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.
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.