Four players under coach Deion Sanders at Colorado have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this month. But there’s one notable exclusion. Sanders’ middle son, Shilo, was not invited. As a safety, he was Colorado’s leading tackler in 2023 and third-leading tackler in 2024 despite missing three games with a broken forearm.
Colorado’s list of invitees otherwise includes:
∎ Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who was invited as a defensive back, though he still also hopes to play wide receiver in the NFL as well.
∎ Sanders’ youngest son, Shedeur, a quarterback who finished as the major-college leader in career completion percentage (71.8%).
∎ Receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester, two Florida natives and two of Shedeur Sanders’ favorite targets.
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Both Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are expected to be top picks in the NFL draft in April, which would be the first time the Buffaloes had any player drafted directly out of CU since 2021. Last year, the Buffs had one player invited to the combine – receiver Xavier Weaver.
Shilo Sanders, 25, was not expected to be an early-round draft pick but did participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl college all-star game last month in Texas. He recorded five tackles, tied for second on his team.
Also not invited for Colorado was wide receiver Will Sheppard, a Vanderbilt transfer who was third on the team in receiving with 48 catches for 621 yards. That ranked behind Hunter and Wester but ahead of Horn, who missed two games with injury.
The NFL announced a total of 329 prospects have been invited to attend this year’s combine from Feb. 24 through March 3. The NFL draft starts April 24 in Green Bay.
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
(This story was updated to add new information.)