Legendary Buff sets sight on NFL

Hype surrounds legendary CU offensive tackle Nate Solder, who is projected to go in the first round of the NFL draft in April. This Saturday is senior day and for Nate it will be the last chance to run behind Ralphie onto Folsom Field.

Nate's size, strength and smarts have attracted many pro-scouts and a potential NFL career, but as his time as a Buffalo comes to end, the last game against Iowa State brought an emotional reaction, "Coming out there and there were so many past football players and Buffaloes there and I kinda got teary eyed and I was kinda choked up a little bit. It was amazing."

Nate originally came to the University of Colorado in 2006 as a tight end, but was soon converted to the offensive line. During his time at CU Nate has set several school weightlifting records and become one of the most dominating players on the field.

Unlike many star athletes, Nate has not neglected his role as a student. He graduated with a degree in Biology in May 2010 with a 3.45 and continues to take graduate courses during his last season of eligibility. As an academic leader on the team, he garnered All-Big 12 honors as a redshirt freshman, sophomore and junior.

For Nate the goal has been achieving balance, "I've always worked to be well-rounded, so I wouldn't want to say like I'm a hundred percent academic or a hundred percent athlete."

Offensive line coach Denver Johnson sees a bright future ahead for his star pupil. "Nate is just a rare combination of the tangible and the intangible. You know the guys got the height weight and speed you're looking for. He's just incredibly athletic."

"He's just the kind of kid you hope your daughter brings home to meet you someday. He's an outstanding young man," said Johnson.