Football: As he prepares for draft, Justin Mayers grateful for time with CU Buffs

Colorado offensive lineman Justin Mayers (66) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct.

19, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz.

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)After Justin Mayers was a full-time starter at UTEP for two years, it wasnt a surprise to see him win a starting job at guard for the Colorado Buffaloes last year coming out of fall camp.It wasnt smooth sailing for Mayers, though, who lost his starting job for a few weeks.The challenge of the 2024 season only made him better, though, as he now goes through the process of preparing for the NFL Draft.I think it was a blessing in disguise ...

just learning how to play multiple positions, because when you get to the league, you dont want to be just playing one position, Mayers told BuffZone this week.Mayers is one of several CU players hoping to hear their named called in the NFL Draft in April, and hes enjoying a good offseason as he tries to impress scouts.A transfer from UTEP, Mayers played in 11 games with seven starts last season for the Buffs.

He made starts at left guard and right guard, while also learning to play some center during the season.The season included a four-game stretch in which he didnt play in two of them and only six snaps in another, spending that time watching from the bench.

Mayers is grateful for the entire experience, though, as he helped CU finish 9-4 and reach the Alamo Bowl.I was just blessed for the opportunity, to be in this beautiful facility, the stadium, the crowd, he said.

Every week, Folsom was rocking and sold out.

Thats just something that you can only experience in first person.

I thank Coach Prime (head coach Deion Sanders) and the coaches for coaching me hard, believing in me in the right times, and just pushing me and kind of lead me into my next chapter of life.The next chapter included Mayers playing in the Hula Bowl in January.

He impressed scouts and was named one of the standout players of the week in Orlando.The Hula Bowl was an amazing experience, he said.

There was 200 scouts, there was tons of (general managers).

Coach Prime always said, Practice like its a game.

I really had to do that and it paid off.

I mean, I really practiced as if it was a game.

I got O-lineman standout of the week, which was a blessing.

I made a lot of good heads turn and a lot of good connections.

It kind of boosted my stock back up and helped me out a lot.In recent weeks, Mayers has been working with newly hired CU strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey.

Hes preparing for Big 12 pro day in March and CUs pro day in April.(Swasey) is pushing me every day to the limit, Mayers said.

Im running faster now, and Im starting to enjoy running, which, as a lineman is crazy.

My body is sore in places it hasnt been in a long time, so its exciting.Mayers has a lot of game experience under his belt but said he hopes to show off his athleticism to scouts.I can go out there to show my athleticism and show that heart that I have, itll all work out, he said.

I can be drafted, potentially.While Mayers spent five seasons at UTEP and is grateful for that time with the Miners, he said his one year at CU made him a better player than he was a year ago.I think way better, he said.

I think my knowledge of the game has increased, for sure, the techniques and just the day-to-day routine you have to have to become a pro.

Coach Prime, he always prides himself on practicing hard and carrying yourself like a man and representing yourself on and off the field in a good manner.

I think that kind of taught me a lot for sure..

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