A week ago, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said there was a chance the NFL Network would televise the Buffaloes’ pro day.

On Monday, CU made it official. The Buffs’ pro day, which is being called its “NFL Showcase,” will be broadcast on the NFL Network from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 4.

The showcase will give CU’s pro prospects — led by projected first-round picks Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders — an opportunity to work out in front of NFL scouts at the Buffaloes’ indoor practice facility. CU announced that 16 draft-eligible players will participate.

“It’s phenomenal,” Coach Prime said last week. “We’re going to try to put on the best show possible for the fans, as well as these young men, to have them in the capacity that they’re at peace, they’re at home, they can relax and just do what they’ve been gifted to do. So, I’m excited about that. I really am, because I know all 32 (NFL) teams will be represented here. It’s going to be phenomenal for our program.”

Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner last year, and Shedeur, one of the top quarterbacks in the class, are both projected as top-five picks in the April draft.

CU’s showcase will also include linebacker LaVonta Bentley; defensive linemen DL Shane Cokes and Chidozie Nwankwo; defensive end BJ Green II; offensive linemen Justin Mayers and Kardell Thomas; safeties Travis Jay, Shilo Sanders, Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Herman Smith III; receivers Jimmy Horn Jr., Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester; and punter Mark Vassett.

The showcase will begin at 9 a.m. at the indoor facility and is not open to the public.

The NFL Network will begin its broadcast at 12:30 p.m. and go live for two hours with Steve Wyche and Brian Baldinger on site and Rhett Lewis, Bucky Brooks, and Daniel Jeremiah in the studio.

Filling the void

CU has two big holes to fill in the back of the defense, with Silmon-Craig and Shilo graduating.Although Shilo missed three games due to injury, that duo combined for 160 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception and four fumble recoveries. Silmon-Craig led the team in tackles (93) and was third in TFLs (10).

There is a lot of confidence in the group of safeties the Buffs have this year, though.

“One of the first things I noticed is that they all love the game,” cornerback DJ McKinney said. “They just love being out there, love working, just running around, going after the ball and everything.”

Junior Carter Stoutmire might be the best of the group.

He was the top backup last year, while making three starts when Sanders was out. He finished with 42 tackles and seven pass breakups.

“Carter Stoutmire is a guy that plays a variety of roles for us,” defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said. “He kind of embodies what we want to be, having a tribe mentality. It’s not about himself, it’s about the team and what’s best. To go from playing post safety to nickel to corner is rare, and he’s obviously a genetic freak, so excited for him.”

McKinney said he can “always depend on” Stoutmire but added that newcomer Tawfiq Byard is a “dawg” and a student of the game. A transfer from South Florida, Byard is the younger brother of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard of the Chicago Bears.

RJ Johnson, Savion Riley and Antonio Branch are competing this spring, as well, while senior walk-on Ben Finneseth can’t be counted out. He’s making his presence felt this spring.

“Ben’s done a great job in the weight room, and he brings a lot of great energy and juice and we’ll see where it falls out after that,” Livingston said.

Notable

The Buffs have held six of 15 spring practices. They are off this week for spring break but will return to the practice field next week.