Boulder, CU- In what may have been the most anticipated Pro Day since Heisman winners Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart donned the USC cardinal and gold, the football world turned its eyes to Boulder. A packed house of NFL scouts, coaches, and national media outlets descended on Colorado to witness projected top picks Shedeur Sanders, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, and an electrifying roster of draft hopefuls put on a show ahead of the NFL Draft on April 24.
And show out they did!
Putting the Team FirstIn a selfless and calculated move, Shedeur and Travis both chose to skip the NFL Combine—not for lack of ability, but to bring the spotlight to Boulder and elevate their teammates.
“We wanted to make sure guys like Will Sheppard, Shilo Sanders, and others who weren’t invited to the Combine got their time to shine,” Shedeur explained.
The event, fittingly titled the “We Ain’t Hard to Find Showcase”, lived up to its name. Travis Hunter participated in all team drills, running lightning-fast routes and stealing moments—even running up to me, all smiles, after a touchdown catch in the end zone. These two set the tone, embodying everything Coach Prime has built in Boulder: swagger, selflessness, and star power
Sanders & Hunter Dazzle Scouts
Shedeur Sanders didn’t miss a throw. He dropped dimes on every level—from quick outs and slants to deep shots downfield. His chemistry with each receiver was on full display. Whether it was Dre’Lon Miller out of the backfield or LaJohntay Wester on deep crossing routes (remember his Hail Mary catch vs. Baylor?), the ball placement was elite.
Will Sheppard, the 6’4” wideout, turned heads with a 4.54 40-yard dash and a 40.5-inch vertical, confirming what his tape has shown all year—he’s a legit outside threat.
But the moment of the day belonged to Jimmy Horn Jr. After clocking a 4.40 in the 40, Horn hauled in a diving post-corner from Shedeur that left the building buzzing. He topped it off with a backflip and perfect dismount before jogging back to the huddle. Horn sat out the East-West Shrine Bowl after Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin personally asked him not to play—due to the team’s strong interest in drafting him.
Shilo Brings the Boom
Shilo Sanders proved he’s more than just a hard hitter—he’s fast, too. Posting a 4.52 40, Shilo combined speed with his trademark physicality.
“Shilo’s old school,” Coach Prime said. “He’s a dog. He’s been making plays for five years and has the tape to back it up.” Facts. Just ask Ollie Gordon if he wants to get hit by Shilo again.
Coach Prime’s Vision Coming to Life
From Jackson State to Boulder, Coach Prime has “primed” two stars in Shedeur and Travis. Against all odds, they now stand on the brink of history—potentially going No. 1 and No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Shedeur Sanders Career Resume:
• 50 games: 14,347 passing yards, 134 passing TDs, 70.1% completion, 17 rushing TDs
• 8th in Heisman Voting (2024)
• Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2024)
• First-Team All-Big 12 (2024)
• AP Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year (2023)
• Walter Payton Award Finalist (2022)
• Jerry Rice Award Winner (2021)
• Multiple SWAC honors, including Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
Travis Hunter Career Resume:
• 29 games: 167 catches, 2,061 yards, 23 TDs | 80 tackles, 9 INTs, 1 forced fumble
• Heisman Trophy Winner (2024)
• Walter Camp, Bednarik, Biletnikoff, Lott, and Hornung Award winner
• Unanimous All-American (2024)
• Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
• Two-way dominance rarely seen at the college level
If you don’t draft these two early you’re crazy!
Notable Standouts
BJ Green II improved his Big 12 Pro Day 40 time from 4.70 to 4.57, showcasing elite edge speed and strength.
Full Colorado Pro Day Results
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
• 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
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 5.59, 5.59
Bench Press (225 lbs):
• Shane Cokes: 29 reps
• Justin Mayers: 28 reps
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 30 reps
• Kardell Thomas: 26 reps
(Bentley and Green benched at Big 12 Pro Day)
Vertical Jump:
• Will Sheppard: 40.5”
• Travis Jay: 33”
• Herman Smith III: 36”
• Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: 30.5”
• Lavonta Bentley: 30.5”
• Shane Cokes: 30”
• BJ Green II: 31.5”
• Justin Mayers: 32.5”
• Kardell Thomas: 25”
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 28”
Broad Jump:
• Will Sheppard: 10’11”
• Jimmy Horn Jr.: 10’8”
• Travis Jay: 10’1”
• Herman Smith III: 9’9”
• Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: 9’8”
• Shilo Sanders: 9’5”
• Justin Mayers: 9’1”
• Chidozie Nwankwo: 8’6”
Coach Prime said it best: “We ain’t hard to find.” And if this Pro Day was any indication—neither are these future NFL stars.
