Tackle Sherman to show versatility
Will Sherman checked just about every box as an accomplished Division I tackle at Colorado. In three seasons in Boulder, he made 15 starts at left tackle and 12 starts at right, anchoring the Buffs’ line from both sides while earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2020.
But at 6-foot-3, Sherman’s lack of height has become an issue as an NFL tackle prospect. That’s why he’s determined to use his pro day on Monday to show scouts his versatility at guard and center.
“I’ve put a huge emphasis in my training on being able to play all five positions, so I’ve been snapping the ball a lot to show I can play there and just to let all 32 teams know I can play wherever they need me to play up front,” Sherman said. “I really want to show them I can play on the interior.”
CU offensive line coach Mitch Rodrigue believes the Allen, Texas, native has the athleticism and intellect to make a position switch. Sherman’s only played one game at guard in his career, while in high school, and none at center.
“Will’s best asset is his athleticism, and he’s also a very intellectual player,” Rodrigue said. “He works hard on studying extra film and understanding his opponent, and his natural position is going to be center or guard. He’s going to excel, learn it really fast and take ownership of it. There’s no doubt he can play either of those positions at the next level.”
Because of that versatility, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. believes the 300-pounder will be selected “in the fifth-round area” in April.
“He’s got a chance to be a guy — not necessarily a starting offensive lineman, but maybe a versatile backup who can play a variety of roles on an offensive line if an injury hits,” Kiper said.
Sherman, 21, is training in Newberry Park, Calif., ahead of his pro day, which he hopes is the first step in his NFL career.
“The great history that Colorado had with offensive lineman — with guys like Andre Gurode, Nate Solder and David Bakhtiari who became great players in the NFL — I definitely wanted to follow that legacy, and that’s a big reason why I chose to come to Boulder,” Sherman said. “I want to be the next one to do it and that starts with the draft.”
Along with Sherman, defensive end Mustafa Johnson will also be participating in CU’s pro day on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder earned second-team All-Pac-12 mention in 2020 after recording 21 tackles (six for loss) and two sacks in the regular season plus three tackles and a sack in the Alamo Bowl.