”, 210 lbs receiver raised some eyebrows with his athleticism and should be rising up draft boards quickly.
• Speedster Jimmy Horn Jr. managed to shave .06 of his 40-yard dash time from the NFL Combine, going from a 4.46 in Indy to 4.40 in Boulder on Friday. Horn finally has a 40-time that he can be happy with and a measurable that properly showcases his elite speed and acceleration downfield.
• Chidozie Nwankwo started the day out by hitting 30 reps on the bench press, which would have been tied for best amongst defensive linemen at the NFL Combine. Nwankwo showcased elite strength, but his small size for a nose tackle is something that’s working against him.
• Shilo Sanders finally got a chance to work out in front of NFL scouts and a solid showing. Shilo was hopeful that he would cross the 4.4~ second barrier for his 40-yard dash, but that wasn’t meant to be, clocking in at 4.52 seconds. While that’s still a good number for a safety of Shilo’s size, a 4.4~ second 40 time would have done his draft stock a lot of favors.

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We’ll have more in-depth breakdowns of CU’s Pro Day throughout the coming days, so make sure to keep up with Ralphie Report to stay on top of your Colorado Buffaloes Football news.

by RylandScholes
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The Buffs lose two impact players.

Just days after Colorado’s loss to Villanova in the College Basketball Crown, Assane Diop and RJ Smith have entered their names into the transfer portal.

This is surprising news in Boulder, as both players played significant minutes this season and appeared to be in Tad Boyle’s long-term plans. It’s unclear where they will go, or why exactly they left, but both are good players that will get a lot of attention from other programs.

Smith was a regular starter on the 2024-25 Buffs. He impressed with his defense, physicality and three-point shooting, leading many to think we had an Eli Parquet-style 3-and-D wing for the next couple years. The Chino, California product has two years left of eligibility after he first redshirted, then played 7 games before a season-ending injury in 2023-24. (There’s a chance he gets a medical redshirt for that lost season.)

As for Diop, this is surprising because he’s a Tad Ball player through and through. He’s long and active, a good positional defender and a hungry rebounder. His offensive game is a work in progress, as the Senegalese forward shot under 40% from the field, although he does have nice touch on his mid-range and free throws. He has two years left to play and a ton of potential if he finds the right home.

The Buffs also lost Javon Ruffin, Courtney Anderson and Harrison Carrington. Those departures were somewhat expected, as they all playing fringe roles and will likely find more playing time elsewhere.

Five departures in a week isn’t the best news, but does make the Buffs more interesting in the next few weeks and months. The Buffs have four or five scholarships remaining for next year, depending on what Elijah Malone decides, meaning Boyle can rebuild the squad in any direction he chooses.

by Sam Metivier
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Three months in the making, Coach Prime's five-year, $54 million contract has far reaching implications, both for CU and college football ... Plus, changing of the turf at Folsom, and a fun comparison of CU's Spring Game v. Nebraska's "FanFest" ...

Stuart
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Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

An in-depth look at the 16 Buffs making an appearance at Pro Day

This Friday, NFL scouts and general managers will be in Boulder for what promises to be the biggest Colorado Pro Day in program history. With two projected top-five picks in Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, all eyes will be on the Buffs when 16 total players showcase their skills at the next level. This will be must-watch content for Buffs fans as a new era of CU football talent takes center stage. Here’s a look at who’s participating and what’s at stake:

Offense​

Shedeur Sanders

Quarterback

Projection: Top-5 pick

Outlook: Friday is a massive day for Shedeur, who opted out of NFL Combine drills to perform in a more controlled environment. His accuracy, timing and chemistry with his receivers will be key. If you’ve watched Shedeur over the last two seasons in Boulder, you know he is probably the most accurate passer in this draft class. Expect him to put on a literal show during throwing drills, dropping dime after dime to his receivers.

Travis Hunter​

Wide Receiver and Cornerback

Projection: Top-5 pick

Outlook: Hunter has little to prove but may still participate in drills. Scouts are already enamored with his elite two-way ability. Any extra flashes he shows on Friday will only solidify his status as a generational talent ahead of the draft.

Jimmy Horn Jr.​

Wide Receiver

Projection: High-End Day 3

Outlook: With limited tape from 2024 due to injury, Horn needs a strong showing on Friday. Scouts love his explosiveness and potential as a return specialist. He’ll be aiming to continue his strong showing from the NFL Combine, as the internet and pro scouts alike have had good things to say about Horn after his time in Indianapolis.

Will Sheppard​

Wide Receiver

Projection: High-End Day 3

Outlook: Sheppard’s big frame and deep-ball skills are appealing. If he runs a good 40-yard dash and shows strong hands in drills, he could climb into Day 3 territory for receiver-needy teams. Since Sheppard didn’t get an invite to the NFL Combine, Friday’s Pro Day is pivotal to his draft stock. He’ll need to seize his opportunity to show out in front of NFL coaches and executives if he wants to hear his name called in Green Bay.

LaJohntay Wester​

Wide Receiver

Projection: High-End Day 3

Outlook: Wester had a breakout year in Boulder, becoming Shedeur’s No. 2 target and CU’s primary chain-mover. His route running and short-area quickness are top-tier, but size concerns could drop him. After having an average performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Wester likely still has more to prove to NFL Scouts. An improved 40-yard dash and shuttle time will be key for him.

