After putting up some big numbers during their careers at Colorado, receivers Bryce Bobo, Shay Fields and Devin Ross spent Wednesday afternoon trying to put up good numbers for NFL scouts.
“This is what we dreamed about since we were little,” Bobo said. “I’ve been wanting to be in the NFL since I was 4 years old. We’ve been working for this for forever. It’s a dream come true, to be honest. We’re here and blessed to be here.”
The former CU receivers were part of the group of 16 Buffs that worked out for scouts at CU’s annual pro day.
That group included cornerback Isaiah Oliver, who is a projected first-round pick, and running back Phillip Lindsay, who stole the show.
Bobo, Fields and Ross, meanwhile, are doing their best to get a shot at a position that’s often loaded with talent. All three have spent the offseason working out in their native Southern California.
Bobo and Fields have been roommates this offseason, while training together.
“It’s felt just like here,” said Fields, who finished his career third in CU history in receptions (190), second in receiving yards (2,552) and third in receiving touchdowns (21).
Fields said his training in Anaheim, Calif., helped him have a good day Wednesday. His posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 35.5-inch vertical leap, 13 reps on the 225-pound bench press and looked good in receiving drills.
“I felt good,” he said. “Things could have went better, but overall I feel I did a good job.”
Bobo didn’t put up great workout numbers – a 4.66 in the 40, nine bench reps and a 28-inch vertical – but was pleased with his performance in receiving drills.
“There were certain aspects of today that I didn’t like,” said Bobo, who finished seventh in CU history with 150 catches. “With route running and stuff like that, I think I did very good. There was no bobbled balls, secured catch every time, good routes, speed in and out of my routes.”
Ross, whose 140 catches rank eighth in CU history, had a good day, with a 4.48 40, 35-inch vertical and 16 reps on the bench.
All three are hopeful that the NFL call comes this spring, whether during the draft or as post-draft free agents.
“God will put us in a position; we just have to make it the best for us,” Fields said.
Laguda working out
Laguda, who played safety with the Buffs, had his adrenaline going as he got in front of scouts.
“I feel like I was kind of anxious to get out here in front of these scouts,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity, so I feel like I was so riled up and ready to go and I had so much juice in the tank.”
Laguda had the best vertical leap – 36 inches – of the group Wednesday, but believes he will have better overall performances as he works out for teams.
“I feel like more opportunities will come,” he said. “I’ll definitely step out and impress when the times come in the future. Most important it’s going to come when I get in shoulder pads and then they can evaluate me.”
Laguda, projected as a potential late-round pick, has been working out in Baton Rouge, La., this offseason with NFL veterans such as Ryan Clark and Landon Collins.
Gonzalez hoping to get noticed
Former CU kicker Diego Gonzalez worked out for scouts on Wednesday, as well.
Gonzalez was CU’s kicker in 2015 and began the 2016 season in that role until tearing his Achilles’ tendon in the third game of that season. Because of that injury, he was unable to work out for scouts last spring.
Monday was the first opportunity he’s had to get in front of pro scouts.
“I think that was a good tryout,” he said. “I thought I had a really good day. I was striking the ball pretty good. Three teams (talked to me) towards the end, and we’ll see where it goes from here. Hopefully I can get a workout.”
Gonzalez has been training in Monterrey, Mexico, where he grew up, while also working with several coaches, including former NFL kicker John Carney.
“I’ve been picking what I think helps me from each coach and I think that’s making me a better kicker,” he said. “I’ve been feeling really good. My strength is pretty good, the same as before.”
Gonzalez said will be attending a kicking camp next week in Arizona, where he will get another shot to perform in front of pro scouts.
Contact staff writer Brian Howell at howellb@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/BrianHowell33.
