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The 40-yard dash. The vertical jump. The Wonderlic. Tests that have become synonymous with the annual NFL Scouting Combine. Since 1987, thousands of the best college football players in the nation have made the trek to Indianapolis, Indiana for this ultimate job interview. This week over 300 players will be trying to impress potential employers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Four of those players – Chidobe Awuzie, Ahkello Witherspoon, Tedric Thompson and Sefo Liufau - are Colorado Buffaloes.
NFL Network’s coverage of the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine begins Friday, March 3 and ends Monday, March 6. Here’s a look at when to watch these Buffs showcase their skills amongst the nation’s elite:
Sefo Liufau, Quarterback
Just last summer former Texas Tech signal caller Davis Webb announced he was transferring to Colorado for his senior season, hoping to challenge Sefo Liufau for the starting quarterback job in Boulder. Webb decided against Boulder in favor of Berkeley to play for the Golden Bears. Liufau on the other hand led Colorado to a 10-4 record, a Pac-12 South title and the school’s first bowl game since 2007. Both Liufau and Webb are among 15 quarterbacks participating at the NFL Scouting Combine. On-field workouts for quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends can be seen Saturday, March 4, 7am - 2pm MT on NFL Network.
Chidobe Awuzie, Ahkello Witherspoon & Tedric Thompson, Defensive Backs
Arguably the biggest reason for Colorado’s success last season was the play of their secondary. The Buffs were one of only two Pac-12 teams to allow under 200 yards passing per game thanks in large part to the play of Awuzie, Witherspoon and Thompson. Awuzie earned Associated Press first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2016, while Thompson and Witherspoon led the nation with 23 total passes defended each. Defensive backs are one of the deepest positions for this year’s NFL Draft as evidenced by the 60 players invited to the combine. On-field workouts for defensive backs can be seen Monday, March 6, 7am - Noon MT on NFL Network.