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Skinny: The big fella has been listed as tall as 6’9 and weighs in around 300 pounds, with just eight percent body fat. He also runs a 4.8-forty and has a 34” vertical jump. Solder switched from tight end to left tackle during his sophomore season and hasn’t looked back since, utilizing his athleticism to his advantage in the trenches.

SCOUT'S TAKE

There are not many men on planet earth who measure at 6’9”, tip the scales at 300 pounds and can run a forty-yard dash in under five seconds. Mr. Solder is one of those rare men. This Buffalo began his college career as an in-line blocking tight end, but once coaches realized his feet were better than his hands—and he put on about 30 pounds—the Colorado staff made the wise move to shift Solder inside to offensive tackle following his red-shirt freshman year. Not just tackle, but left tackle…and he was superb from the get-go, recording a team-high 69 knockdown blocks and allowing just one sack the entire season. The Buena Vista, Colorado native’s incredibly light feet and outstanding size combine to make him one of the more unique offensive linemen in the nation. Off the field Solder is the complete package—a bright young man with numerous academic honors who is admired for his work ethic and character. While the left tackle is body beautiful that does not mean that he is done sculpting that body. The prototypical weight for an offensive tackle is around 330-335 pounds and that’s at about 6’6” or 6’7”. It is clear that at just 300 pounds Solder lacks the type of bulk that most premier offensive linemen possess at the next level. With a stellar senior campaign, that is if Solder can progress both mentally and physically, this Buffalo could stampede right into the top 15 of the 2011 NFL Draft.

NEWS

07/24/10 - There might not be a player on the Colorado football team who has made as much progress personally and athletically as Solder during the past five years. He joined the program in 2006 as a lanky freshman who was recruited to CU by former coach Gary Barnett`s staff. He played tight end his first two years in the program before making the move to the offensive line. Freakish athleticism for a man his size has been a key ingredient in his development. He runs a 4.9-second 40-yard dash and has 10 percent body fat. He also has a competitive side that made him unpopular in gym class growing up and when playing games with family and friends. His coaches and teammates say Solder is an achiever, driven to please those he loves and respects. His mother calls him "mission oriented." "I think every season I`ve gotten better and I think it`s the same kind of deal," he said. "Coach Hawk has never told me, 'Wow, you`ve really made it.` or 'Wow, you`re really there.` That`s not how it ever works. He`s always challenging me and I`m always getting frustrated. He always wants me to do more and I`m always like, 'Wow, I guess I can.'" – Daily Camera

Head Shot Courtesy of Chip Bromfield, ProMotion Ltd.