Colorado University Athletics
Pro Timing Day in Boulder
It’s often taken as gospel that eighths of inches and hundredths of seconds can drastically improve or damage draft stock, but the Buffs made a fun day out of it, supporting each other and showing why their senior class was one of the most successful in recent CU history?representing the Big 12 in three of the last four conference championship games.
“This is a special group of guys,” said Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Greg Finnegan. “They showed today how their dedication to their teammates and themselves has paid off. They have been through a lot in their time here, and I’m proud of each and every one of them.”
It would be intimidating to many?the sight of over two dozen “draft jurors” toting stopwatches and clipboards. But all twelve seniors have been preparing since the end of the 2005 season for a promising future in football.
“This (timing day) isn’t where the pressure is,” said quarterback Joel Klatt, who leaves
For several players, it was their first chance to impress scouts, while others were following up on postseason bowl appearances or combine performances. V-Back Lawrence Vickers, who was such a versatile threat at CU that he had a unique position created for him, participated in the Senior Bowl and the NFL scouting combine. He is also scheduled for several individual workouts with NFL teams. While he will leave his V-Back moniker back in
“I’m a salary cap saver,” Vickers said. “You get a three-for-one with me. A fullback, a short-yardage back and a third down back. Once I get on the field I’m a die-hard player, an all-around athlete and a guy that loves being out there.
“(Timing day) is primetime. The stage is set for you to go out and do what you do, and I perform best with all eyes on me.”
Tight end Joe Klopfenstein, considered to be one of the best at his position in a draft loaded at tight end, also took advantage of an extra opportunity to demonstrate his athleticism. At the combine, he was clocked at a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash. Friday, he was clocked as low as a 4.50 by one scout.
Timing day is one of many events that will mark a new beginning for these players, but it also served to bring closure to these young men who bled black and gold for four or five?or even six years in the case of tight end Quinn Sypniewski.
“This was the last time I got taped by the trainers and the last time I was able to work out with these guys,” Sypniewski said. “Hopefully everything works out for all of us and I see some of them down the road.”
Pro Timing Day Participants:
Akarika Dawn, LB
Brian Iwuh, LB (limited; hamstring)
Joel Klatt, QB
Joe Klopfenstein, TE
Gary Moore, OL
Clint O'Neal, OL
Greg Pace, SN
Brendan Schaub, FB
Quinn Sypniewski, TE
John Torp, P