Former Buffs perform at pro day
Tight end Russell among those trying to impress NFL scouts
For the past couple of months, Brady Russell has taken some time to get away from Colorado.
The former CU tight end has been in Florida avoiding distractions, working out and doing a lot of reading.
“I read like six books when I was down there,” he said. “I just had time to focus on myself and kind of take a deep dive into my Bible and stuff like that, but not have any distractions along with it.”
Returning to the CU campus on Wednesday, Russell was in top-notch shape as he and some former teammates worked out for NFL scouts at the Buffaloes’ annual Pro Day, with hopes of getting their names called during the NFL Draft from April 2729.
Receiver Daniel Arias, linebackers Robert Barnes, Josh Chandler-semedo and Quinn Perry, defensive lineman Terrance Lang, safety Isaiah Lewis and outside linebackers Jamar Montgomery and Guy Thomas also worked out for scouts.
A 32-game starter who caught 78 passes for 799 yards during his career with the Buffs, the 6-foot-3, 247-pound Russell had a good day in front of the scouts, including looking sharp as he caught passes thrown by current CU backup Drew Carter.
Russell had 21 reps on the 225-pound bench press and ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, numbers that stack up favorably with the top tight end prospects who were at the NFL Combine earlier this month.
“I was really happy with my performance,” Russell said. “I came out with numbers I was happy with.”
Among the scouts on hand was a pair of familiar faces in former CU All-american linebackers Jordon Dizon and Matt Russell, both with the Philadelphia Eagles. Matt Russell is Brady’s uncle and he has guided him throughout his career, particularly in the process this offseason.
On Wednesday, Russell got instant feedback from his uncle, who isn’t afraid to be honest with his nephew.
“It was very positive,” Russell said. “I felt good about where I’m at and he did, too.”
As Russell looks ahead to the NFL, he isn’t likely to be a traditional tight end. Scouts are intrigued by his ability to play fullback, on special teams and even work as a long snapper.
“That’s probably my biggest selling point I tell (teams) is I think I’m the most versatile guy in the draft, the most versatile football player,” Russell said.
Arias is also turning heads with his versatility and athleticism. Although he struggled at times in his career as a receiver, he is loaded with physical gifts and was an excellent special teams player for the Buffs.
The 6-foot-3 ½, 208-pound Arias said he’s been meeting with scouts throughout the week. On Wednesday, he led the group in the 40-yard dash (4.5 seconds), vertical leap (38 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, 7 inches).
“There’s a lot of hype going around my name and a lot of stuff that’s being said by these scouts,” Arias said. “So, it’s interesting to see what’s gonna happen because of what my agent has told me and what I’ve been told, and because of the (NFLPA Bowl in January), just how excited they are with my abilities and what I can do on special teams and offense. I’m excited to see what happens.”
Lang, a 36-game starter at defensive end for the Buffs, was surprisingly versatile during his pro day experience. He didn’t post eye-popping numbers, but flashed his skills on defense. Then, a scout from the New Orleans Saints asked Lang if he would run some routes as a tight end.
“I didn’t come here with any idea that I was going to catch balls or run any routes, but they asked me to do it and I was able to do it,” he said. “Anything I can do to contribute I’m willing to do so it was great.
“I actually caught the ball pretty well. I haven’t caught the ball since playing tight end in high school (in 2016), but it looks like it hasn’t left.”
Thomas, who had 86 tackles in 23 games at CU, came in with nerves, but used those as fuel. He posted a 10-foot broad jump, 33-inch vertical and 4.64-second 40.
“I knew that’s normal and it just gave me more juice,” he said. “It gave me more energy and I’m glad I had a great day. I performed well, even with the nerves.”
Barnes had 19 reps on the bench and a 35.5-inch vertical, but was unable to run the 40 after tweaking his leg; Chandler-semedo did not bench, but had a 33-inch vertical and 4.78 40; Lewis had a 35.5inch vertical, a 4.65 40 and impressive numbers in the shuttle drill (4.12 seconds) and three-cone drill (7.07 seconds); Montgomery had 18 reps on the bench; and Perry posted a 4.71 40, a 32.5-inch vertical, 4.39 in the shuttle and 7.19 in the three-cone drill.