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Nate Solder - Colorado Offensive Tackle Prospect 2011 NFL Draft


Nate Solder came to CU as a rather large (6'8" 240lbs) but unheralded tight-end prospect in Dan Hawkins transition class of 2006 (45th best TE per rivals). While it is nice to see an in-state kid make it big, I don't think there is a person among us who thought the bustling metropolis of Beuna Vista Colorado would produce a tight-end who'd turn into a potential Top-10 pick, consensus All-American, and one of the best O-line products out of the University of Colorado in years.

Here is a quick look back at some of the early take on Nate Solder, which to say the least gave us no inkling of his first round draft potential:
- Original Nate Solder recruiting profile.
- Rivals.com ranked Nate Solder as the No. 45 tight end in the nation as the eighth overall prospect in the state of Colorado. He earned first-team all-state (2A) honors on both sides of the ball: by the Rocky Mountain News at tight end, and from the Denver Post at linebacker. He was a two-time, first-team All-Tri-Peaks League performer, at both positions as a senior and on defense as a junior.
- His high school grades however did foreshadow the success he'd have at CU where like his football game Solder never stopped pushing and as a senior was one of three finalists for the Academic Heisman.

Nate's Career at CU started rather predictably at tight-end where after red-shirting in 2006 he caught 3 balls for 50 yards in the 2007 season at TE, before being asked to bulk up and move to O-line as a RS-Sophomore for the 2008 season. It was at this point that Solder's true potential began to show. After putting on 25lbs over his first 2 seasons at CU in the span of just one off-season Nate put on 30 more pounds without any apparent loss of athleticism. It was in this point in his college career that Nate took over the starting tackle spot, starting all 12 games for CU that year, playing every offensive snap. Though at times suffering from his lack of experience and working with his 2nd O-line coach in as many seasons Nate held down the tackle slot throughout his red-shirt sophomore season and steadily improved.

2009 and his red-shirt JR year brought a more confident and experienced Nate Solder, having bulked up yet again to a reported 305lbs Nate was starting to look the part of Tackle and less that of freakishly large tight-end. His Jr year should widely be considered Nate's break-out year as he played all but two snaps on offense and was voted first team All-Big 12 by the coaches, as well as an AP Honorable mention. Nate's performances as a Jr and his continued growth both physically and as a player landed him on a ton of pre-season award and watch lists including: PlayBoy-PreSeason All American list, Outland Trophy, and of course preseason All-American and All-Big 12 honors.

2010 came pretty much as expected with all eyes on Nate Solder, reportedly still capable of running a 4.88 forty, hang-cleaning almost 475lbs and has a 32 inch vertical. Again Nate started in all 12 games, graded out above 90 in all but one, lead the team with pancake blocks, and only gave up a sack in the Cal game. For all his work this season Nate was made a consensus All-American, an Outland Trophy Finalist, and and Academic Heisman finalist. Purely from an awards standpoint Nate Solder had one of the best seasons by an offensive line man in CU history. His class and intelligence though are what will stand out more than anything to Colorado fans, and are exemplified by this open letter sent to fans after his last game:

To the Colorado student body, alumni, and Buffs fans everywhere:

Despite some trying times on the gridiron, my time here at Colorado has been fantastic. I have enjoyed three memorable victories over our arch-rival in the Rocky Mountain Showdown and relished triumphs over perennial powerhouses like Georgia, West Virginia, and Oklahoma. Most of all though, I will never forget the friends that I’ve met and the lessons that I have learned during my time here. Your support and encouragement have been amazing, and I can never thank you enough for allowing me the privilege to represent this fine university, both on and off the football field.


While our team may have fallen short of reaching a bowl game these past few years, it was not for lack of effort, or heart, or leadership. We gave our best every day, and I leave here with the knowledge and confidence that my teammates will deliver a bright future for you in the new athletic conference that awaits us. Believe me, I can’t wait for us to beat the Cornhuskers in the Rose Bowl soon enough.

I leave Boulder with a heavy heart, but the great times I experienced here will never be forgotten. I am a Colorado Man through and through and a forever Buff. Thanks for everything.

Go Buffs,
Nate Solder

Some more links to articles on Nate Solder and his Success at CU:

Nate Solder - Team MVP
Pre-Combine notes
AP All-American
Outland Finalist
Senior Bowl Stand Out
Consensus All-American
Big-12 O-linemen of the year
Academic Heisman