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Stuart
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Number 14 left no doubts about his talent in front of NFL scouts

The Colorado Buffaloes hosted their annual Pro Day this past Friday in Boulder, drawing scouts from all 32 NFL teams. While plenty of eyes were on big names like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, it was red zone specialist Will Sheppard who stole some of the spotlight.

After transferring in from Vanderbilt last offseason, Sheppard put together a solid senior campaign for the Buffs, recording 48 receptions, 621 yards and six touchdowns.

While those numbers might not pop at first glance, they become much more impressive when you consider he was working within a crowded and talent-heavy Colorado receiver room. Despite sharing targets with NFL-caliber receivers like Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester, Sheppard still carved out a defined role as a reliable weapon with his big body and elite athleticism, especially in the red zone.

At 6’4”, Sheppard’s frame already fits the mold of a prototypical outside NFL receiver and his testing numbers at Pro Day only added fuel to his draft stock:

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.54 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 40.5 inches
• Broad Jump: 10 feet, 11 inches

His 40 time was respectable given his size, but it’s his explosive lower-body athleticism that really turned heads. His 40.5-inch vertical would’ve ranked top three among receivers at the NFL Combine, while his broad jump would’ve tied for fourth. Sheppard didn’t just test well—he tested like an elite-level athlete.

After his workout, Ralphie Report asked Will if the vertical jump was a point of emphasis coming into the day.

With a grin, he said, “I just kind of put my shoes on and went out and did it.”

That raw, natural explosiveness is something you can’t coach.

Our writer Ryland Scholes followed up with another question:

“What would be your message to NFL teams?”

Sheppard didn’t hesitate: “I can do it all. I'm big. I’m just a possession, go-up-and-get-it kind of receiver. I can run routes. I can run after the catch. I can do everything, play inside or outside. Come and get me.”

While many have labeled him strictly as a red zone or jump-ball receiver, Sheppard made it clear he sees himself as much more versatile. Whether it’s intermediate routes, contested catches or stretching the field—he believes he’s capable of contributing in every facet at the next level.

With elite traits and untapped potential, Sheppard’s Pro Day likely elevated his status as a late-round steal. He has the size, the confidence and the athleticism. With the 2025 NFL Draft taking place later this month, on April 24–26 in Green Bay, don’t be surprised if Sheppard hears his name called somewhere on Day 3. His stock is quietly rising and his best football may still be ahead of him.

by Jacob.Thompson
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Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

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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William Purnell-Imagn Images

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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