CU quarterback Sefo Liufau ready to prove himself again at NFL Combine

INDIANAPOLIS -- The embrace practically represented a book closing on CU records.

Thursday, Sefo Liufau hugged radio host Kordell Stewart as he walked through the media room at the Indiana Convention Center. As Buffs, Liufau and Stewart threw for 93 touchdowns. Stewart led a team that contended for national titles, Liufau helped the program rise from the ashes, winning 10 games last year.

Liufau established a reputation built on toughness and leadership. He looks like a quarterback, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 232 pounds. However to play the position in the NFL level, he must show improved accuracy during drills at the combine.

Liufau completed 62.8 percent of his college passes, while working as a brute in the short-yardage running game. One team even asked Liufau this week if he would consider a position switch, presumably to tight end or fullback. Drills at the combine test precision, and can be difficult given the quarterbacks are working with unfamiliar receivers. Christian Hackenberg hurt himself last year, for instance, with several overthrows and poor footwork. 

For the former Buffs leader, this week represents a chance for Liufau to turn heads and open minds again.

"Definitely similar circumstances with people not believing in my ability to play," Liufau said. "It's another opportunity for me to go out there and prove myself."

Liufau parlayed a strong Senior Bowl into an NFL combine invite, creating speculation he could be a late-round draft choice.  

"It started when I was hanging around my dad and his army unit. You weren't really allowed to complain," Liufau said. "I guess that's where my mental toughness started. ... I just want a chance to keep playing."