Following one season with the Buffs, safety Herman Smith III announced his plan to declare for the 2025 NFL draft on Sunday.
Smith began his college football career at Jackson State, playing two seasons for then-head coach Deion Sanders from 2021-22. There, Smith recorded one interception, six pass breakups and one forced fumble. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound defensive back then transferred to Idaho State, tallying 21 total tackles and two pass breakups in 2023.
After reuniting with Coach Prime in Boulder, Smith was used primarily on special teams this past season. He finished the year with five total tackles in 12 games played.
To my knowledge, Smith is the first Colorado player to formally declare for the NFL draft, but others will likely follow in the coming weeks. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter are both projected to be among the first players selected.
The 2025 NFL draft is scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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