Former Five-Star Among Colorado Buffaloes Still Looking For NFL Opportunity

While there's still plenty of time for something to happen, the following three former Buffs have yet to reportedly land an NFL opportunity.

Safety Travis Jay

A former Florida State transfer, Travis Jay didn't play much during his two seasons at Colorado. In eight total games with the Buffs, Jay recorded five total tackles as a backup safety/special teams contributor.

Jay was productive with the Seminoles, however. After signing with FSU as a four-star prospect, he recorded 33 total tackles, four pass deflections, three interceptions and one forced fumble across 16 career games.

Offensive Lineman Kardell Thomas

According to Rivals, Kardell Thomas was one of 10 former five-star prospects who went undrafted. This wasn't necessarily a surprise after he played in only one game last season, but the 6-foot-3, 310-pounder still has some upside.

Before joining the Buffs, Thomas spent four seasons at LSU and one at Florida A&M, playing in a combined 20 games. College football analyst Phil Steele named Thomas to his preseason All-SWAC second team in 2023.

Thomas committed to play for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffs midway through last year's preseason camp.

Defensive Tackle Chidozie Nwankwo

The most surprising name on this list, Chidozie Nwankwo was one of Colorado's top defensive players last season. The 5-foot-11, 290-pounder is somewhat undersized at his position, but that didn't stop the former Houston transfer from recording 31 total tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble last season.

Nwankwo was an All-Big 12 honorable mention defensive tackle and was an honorable mention for the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year. At Colorado's pro day in April, he recorded 30 bench press reps, which would've been tied for the highest mark among defensive linemen at the NFL scouting combine.

Against the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl, Nwankwo tied his season-high with seven total tackles and also recorded one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in what was his final college game. He later took part in the Big 12 pro day along with Thomas and Jay.

"Chidozie in the middle? If you find a better nose tackle in America, let me see him," Colorado assistant coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp said in March.