Woelk: CU Once Again Becoming "Must" Destination On NFL Scouts' Itinerary

BOULDER — When former Colorado safety Tedric Thompson heard his name called by Seattle in Saturday morning's NFL Draft, he became the 47th defensive back in CU history to be selected in the NFL's annual talent evaluation extravaganza.

He also became the third Buffs defensive back selected this year, joining cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie (Cowboys) and Ahkello Witherspoon (Niners) — and he put Colorado on a select list of schools that had three defensive backs taken at that point.

The others? Ohio State, Michigan, Florida and Washington. That is, quite simply, some impressive company. All five — including the Buffs — finished last season as consensus top-20 teams, and it reaffirms a statement we've heard before, but one that is worth repeating: Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre has more than a little DB in DNA.

Overall, the Buffs finished with four draft picks (defensive lineman Jordan Carrell was selected by the Cowboys in the seventh round), tying Colorado at No. 16 in the nation in terms of number of selections.

While MacIntyre no doubt has an affinity for every player he has ever coached, it's no secret that Thompson and Awuzie will always occupy a special place in his coaching heart. They were, after all, two members of MacIntyre's original recruiting class at Colorado, one he brought to Boulder with little more than the promise of an opportunity: the chance to build something special, to turn around a once-proud program and put the Buffs back on the map.

Thompson and Awuzie put their heads down, kept their spirits up and accomplished that goal.

"Tedric and Chido are prime examples of our program changers — and that will help them be successful in the NFL," MacIntyre said Saturday morning. "They won't offer any excuses, they won't have regrets. They will just put their head down and work. They won't need everybody singing their praises. They have that internal fortitude to turn something around, and that will help them succeed at the next level."

Clearly, they were exactly the kind of players MacIntyre needed to rebuild CU's program. Young men with great ability and great character — and while last year's turnaround 10-4, Pac-12 South title season will no doubt be their legacy, they have also written another chapter in the last few days.

This NFL Draft adds an exclamation point to the "Buffs Are Back" narrative. If there was any doubt, it has been erased by the fact that NFL teams are once again turning an eye toward Boulder — and they will now continue to make it a regular stop on their fall scouting tours.

Understand this year is not an anomaly. Next year's draft will feature more Buffs, with the addition of some offensive players a likely addition to the mix. Colorado has another outstanding senior class on the horizon, one that features a host of talented wide receivers, more quality defensive players (and, yes, there will be a defensive back or two in the equation), a standout running back and some offensive linemen who will be of interest to the NFL.

Bottom line?

With four draft picks the Buffs are back on the map. Colorado is once again a place where high school stars know they will not only be given the opportunity to receive a world-class education, but will also be given ample opportunity to turn the heads of NFL scouts. The place that was once a must-stop for NFL talent evaluators is once again becoming a required part of their itinerary.

Remember that list we mentioned earlier? The one that included Ohio State, Florida, Michigan and Washington?

The Buffs are ready to muscle their way into that kind of company on a regular basis. Their coaching staff is proving it has a special eye for talent — and a special knack for developing that talent once it hits campus.

A year ago, CU players quietly began talking about "The Rise," a path that would see the Buffs travel the road back to relevancy. Now they are building a new era in Boulder, one that will see CU once again play a regular role in the NFL's April showcase.

It is just the latest sign that the Colorado football program is back — and has no intention of going away.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu