Javier Edwards – Noteworthy
Colorado Pro Day: Defensive lineman Javier Edwards, linebacker Drew Lewis, running back Travon McMillian and receiver Juwann Winfree are among CU’s other top draft hopefuls and they all had solid efforts Wednesday. Edwards, who came to CU as a nearly 400-pound junior college transfer two years ago, weighed in at a svelte 323. He played last year at around 335-340. The lighter Edwards was impressive, with 31 reps on the 225-pound bench press and a 5.05 in the 40. Only four defensive linemen at the combine in Indy had more bench reps and scouts were impressed with his 40 time for his size. “Every drill I did exceptional, but I know myself and I know what I’m capable of,” said Edwards, who estimates he has talked with half of the teams in the NFL. “After this, I’m almost positive my name is going to get called.”
Laviska Shenault Jr. – Noteworthy
If there is one position at which the Colorado Buffaloes have no lack of returning experience and talent, it is wide receiver. The Buffs are loaded at wideout. Not only are the top three receivers from last year back for 2019, the list of returnees represents more than 70 percent of last season’s receptions and yards (including those by running backs), and 13 of 19 receiving touchdowns. What will be interesting to see is how all that talent, along with some newcomers, fits into the Buffs’ new offensive scheme. While the Buffs aren’t going to stop throwing the ball, new coach Mel Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson have made it clear they want to be more balanced. That means while the number of overall receptions might drop, the number of big-play opportunities should remain the same.
Last season proved to be a coming-out party for CU sophomore Laviska Shenault Jr., who burst onto the scene with some eye-popping numbers over the first half of the season. After six games, Shenault was leading the nation in receptions per game and yards per catch, and his versatility – he was also effective out of the wildcat formation – thrust him into the Heisman Trophy conversation. An injury in Week 6, however, sidelined him for the next three weeks, and while he still finished as CU’s leading receiver (86 catches, 1,011 yards, 6 touchdowns), his absence hamstrung the Buffs’ offense in that stretch, opening the door for a seven-game losing streak. – Colorado Football