Justin Mayers​

Offensive Line

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: Mayers had a steady presence on the offensive line late in the season, working into the rotation at guard and holding his own. After having limited playtime and tape during his one season in Boulder, Mayers will look to prove his strength and technique are NFL-caliber.

Kardell Thomas​

Offensive Line

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: The transfer from Florida A&M didn’t see consistent reps for the Buffs this year, but could still intrigue teams with raw physical tools.

Defense​

Shilo Sanders​

Safety

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: After being left out of the NFL Combine, Shilo finally gets his shot here to wow league executives. Scouts like his toughness, but questions linger about speed, coverage and discipline. Shilo’s been working hard at improving ahead of pro day with Colorado’s strength and conditioning staff, so expect him to go all out. A strong 40-yard dashtime from the eldest Sanders brother on CU’s roster could change things.

Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig​

Safety

Projection: Low-End Day 3

Outlook: Along with Will Sheppard, Silmon-Criag is one of two Buffaloes who should have been invited to the NFL Combine but wasn’t. Because of that, the vocal leader of the defense has a lot to prove. He’s got instincts and production, but if he can put up some good measurables to match that, it’ll put NFL teams on notice.

BJ Green II​

Defensive End

Projection: Day 3

Outlook: On a defense that led the Big 12 in sacks, Green was CU’s most consistent pass rusher. He has put up more than enough tape during his time in Boulder and at Arizona State prior, but he’ll need good measurables if he wants to get drafted. Scouts want to see him bend and burst off the edge.

Shane Cokes​

Defensive Tackle

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: Cokes had a quietly productive presence on the D-line, doing a lot of dirty work for the Buffs in the interior. If he shows out on Friday, he could catch on as a rotational or practice squad guy.

LaVonta Bentley​

Linebacker

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: Bentley is a physical linebacker who brought leadership and energy to Colorado’s defense, along with being a key reason why the Buffs’ run defense improved so much from 2023. He’s showcased he can lay the iron when needed, but speed will be the key variable for him at Pro Day, so keep an eye out for his 40 time.

Chidozie Nwankwo​

Defensive Tackle

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: Along with Cokes, Nwankwo was a key run-stopper in the middle for the Buffs. As a smaller guy for being a defensive lineman, scouts will likely focus on his agility and strength.

Travis Jay​

Defensive Tackle

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: A raw athlete. His future would likely be on special teams unless he flashes elite testing numbers.

Herman Smith III​

Safety

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: A true special teams hopeful. Pro day will be crucial to his shot at camp.

Special Teams​

Mark Vassett​

Punter

Projection: UDFA

Outlook: An elite punter who proved his worth during his two seasons in Boulder. NFL teams want to see the consistency and hang time in person.

by Jacob.Thompson
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Coach Prime has asked his walk-on senior to lead the safety room.

Walk-on safety Ben Finneseth has been in Boulder through it all. From the disappointing 2021 season to the disastrous 1–11 campaign in 2022, the media frenzy that arrived with Coach Prime in 2023, and the miraculous rise to the upper echelon of the Big 12 in 2024.

Now, as a redshirt senior, Finneseth is ready to take on a brand-new challenge: leadership.

When Deion Sanders came to town and brought his Louis, Finneseth was one of only a few Buffaloes who decided to stick around and try to make the team. The kid from Durango was dedicated to staying with his hometown squad. After working hard and demonstrating a top-notch work ethic during spring practices in 2023, Finneseth and Coach Prime started to form a bond.

Fast forward to today, and Finneseth is one of the longest-tenured Buffs. With staples in the safety room like Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Shilo Sanders gone, Sanders has asked Finneseth to help fill those shoes.

“I’ve been asked to take on a new role—to become a leader on the defense,” said Finneseth after Colorado practice on Tuesday.

During his time in Boulder, Finneseth has seen limited action on defense, primarily contributing on special teams. Now, he’s fighting to lead the safety room and earn a starting job. He says it’s a big task—but one he’s ready for.

“It’s a learning curve, for sure,” Finneseth said. “I was thrown out there on the first day of practice, and I’d never run with the [first teamers] before, so I was a little nervous. But I picked up on it pretty quickly. It’s been a fun role to learn so far.”

After losing both of last season’s starting safeties to graduation, CU’s safety room has undergone a full facelift. Returners like Finneseth and Carter Stoutmire, along with transfers like Tafiq Byard, are all working hard during spring ball to earn playing time this fall. So far, Finneseth and the group are focused on building chemistry before the season kicks off.

“It’s been really new,” Finneseth said. “We’ve got a lot of new guys and a lot of new faces, so communication has been a really big emphasis—getting around the guys and getting to know each other. It’s been a good learning curve for all of us and we’re getting a lot better.”

Even with limited time together in spring practice, Finneseth says the pieces are starting to come together. The Buffs have made significant strides and will continue full steam ahead through the remainder of the spring period.

“It’s been cool to see how much better we’ve gotten through spring ball,” said Finneseth. “We’re through seven practices now, and we’ve gotten significantly better. Obviously, we’ve still got a long way to go.”

Colorado’s spring practices will continue for the next three weeks, culminating in the spring game on Saturday, April 19. Stay tuned to Ralphie Report for more updates from CU’s spring practices.

by RylandScholes
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