Nate Solder is the top offensive lineman in the Big 12, at least in the eyes of the conference’s head coaches.
Solder, a 6-foot-9, 315-pound senior, was named the conference’s offensive lineman of the year when the All-Big 12 football awards were announced this morning. He was also named first-team all-conference. He was joined on the all-conference team by teammate Jimmy Smith, a cornerback.
Solder, a graduate of Buena Vista High School, is projected by many to be a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Seven other CU players earned honorable mention team honors: linebacker B.J. Beatty; defensive back Jalil Brown; tight end Ryan Deehan; defensive lineman Josh Hartigan; wide receiver Scotty McKnight; offensive lineman Ryan Miller; and defensive lineman Will Pericak.
Wideout Paul Richardson also earned honorable mention honors for offensive freshman of the year.
Nebraska senior Pierre Allen, a Thomas Jefferson High graduate, was named to the first team as a defensive lineman.
